The Kiwi flag is optional to Quote the

Ships Registration Act 1992

"The Master or Captain of a non New Zealand registered vessel commecial or
recreational may choose to fly the New Zealand Ensign (national flag) or the
New Zealand Red Ensign."

If you wanted the New Zealand flag to do double duty in NZ and Australia you
should get the New Zealand Ensign not the Red Duster (Australia does not
recognise it anymore).

Also I have sailed in New Zealand,Australia and most of the Pacific (its my
backyard) and I liked to fly all the appropriate flags , its only a small
inconvience and it was noticed and commented on.And it sure helped to ease
the way .
Neil C

..
And also make sure you know how many Stars are on each one.
"Jim Woodward" jameslwoodward at attbi dot com wrote in message
...
I'm with Steve and Neil, half because I enjoy flying flags, half because I
think the little things sometimes get you better treatment, and half
because
it's courteous and if you expect to get courtesy, you ought to give it.

Note that there are nations (Indonesia and Turkey come to mind) that take
it
very seriously --

With that said, do not try to simply fly a red duster -- better to do
nothing. Australia and New Zealand are independent countries (unlike most
of
the Caribbean island colonies that use a defaced red duster) and could be
offended. Fiji is also independent and in fact has been booted out of the
Commonwealth.

Colors:
Kiwi - Red
Aussie - Dark Blue
Fiji - Aqua.

Red is definitely correct for New Zealand. The Ozzies I talked to,
including two members of the Royal Melbourne who sailed with us, couldn't
decide whether red or blue was correct -- the visitors used both. Fiji is
definitely aqua, although you could probably get away with blue.


--
Jim Woodward
www.mvFintry.com


.
"Steve" wrote in message
...
I agree with Neil, having lived in the islands for many years. You
should
make and effort to fly a the proper 'Courtesy Flag'. That is why it is
called a 'Courtesy Flag'.

If you don't want to purchase each and everyone before you leave, or are
uncertian of which ones you will need, carry along bunting of each color
and
spend those idle hours hand stitching the flag for the next port. You
could
even cut it out and glue it together, if you don't want to do the
sewing.
Should last as long as you will be staying..

For various bunting colors, check with Sail Rite, they have a variety
and
can sell you just about anything you might need..

However it might be nice to have a good picture or tracing of the flag
details.. Most of these flags that are recognized as Courtesy Flags have
some 'reduction' in detail so you can get away with that..

--
My opinion and experience. FWIW

Steve
s/v Good Intentions