Flags of New Duveland
Month Accredited | June 2020 |
---|
New Duveland has many flags in use, all Provinces and territories are represented by their flag. Many flags in the country carry the same symbol that is the fleurs-de-lis, which represents the historically strong French ties to the country, especially evident within the northern Provinces of Lapérouse, Devereaux and New Caledonia. The fleurs-de-lis, combined with the Provincial stars have become a national symbol of New Duveland.
National Flag[edit | edit source]
The national Flag of New Duveland is a highly symbolic Tricolour flag, Charged and fimbriated with three colours: Navy Blue, White and Forest Green. The flag's design has deep meaning behind every element of its design, representing various aspects of the country's history, culture, and natural environment.
The flag has a unique Aspect ratio of 4:7 (1.75), which is used officially by only two other nations, Iran and Mexico.
The navy blue colour on the hoist and the fly-end represents the surrounding oceans of the country: the Tasman Sea, Coral Sea, South Pacific, Rewera Sea, Norfolk Straight, The Cook Sea and the Ulster Straight. On the other hand, the white bands between the blue and green represent the extensive coastline of the country and its national motto of "Peace and Prosperity."
The forest green colour represents the various islands that make up the nation, including Motu Matua (New Duveland mainland), Rua Whenua and New Caledonia, as well as the pristine natural environments found throughout the islands. This colour is also a nod to the country's strong commitment to conservation and preservation of its unique flora and fauna.
At the heart of the flag lies the national emblem, which is a large white fleur-de-lis with an incorporated Koru design. The fleur-de-lis represents the French half of the country and also symbolises the peaceful nature of New Duveland. The emblem is surrounded by seven stars, each with six points, representing the original six provinces at the time of unification in 1963, with the seventh star representing the territories and any future provinces.
The Koru spiral shape within the fleur-de-lis is based on the appearance of the unfurling Sphaeropteris excelsa commonly known as the smooth tree fern or Matomato. The Koru is an integral symbol in Māori art, carving and tattooing, where it symbolises new life, growth, strength, and peace. The shape of the Koru in the emblem "conveys the idea of perpetual movement," while the inner coil "suggests returning to the point of origin." This emblem emphasises the strong Māori cultural connections of New Duveland and its respect for its indigenous population.
The Koru was a welcome change to the central symbol compared to the 1963 Flag, with petitions calling for a change in design since the original flag was adopted in 1963, to differentiate it from Australia, New Zealand and Jarraban's defaced defaced Blue Ensign with the Union Jack in the canton (upper hoist quarter) designs. The new flag design has been widely accepted by New Duvelanders as a symbol of unity and pride, reflecting the country's unique heritage, natural beauty, and peaceful nature.
1963-2018 Flag[edit | edit source]
The flag of New Duveland prior to 2018 was a defaced Blue Ensign: a blue field with the Union Jack in the canton (upper hoist quarter), alongside the national emblem; a large, white fleurs-de-lis surrounded by the 6-pointed Provincial stars, which each represent the 6 original Provinces that unified in 1963, with the seventh star representing territories and any future Provinces. The fleurs-de-lis is said to represent the French half of the country, that prior to the 1963 unification, was a separate entity from the original New Duveland.
The flag's design was chosen in 1963 from entries in a competition held following the 1963 unification, and was first flown in Tasbury on 3 May 1963, the date proclaimed as New Duveland National Flag Day. The dimensions were formally gazetted in 1964, and in 1964 the flag became recognised by, and legally defined in, the Flags Act 1964, as the National flag of New Duveland.
The flag used up from the establishment of the first colony in New Duveland until 1963 was simply a blue field with the Union Jack in the canton (upper hoist quarter), alongside the national coat of arms, which itself had the eventual national fleurs-de-lis on the shield. Since unification, the national coat of arms was also modified to include the new the national emblem; a large, white fleurs-de-lis surrounded by the 7 stars.
The flag was changed to the British blue-ensign to ease opposition in the 1963 unification, as the early flag had no representation of the rich French history of the north, although this flag itself cause issue and was eventually replaced again in 2018 with the latest five-banded flag.
