3.1.5.2 State emblems

Section 13 of the Flags, Emblems and Names Protection Act 1981 prohibits the use of certain state emblems if:

• The manner of the use is such that any person is likely to believe that the use has the “authority, sanction, approval, appointment or patronage of” the government, or of any Minister of the Crown, or of any government department; and
• The use is not authorised by or under any other Act; and
• The prior written consent of the Minister has not been obtained; and
• The use is not by an officer of the Crown acting in the course of his official duties.

Section 13 covers the following:

• Any representation of the Coat of Arms of New Zealand;
• Any representation of the Seal of New Zealand;
• Any representation of any emblem or official stamp of any government department;
• Any representation that so closely resembles any of the above as to be likely to cause any person to believe that it is that thing.