The flag of Niue was introduced in October 1974 (by other sources not until 1975). It is yellow with the Union Jack in the upper staff quadrant. The star in the middle of the Union Jack stands for Niue itself and the four smaller stars stand for New Zealand. The Union Jack remembers the former allegiance to United Kingdom. The colour yellow stands for the sun and the loyalty of the island to New Zealand.
Niue changed hands from Great Britain to New Zealand in 1901, so the coat of arms of New Zealand has been used here since that year. In 1974, the coat of arms was modified and put in the form of a seal. While the coat of arms of New Zealand was retained, it was surrounded by an inscription referring to Niue. In 2021, a new seal was adopted. It shows native symbolism under the British crown (the British monarch is the head of state of New Zealand and thus also of Niue), a circle of sea shells, stylised vegetation, two crossed Katoua Clubs in front of a banner with the island's motto: "Atua Niue Tukulagi" → "God, Niue eternally".
When James Cook discovered the island in 1774, his men tried to land on the island several times, but they were always driven away by martially painted natives. Cook then called the island "Savage Island", which remained the name of the island for the next few centuries. It was not until the 20th century that the island's native name was recalled. Niue translates as "Behold the Coconut".