The flag of the the previous French possession of the Realm of Lapérouse was simply a defaced tricolour flag, based on the Flag of France with a simplified version of Lapérouse's coat of arms in the centre.
Provinces and territories[edit | edit source]
Avaiki[edit | edit source]
Adopted officially in 1993, the flag of Avaiki exhibits a serene aquamarine blue field embellished with a red isosceles triangle rooted at the hoist-side, bearing a meticulously depicted sea shell. The triangle is artfully adorned with traditional Avaikian patterns inspired by the intricate designs found on woven rugs across the island.
The sea shell assumes a symbolic role, representing the indigenous population of Avaiki. Historically, inhabitants were known to collect and prominently display these shells, signifying a cultural connection and the islanders' affinity with their natural surroundings. The aquamarine blue hue is chosen to mirror the vast expanse of the Pacific Ocean. It also evokes the crystal-clear waters enveloping the extensive coral reefs that encircle much of the island's coastline.
Incorporated into the design, the red is designated to represent a historical chapter marked by conflict. This tumultuous period unfolded during the interaction between the original German settlers and the native Polynesian population, emphasising a pivotal aspect of Avaiki's complex history. The flag, thus, stands as a visual tapestry weaving together elements of nature, culture, and historical narratives that define the essence of Avaiki.
Devereaux[edit | edit source]
Devereaux's flag is a nuanced composition that reflects both its ties to France and its distinctive identity as a province within New Duveland. The incorporation of the French flag's colours in the lower-hoist and opposite corners is a subtle nod to the province's historical connection with France. The diagonal division of the opposite corner symbolizes the emergence of Devereaux as a new province while maintaining strong links to its French heritage.
At the heart of the flag lies a Devereaux styled fleurs-de-lis, a design element that subtly emphasizes the peaceful and collaborative process that led to the creation of the province. The black colour of the fleurs-de-lis carries a profound significance, representing the dark history that predates the modern province. It serves as a memorial to those who sacrificed their lives in shaping Devereaux into what it is today, underlining the province's commitment to peace and harmony.
The red and blue hues on the flag not only signify Devereaux's rich ties to France but also hold geographical significance. The blue represents the province's proximity to the Norfolk Straits and the Rewera Sea. Additionally, it symbolizes the importance of the Devereaux River, the largest navigable river in the country, extending up to Blois, the largest inland city. On the other hand, the red represents the resource-rich interior of the province, known for its abundance of rare-earth materials. This mineral wealth has fuelled an economic boom in recent years, contributing to the province's prosperity and development.
Lapérouse[edit | edit source]
The flag of Lapérouse is characterized by a white diagonal band that divides the flag diagonally from the upper hoist-side corner, featuring a red triangle on both sides. Its adoption in 1830 marked the replacement of the French Tricolour, becoming the emblem of the French New Duveland Overseas territory until the significant political reconfiguration in 1963. During this transformation, the territory unified with New Duveland, leading to the creation of three distinct provinces: Lapérouse, Devereaux, and New Caledonia. Notably, New Caledonia remained a French territory until 2015 when it followed the trajectory of the former French territories by unifying with New Duveland.
Central to Lapérouse's flag is the distinctive 'Lapérouse' style fleurs-de-lis positioned in the flag's center. This design element has transcended its role as a mere flag symbol and has become an iconic representation of the entire province. Its ubiquity extends to various aspects of Lapérousean life, from adorning the province's number plates to gracing university symbols and marking every product proudly crafted within Lapérouse.
The red hue of the flag serves a dual purpose. On one hand, it pays homage to the rich French history that has shaped Lapérouse's cultural landscape. On the other hand, the red is a poignant reminder of the conflicts and bloodshed that marked the interaction between native Polynesians and the early settlers. This nuanced use of color in the flag encapsulates Lapérouse's complex history, acknowledging both the cultural heritage it shares with France and the challenges inherent in its colonial past.
Macquarie Capital Territory[edit | edit source]
The flag of the Macquarie Capital Territory (MCT), often known as the "Whakapa flag," is a symbolic representation of the city of Macquarie. It incorporates three distinctive colours: Turquoise, Red, and White. The Turquoise stripe on the flag serves as a nod to the prevalent copper roofs that adorn the cityscape, notably visible on rooftops throughout Macquarie, and most prominently featured on the iconic Parliament of New Duveland building.
