The New Zealand Civil Air Ensign is the flag

Ensign

An ensign is a national flag when used at sea, in vexillology, or a distinguishing token, emblem, or badge, such as a symbol of office in heraldry...

 that represents civil aviation

Civil aviation

Civil aviation is one of two major categories of flying, representing all non-military aviation, both private and commercial. Most of the countries in the world are members of the International Civil Aviation Organization and work together to establish common standards and recommended practices...

 in New Zealand

New Zealand

New Zealand is an island country in the south-western Pacific Ocean comprising two main landmasses and numerous smaller islands. The country is situated some east of Australia across the Tasman Sea, and roughly south of the Pacific island nations of New Caledonia, Fiji, and Tonga...

.

The ensign consists of a dark blue Latin cross edged with white on a light blue field. A Union Jack is placed in the first quarter and the Southern Cross, as seen from New Zealand, are shown in red in the lower half of the fly. The ensign is based on the British Civil Air Ensign

British Civil Air Ensign

The Civil Air Ensign is the flag that may be flown at airports in the United Kingdom and from landed British aircraft.The ensign's field is light blue and has a dark blue Latin cross which is fimbriated white placed overall. The Union Flag is in the canton....

 and the national flag of New Zealand

Flag of New Zealand

The flag of New Zealand is a defaced Blue Ensign with the Union Flag in the canton, and four red stars with white borders to the right. The stars represent the constellation of Crux, the Southern Cross....

.

Institution

The original design for the ensign was submitted to King George VI

George VI of the United Kingdom

George VI was King of the United Kingdom and the Dominions of the British Commonwealth from 11 December 1936 until his death...

 by the Governor-General of New Zealand, Lord Galway

George Monckton-Arundell, 8th Viscount Galway

-External links:* by the office of the Governor-General...

.

On 16 November 1938, by an exercise of the Royal prerogative

Royal Prerogative

The royal prerogative is a body of customary authority, privilege, and immunity, recognized in common law and, sometimes, in civil law jurisdictions possessing a monarchy as belonging to the sovereign alone. It is the means by which some of the executive powers of government, possessed by and...

, the New Zealand Civil Air Ensign was instituted. Thereafter it was "recognised as the proper national colours to be flown by British aircraft registered in New Zealand"http://www.teara.govt.nz/1966/F/Flags/NewZealandEnsignAndGovernmentFlags/en

Use

The ensign may be flown at aerodromes in New Zealand

New Zealand

New Zealand is an island country in the south-western Pacific Ocean comprising two main landmasses and numerous smaller islands. The country is situated some east of Australia across the Tasman Sea, and roughly south of the Pacific island nations of New Caledonia, Fiji, and Tonga...

, on any New Zealand aircraft and from the principal offices of airlines which own New Zealand aircraft. Additionally, the Civil Aviation Authority of New Zealand may fly the ensign from its buildings or aircraft.