The New Zealand Flag Institute was established in 2005 by Auckland

Auckland

The Auckland metropolitan area , in the North Island of New Zealand, is the largest and most populous urban area in the country with residents, percent of the country's population. Auckland also has the largest Polynesian population of any city in the world...

 lawyer John Cox

John Cox

John Cox may refer to:*John Cox , British wildlife artist and photographer*John Cox , member of the Virginia House of Delegates*John Cox , British Royal Navy admiral...

, amidst a campaign by the NZ Flag.com Trust

NZ Flag.com Trust

The NZ Flag.com Trust was established in 2003 by Wellington businessman Lloyd Morrison with purpose of encouraging New Zealanders to change the Flag of New Zealand, and frequently comments on the New Zealand flag debate....

 for a referendum

Referendums in New Zealand

Referendums are held only occasionally by the Government of New Zealand. Ten referendums have been held so far...

 to change the New Zealand flag. The campaign to bring about a referendum on the subject subsequently failed.

Aims

The Institute's primary aim is to educate New Zealanders

New Zealanders

New Zealanders, colloquially known as Kiwis, are citizens of New Zealand. New Zealand is a multiethnic society, and home to people of many different national origins...

 about the history and symbolism of the New Zealand Flag

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....

. The Institute also aims to encourage people to understand and appreciate what the flag stands for. It also encourages New Zealanders to fly the flag whenever and wherever possible.