This flag adheres to the same proportions as the national flag of New Duveland, with the city's coat of arms centered on a square field. Positioned prominently in the middle of the flag, the city's coat of arms is displayed on a white band, symbolizing the harmonious unification process that brought together the two halves of the nation.
The coat of arms of Macquarie, officially adopted in 1878, incorporates a shield that combines elements from the arms of the Duke of Macquarie, featuring a gold cross and five silver discs, with local symbols representing regional agriculture—an image of a fleece and sheaf. Additionally, the arms include a lymphad (ship) as a potent symbol of the first colonizing ships that played a pivotal role in the city's history. The dolphin depicted in the crest serves as a representation of Macquarie's maritime status.
The supporters flanking the shield are a British lion and a native Moa, embodying a blend of colonial and indigenous elements. The motto inscribed on the coat of arms—‘Suprema a situ’—translates to "supreme by position," emphasising Macquarie's strategic and elevated status within the nation. The entire composition of the coat of arms on the flag encapsulates the historical, cultural, and geographical significance of Macquarie, portraying a city that stands at the intersection of tradition and progress.
McKenzie[edit | edit source]
McKenzie's flag is distinguished by its utilization of an inverted Saint Patrick's Saltire, adorned with the Badge of Ireland. This design is a deliberate nod to the Province's historical origins as a penal colony, with a significant majority of its early settlers tracing their roots back to Ireland. The flag's unique aspect ratio, set at 5:3, distinguishes it from the flags of other provinces in New Duveland. The inversion of the Saint Patrick's Saltire not only adds a distinctive visual element but also serves as a historical testament to McKenzie's formation, shaped by the influx of Irish convicts.
The Badge of Ireland, intricately integrated into the flag, operates as a symbolic conduit to the Province's complex past. Its detailed features echo the nuanced history of McKenzie, weaving a narrative that extends beyond mere symbolism. The incorporation of this badge reinforces the flag's role as a historical artifact, encapsulating the layers of the Province's formation and the intertwining of diverse cultural threads.
The capital city, Lisburn, derives its name from the Northern Irish City of the same name, situated within the traditional Ulster region—the primary source of early convicts. Beyond its etymological connection, Lisburn embodies a cultural richness that resonates with its Northern Irish roots. A noteworthy sentiment often expressed is that Lisburn "is more Irish than Dublin," capturing the prevalence of Irish heritage among the city's populace. This cultural thread, running through the fabric of Lisburn, emphasizes profound links that persist despite geographic distances.
The gold harp adorning the flag serves as more than a decorative element; it is a poignant symbol that encapsulates the Province's multifaceted history, vibrant culture, and distinct identity. The harp's golden hue echoes the richness of McKenzie's heritage, harmonizing the elements of history, culture, and identity into a singular emblematic representation. In essence, the flag becomes a visual narrative, telling the story of McKenzie's past and embodying the resilience and diversity that characterize the Province.
Moanarua[edit | edit source]
Moanarua's distinctive flag artfully combines various symbols that reflect the province's historical, cultural, and geographical ties. The flag incorporates three gold lion passants on a blue field, drawing inspiration from the Royal Arms of England. This design symbolises Moanarua's connection to the United Kingdom as an early penal colony, echoing the historical presence of English settlers in the region. Below this background, two lymphads are prominently featured, signifying the province's robust tradition of shipbuilding and maritime trade. This maritime heritage played a pivotal role in Moanarua's early development, both in the era of penal settlements and later during periods of free settlement.
The lymphads on the flag serve a dual purpose, also representing Moanarua's geographical connections to two significant seas—the Tasman Sea and the Ōmokoroa Sea. This maritime aspect highlights the province's strategic coastal location, which has influenced its historical importance in maritime activities and trade routes. Additionally, the lymphads carry a symbolic nod to the Province's Scottish heritage, acknowledging the substantial number of convicts with Scottish origins who contributed to Moanarua's early settlement.
