WW1 New Zealand Patriotic Stick Flag

The WW1 New Zealand Patriotic Stick Flag is a small, handheld flag produced during the First World War for use in patriotic events, parades, and fundraising activities. This artifact typically consists of a printed or sewn cotton or silk flag mounted on a slender wooden stick. It features the design of the New Zealand national flag as used during the early twentieth century, incorporating the blue field, Union Jack in the canton, and four red stars with white borders representing the Southern Cross constellation. Such stick flags were commonly distributed at public gatherings to foster national unity and support for New Zealand’s contributions to the Allied war effort. These items exemplified the period’s emphasis on public morale and nationalism. The flags varied in size, but most examples measure approximately 15-20 centimeters wide and 8-12 centimeters tall. This flag is a representative piece of wartime home front memorabilia associated with New Zealand’s experience in the First World War.