Transit New Zealand

Auckland Regional Office

29 May 2007

Media Release

Transit changes Harbour Bridge flag policy

Transit New Zealand is changing its policy for flying flags on the Auckland Harbour Bridge.

The Transit Board, in consultation with the Minister of Transport, has simplified the policy to avoid issues that are unrelated to Transit’s core business of building and operating the state highway network.

Transit chief executive Rick van Barneveld said as from 1 June 2007, the new policy would be:

The New Zealand flag will be the sole flag flown on the Auckland Harbour Bridge. It will be flown on both flagpoles and will fly at half-mast on occasions of national mourning as directed by the Minister for Arts, Culture and Heritage.

“The Transit Board appreciates the interest many people have in what flag is flying on the bridge on any given day.  However, our focus needs to be about the safe and efficient operation of the state highway network,” Mr van Barneveld said.

For more information contact:
Janice Wilson 
Senior Communications Advisor
04 496 6643 or 027 326 6545