Adding another layer of historical significance, the flag incorporates three golden crowns. These crowns pay tribute to the province's ties to Ireland, acknowledging that a significant portion of Moanarua's early convicts originated from Ireland. The inclusion of the crowns is a gesture of respect to the Lordship of Ireland, emphasising the historical connections between Moanarua and its Irish settlers.
To complete the flag's design, a fimbriation bordure surrounds it on all sides, featuring alternating red and white rectangles. This decorative border adds a touch of heraldic elegance while framing the central elements of the flag. The alternating colours contribute to the overall visual appeal and harmony of the design, creating a well-balanced and aesthetically pleasing representation of Moanarua's complex history and heritage.
Montmaneu Islands[edit | edit source]
The flag of the Montmaneu Islands intricately weaves a tapestry of historical connections to the island's original settlers from Arriola. These settlers arrived from various ports along the Balearic Sea, most notably Barcelona, Valencia and Palma de Mallorca. Adopted in the early 2000s, the flag serves as a poignant symbol of the island's past, replacing the previous design—a British blue ensign adorned with the Province's coat of arms.
The flag's design is a visual chronicle of the island's history. The blue hoist features the silhouette of a castle, symbolizing the fortification that characterized the early years of colonisation by Arriola. This castle emblem reflects the island's resilience and strategic importance during its formative period. The blue field itself represents the vastness of the surrounding ocean, emphasizing the island's maritime context.
On the right side of the flag, a distinctive composition unfolds. Four horizontal red bars are set against a yellow background, mirroring the design of the Senyera. This pattern is derived from the coat of arms of the Crown of Aragon, underscoring the enduring influence of Arriola on the island's cultural fabric.
The shift to this emblematic design in the early 2000s was more than a mere change in symbolism; it was a deliberate choice to anchor the island's modern identity in its historical roots. This decision gained widespread support through a public referendum in 2001, highlighting the collective desire to strengthen the connection between the Montmaneu Islands and their Arriolan heritage.
Interestingly, the current flag had been informally used across the islands for decades before its official adoption. Its acceptance was seen as a monumental stride in preserving the unique culture and identity of the Montmaneu Islands, not only within the broader New Duveland context but also within the rich tapestry of Oceania. This symbolic gesture underscores the significance of the flag as a living testament to the island's past and a beacon guiding its future.
New Caledonia[edit | edit source]
The flag of New Caledonia, first adopted by the Kanak and Socialist National Liberation Front party in 1980 and later modified in 2015, is a distinctive emblem that reflects the province's complex history and cultural diversity. Composed of three diagonal stripes in blue, red, and green, the flag features a prominent yellow disc at its center, measuring two-thirds the height of the flag. The disc is intricately fibrated in black and adorned with a vertical Flèche faîtière symbol, also in black.
This yellow-black theme has become synonymous with New Caledonia's provincial identity, prominently displayed on various symbols, including the province's number plate.
The blue stripe on the flag symbolizes both the expansive sky and, more significantly, the vast Pacific Ocean that envelops New Caledonia. The red stripe holds a profound meaning, representing the blood shed by the Kanak people during their struggle for independence, socialism, and unity against the early French settlers.
The green stripe signifies the land itself, serving as a tribute to the ancestral ties and the Kanak people's profound connection to the earth. The yellow disc, positioned at the heart of the flag, is a symbolic representation of the sun, a vital element in the Pacific landscape. The symbol on the disc, the flèche faitière, is a distinctive arrow-like motif found on the roofs of traditional Kanak houses, often thrust through tutut shells. This emblematic representation pays homage to the rich cultural heritage and traditions of the Kanak people, encapsulating their deep-rooted connection to the land, the sea, and their unique architectural practices.
Norfolk[edit | edit source]
The Norfolk flag, officially approved by the Norfolk Government on June 6, 1980, and later established as the official flag with the commencement of the Norfolk Flag and Public Seal Act 1981 on January 17, 1981, is a symbolic representation of the island's heritage and natural environment. The flag prominently features the Norfolk Pine (Araucaria heterophylla) in a central white stripe flanked by two stripes of blue and green. The Norfolk Pine has been a longstanding emblem of Norfolk, dating back to the establishment of the first colony in Cascade, and continues to be used as a representation for some cities on the mainland.
