2. New Zealand's first official flag was this one, the flag of the United
Tribes. It was selected on 20 March 1834 by 25 chiefs from the far
north who, with their followers, had gathered at Waitangi in the Bay of
Islands. A number of missionaries, settlers and the commanders of ten
British and three American ships were also present. The official British
Resident, James Busby, spoke to those gathered and then asked each
chief to come forward in turn and select a flag.

3.  New Zealand has a history of debate about whether the national flag
should be changed. For several decades, alternative designs have
been proposed with varying degrees of support. There is no
consensus among proponents of changing the flag as to which
design should replace the flag. Unlike in Australia, the flag debate in
New Zealand is independent of any debate on a republic.