The New Zealand Flag Institute was established in 2005 amidst a campaign by the NZ Flag.com Trust for a referendum to change the New Zealand flag. The campaign to bring about a citizens-initiated referendum on the subject subsequently failed.
The organisation was founded by Aucklander John Cox (1965âÂÂ2017), a New Zealand vexillolographer and lawyer.
The Institute's primary aim is to educate New Zealanders about the history and symbolism of the New Zealand Flag. 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.