The flag follows a triband geometry, with a height-to-length ratio of 1:2. The central stripe, hosting the iconic Norfolk Pine, is wider than the two outer stripes, maintaining a ratio of 7:9:7.
The blue stripes on either side of the central white band symbolize the various straits and seas that surround Norfolk, creating natural boundaries between the island and mainland New Duveland and New Zealand. Notable features include the Ulster Straits, Norfolk Straits, the Cook Sea and the Rewera Sea.
The green stripe carries significance as it represents the extensive forest wilderness that dominates a majority of the island's landscape. This lush greenery is primarily composed of Norfolk Pines, contributing to the island's distinctive natural beauty. The flag, with its carefully chosen elements and proportions, serves as a visual testament to Norfolk's geographical features and ecological richness.
Tasman[edit | edit source]
Adopted in 1970, the flag of Tasman is a nuanced representation of the province's diverse landscape and cultural heritage. The design features a distinctive zigzag white stripe that horizontally divides the flag into a green field below and a blue field above. This zigzag line is a symbolic depiction of Tasman's mountainous terrain, specifically highlighting the prominence of three significant volcanoes—Te tihi o Tapu, Arama Maunga, and the towering Kei Runga Kapua (Mount Luiz), which stands as the tallest mountain in the country.
The white color in the design holds a dual representation. Firstly, it signifies the snow-capped peaks of the volcanoes, a visual spectacle that contrasts sharply against the conifer pine forests and plains below. This visual element captures the province's distinctive natural beauty, showcasing the interplay between rugged mountain landscapes and serene lowlands.
The green field below the zigzag line features three Tasman wedding lilies (Dietes robinsoniana), the province's floral emblem. These lilies, with their delicate yet resilient nature, symbolise the rich biodiversity and floral diversity found in Tasman. The inclusion of a provincial floral symbol adds a touch of botanical elegance to the flag, reflecting the province's commitment to preserving its natural heritage.
In the top blue field, two stars are positioned. Collectively, the floral emblem and the stars represent the five historic regions of Tasman. Each region is uniquely captured within this symbolism—the rugged interior of the Northern Tasman Ranges in the northeast, the expansive southeastern plateau, the central coast where the capital Plymouth is situated, the northern plains and coast, and finally, the southern coast. This thoughtful integration of regional symbolism ensures that the flag serves as a visual representation of Tasman's geographic and cultural diversity, acknowledging the varied landscapes and histories within the province.
Historical Flags[edit | edit source]
Colony of New Duveland[edit | edit source]
The flag of the Colony of New Duveland was used to represent the early colonial settlements of Southern New Duveland, which later became the provinces of Moanarua, McKenzie, Norfolk and Tasman. The flag was used up until 1890, when the territory was reorganised into a Commonwealth Realm with the provinces of Moanarua, McKenzie and Norfolk (Tasman would break off from Moanarua in 1907).
It features the Southern Cross and Union Flag in combination over the red cross of St George, signifying the colony's strong relation with the United Kingdom, whereas the Southern Cross represented the maritime origins of the territory, which based in Tasbury, was heavily reliant on shipping as a method of keeping the territory together, especially the province of Norfolk.
The flag was first flow 10 years after the Establishment of Macquarie, the first settlement in the island, in 1800 at the Macquarie Town Hall. This parallels the first flight of the current national flag of New Duveland, which was also first flown at Macquarie's Town hall, 164 years later.
New Westfalen Trust Territory[edit | edit source]
The flag of the New Westfalen Trust Territory was a defaced Blue Ensign: a blue field with the Union Jack in the canton (upper hoist quarter), alongside the Neu Westfalen Crest, which has been a symbol of the island for many years before it's transition into New Duveland.
The New Westfalen Trust Territory was a mandate territory that incorporated what is now Neu Westfalen, which was given to New Duveland after the Treaty of Versallies. New Duveland oversaw the territory's transition into a democratic nation in 1925, but the state remained in free association with New Duveland until 1938.
