<P> The star nearest the fly edge of the ensign shall measure five - sixtieths, the star at the top of the cross and that nearest to the Union Jack shall each measure six - sixtieths, and the star at the bottom of the cross shall measure seven - sixtieths of the hoist of the ensign across their respective red points, and the width of the white borders to the several stars shall in all cases be equal to one one - hundred - and - twentieth of the hoist of the ensign ." </P> <P> The Flags, Emblems, and Names Protection Act 1981 governs the usage of the national flag and all other official flags . This Act, like most other laws, can be changed by a simple majority in Parliament . Section 5 (2) of the Act declares the flag to be "the symbol of the Realm, Government, and people of New Zealand". Section 11 (1) outlines two offences: altering the flag without lawful authority, and using, displaying, damaging or destroying the flag in or within view of a public place with the intention of dishonouring it . </P> <P> The Minister for Arts, Culture and Heritage has authority to prescribe when and how the flag should be flown and what the standard sizes, dimensions, proportions and colours should be . In its advisory role, the Ministry for Culture and Heritage has issued guidelines to assist persons in their use of the flag . No permission is needed to fly the flag, and it may be flown on every day of the year--government and public buildings with flagpoles are especially encouraged to fly the flag during working hours . However, it should never be flown in a dilapidated condition . </P> <P> Unlike some other countries there is no single official Flag Day in New Zealand, and no pledge of allegiance to the flag . Flag flying may be encouraged on certain commemorative days, at the discretion of the Minister for Arts, Culture and Heritage . </P>

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