Details

The coat of arms of New Zealand. The first quarter of the shield shows four stars that represent the Southern Cross, then three ships symbolizing the importance of New Zealand’s sea trade. In the second quarter a fleece represents the farming industry. The wheat sheaf in the third quarter represents the agricultural industry, and the crossed hammers in the fourth quarter represent mining.
The supporters on either side of the shield are a Māori Chieftain holding a taiaha (a Māori war weapon) and a European woman holding the New Zealand Ensign. St Edward’s Crown, shown above the shield, was used in the Coronation ceremony of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. The crown symbolizes Her Majesty as Queen of New Zealand under the New Zealand Royal Titles Act 1953.
The Queen approved a revised version in 1956.