Before the island's transition as a mandate territory, New Duvelander (supported by the British Navy) launched an amphibious invasion of Neu Westfalen along its western coast, and were faced with fierce German resistance. However, the invasion resulted in a month-long stalemate and withdrew from the island. During the campaign there were over 12,000 New Duvelander and 10,000 Neu Westphalian casualties.
In the modern day, New Duveland and Nue Wesfalen's relations are perhaps one of the strongest in the all of the Alliance of Independent Nations. The inhabitants of each countries have a shared "frenemy" relation, especially in international events such as the AFA Alliance World Cup and AINVision.
Military Flags[edit | edit source]
-
The New Duveland Defence Force Ensign is a flag of New Duveland which represents the tri-service New Duveland Defence Force. The flag was declared a "Flag of New Duveland" under Section 5 of the Flags Act 1964 on 14 April 1964.
-
The New Duveland White Ensign (also known as the New Duveland Naval Ensign or the Royal New Duveland Navy Ensign) is a naval ensign used by ships of the Royal New Duveland Navy (RNDN) from 1967 onwards.
-
The Royal New Duveland Air Force Ensign is used by the Royal New Duveland Air Force and the New Duveland Air Force Cadets in New Duveland and overseas. It is based on the Flag of New Duveland, with the field changed to Air Force blue.
From the formation of the RNDN until 1967, New Duveland warships used the British White Ensign as their ensign. However, this led to situations where New Duveland vessels were mistaken for British ships, and when New Duveland became involved in the Vietnam War, the RNDN was effectively fighting under the flag of another, uninvolved nation. Proposals were made in 1965 for a unique New Duveland ensign, which was approved in 1966, and entered use in 1967.
The New Duveland White Ensign is identical in design to the Flag of New Duveland, but with the reversal of the blue background and the white national fleurs-de-lis and Provincial stars.
The Royal New Duveland Navy and Air Force have ensigns, the Royal New Duveland Navy Ensign and the Royal New Duveland Air Force Ensign. The Army has historically used the Flag of New Duveland. The Defence Ensign is supposed to be used in the case of joint activities. It is made up of three vertical bands: one central deep blue band, and two red, representing the navy, army and air force respectively. In the centre is the national emblem made up of the Provincial Stars and the national fleurs-de-lis.
The rank flags of staff with joint services commands, such as the Chief of Defence Force and the Minister for Defence, are derived from the Defence Force Ensign.
Cities & Towns[edit | edit source]
Tasbury[edit | edit source]
-
The flag of Tasbury is a vertical tricolour of three bands of green, white and blue, and includes the Coat of arms of the city representing the Scottish, English and Irish early settlers of the city. It was officially adopted in 2002.
-
Flag of Espérance
-
Flag of Santandria is unique in New Duveland with a 1:1 aspect ratio
Māori flags[edit | edit source]
-
While originating in New Zealand, the Tino rangatiratanga has become wildly popular within New Duveland, with almost 1 in 5 New Duvelanders having direct Māori heritage.
-
A memorial flag housed in the National War Memorial in Macquarie for those who died, both European and Māori, in the New Duveland Wars.
Other Flags[edit | edit source]
-
Flag of the New Duveland Police.
Francophone Flags[edit | edit source]
-
Flag of Francophone Provinces of New Duveland, which heavily inspired the flag of Devereaux, and all other Francophone provincial flags.
-
Flag of Franco Norfolkers
-
Flag of Franco Moanaruans
-
Flag of Franco McKenzians
-
Flag of Franco-Tasmans
Regional Flags[edit | edit source]
-
Flag of the Lord Howe Island group in Tasman
-
Flag of Norfuk Island, within Norfolk
LGBT Flags[edit | edit source]
Being seen as one of the most open and tolerable of LGBT communities in the world, almost all provinces and territories in New Duveland have their own versions of LGBTQ+ flags, which are heavily present at Pride parades that occur in almost every large city annually across the country, especially evident at the Tasbury Mardi Gras.
-
The national flag of New Duveland, with green and blue fields replaced with the LGBTQ+ colours.
-
The Quasar Progress variant pride flag
-
Devereaux pride flag
-
Lapérouse pride flag
-
McKenzie pride flag
-
Moanarua pride flag
-
Norfolk pride flag
-
Tasman pride flag