The coat of arms of New Zealand is a heraldic symbol representing the country's national identity and heritage. The current design was granted by Royal Warrant on August 26, 1911, and has since undergone modifications, the last of which occurred in 1956. It is a significant emblem that embodies New Zealand's history, culture, and government.
Design and Symbolism
The Shield:
The shield component of the New Zealand Coat of Arms is a meticulously designed emblem that encapsulates the nation's heritage and economy. It is fashioned in the style of a Varangian shield, known for its historical use by the Norse people, which adds a layer of historical gravitas and suggests a connection to exploration and navigation.
This shield is partitioned into four distinct quarters, separated by a prominent vertical dark band that bisects the shield from top to bottom. Each quarter of the shield carries profound symbolism through its imagery and colors:
Upper Right Quarter (Chief Dexter): Here, one finds a constellation of red stars set against a deep blue field. These stars represent the Southern Cross constellation, a prominent feature in the southern hemisphere and a celestial navigation guide. This quadrant connects directly to the national flag, reiterating the country's geographical identity and celestial significance.
Upper Left Quarter (Chief Sinister): This quarter showcases a golden fleece against a red field. The fleece, a symbol steeped in agricultural wealth and historical significance, represents New Zealand's sheep farming and pastoral industry, which has been a mainstay of the country's economy.
Lower Right Quarter (Base Dexter): A golden sheaf of wheat is depicted on a similarly red field in this quadrant. The sheaf signifies the agricultural aspect of New Zealand's economy, with a particular nod to the arable farming and the rural heartland that contributes substantially to the nation's sustenance and prosperity.
Lower Left Quarter (Base Sinister): Featuring two crossed hammers, this quarter represents the mining and industrial sectors. These hammers signify the hard work and industriousness of New Zealanders and the country's natural resource exploitation that fueled its economy in its developmental stages.
The white vertical band, a heraldic device known as a 'pale', is adorned with three stylized black ships. These vessels are emblematic of New Zealand's history of seafaring, trade, and exploration, as well as its maritime prowess. The ships underscore the country's economic development that has been substantially bolstered by maritime commerce and its cultural ties with both Polynesian ancestry and European colonization.
Supporters:
On the sides of the Coat of Arms of New Zealand stand two figures known as supporters, each holding a significant position in the heraldic tradition. They are representative of the bicultural foundation of New Zealand society and the historical coming together of different peoples on the islands.
To the left of the shield stands a European woman. She is depicted in classical drapery, reminiscent of a Greek or Roman robe, which brings with it connotations of democracy and governance. This figure is a representation of the British and European settlers who colonized New Zealand. In her left hand, she holds the New Zealand Ensign, the country's national flag, which signifies national identity and the historical ties to the British Empire.
To the right of the shield is a Māori warrior. This figure is representative of the indigenous Māori people of New Zealand. The warrior is attired in traditional Māori garments, including a korowai (cloak), which is often adorned with feathers and signifies rank and prestige. He holds a taiaha, a traditional Māori weapon that is also a symbol of leadership and oratory, reflecting the importance of the Māori culture and the role of ancestors and warriors in its history.
Together, these two figures stand guard over the shield, symbolizing the partnership between the British/European settlers and the Māori, the founding cultures of modern New Zealand, and the commitment to unity and respect between the two. The presence of both figures on the Coat of
The Crown:
At the top, surmounting the shield, is St. Edward's Crown. This element is a symbol of the New Zealand's constitutional monarchy and its historical and political connection to the British monarchy. St. Edward's Crown is used specifically in the heraldry of the Commonwealth realms to represent the sovereign and reflects New Zealand's status as a member of the Commonwealth of Nations. It signifies the country's head of state, who is the monarch of the United Kingdom, and underscores the legal and constitutional framework that underpins New Zealand's government.
The Compartment:
At the bottom of the Coat of Arms, directly beneath the shield and supporters, is a compartment consisting of two fern fronds. These are stylized representations of the silver fern, a plant indigenous to New Zealand and an emblem often associated with the nation's identity. The ferns are depicted in a curving arrangement that frames the shield, creating a base from which the other elements rise. The silver fern is a widely recognized symbol within New Zealand, holding significant cultural importance and is commonly associated with New Zealand's national sports teams.
The motto:
On the ferns is a scroll that carries the motto of the country, "New Zealand." This simple yet profound declaration of the nation's identity underscores the other symbols within the coat of arms and serves to unify the overall design with a statement of national pride and autonomy.
Conclusion
The New Zealand Coat of Arms is a significant national symbol that holds great importance for the country's residents. It reflects the country's unity, sovereignty, and heritage. The elements of the coat of arms encapsulate New Zealand's history, culture, and pride, serving as a visual representation of the nation's identity and values.