The flag of New Zealand consists of a blue field with the Union Jack in the upper left corner and four red stars with white borders to the right. The stars represent the Southern Cross constellation, a prominent feature in the southern hemisphere’s night sky, which is also important in the country’s geography and cultural identity. The Union Jack in the top left signifies New Zealand’s historical ties with the United Kingdom. The four stars on the right represent the Southern Cross, which is a key symbol of New Zealand’s location in the Southern Hemisphere. The flag was officially adopted in 1902, although its design has been in use since the country’s early colonial period. The stars are arranged to reflect how they appear in the sky.