mandated by Royal Warrant in 1911. The use of state, royal, and viceregal emblems is also protected by the Flags, Emblems, and Names Protection Act 1981. The arms are a symbol of national sovereignty. As such, official usage of the coat of arms is restricted to the New Zealand Government. The symbol is used as a mark of authority by various government agencies and representatives, including the prime minister and Cabinet, and most courts, including the Supreme Court. The coat of arms also feature on all Acts of Parliament; and on the cover of the New Zealand passport, alongside the silver fern, another popular symbol of New Zealand. Since 1962, a banner of the arms, defaced with a royal symbol, has formed the sovereign's personal flag for New Zealand, for use by the Queen in her capacity as monarch of New Zealand. The flag of the governor-general of New Zealand has, since 2008, featured the shield of the arms on a blue background. On a few special occasions, such as royal visits or jubilee celebrations, individuals and private organisations can display the coat of arms temporarily. It can only be used or published with the permission of the Ministry for Culture and Heritage. See also Flag of New Zealand Seal of New Zealand, used to authorise official instruments of government Queen's Personal New Zealand Flag New Zealand heraldry References External links A National Symbol?, by Denis Glover, about Zealandia, Britannia's daughter: the woman symbolising New Zealand. 1966 Encyclopaedia of New Zealand legislation.govt.nz - Flags, Emblems, and Names Protection Act 1981 National Arms of New Zealand (with history and images), at Heraldry of the World New Zealand National symbols of New Zealand New Zealand New Zealand New Zealand New Zealand New Zealand New Zealand New Zealand New Zealand New Zealand New Zealand