The New Zealand Red Ensign, adopted in 1903, is based on the British Red Ensign.
The Union Jack appears in the first quarter, and the Southern Cross, represented by four five-pointed white stars, is featured in the fly. This flag was flown on New Zealand merchant ships during both world wars.
Ngati Ruapani Ki Waikaremoana chief Te Kehua Winitana asked for and received from the Government a Red Ensign Flag. This flag was then part of an exchange of taonga including a whalebone tokotoko given by Ruapani whanau and Hapu with Tuhoe hapu in Ruatoki.
A second one was secured gifted by the Crown. This flag was buried with Parekura Winitana (nee Nehemia) in 1931. Originally from Waihua, of Ngati Pahauwera, she was a whangai of Te Kehua Winitana and was married to Waipatu Winitana.
Te Kehua then requested a third and asked for the name Ruapani to be sewn across the face of the flag ,along the bottom. Officials advised that it would not be supplied but relented and complied with his request due to the poor status of Ngati Ruapani coming out of the great depression. This last flag remains in the Winitana whanau to this day.
In New Zealand up the Whanganui River they would fly the red ensign with the name Tamakehu along the bottom. It is important to remember the significance of this
QUOTE: The Constitution of New Zealand give Tamakehu the right to fly this flag on their land
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