Coat of Arms

The Auckland City Coat of Arms

The Auckland City Coat of Arms was first created by the College of Arms in Great Britain on 23 October 1911 to symbolise the characteristics and traditions of the region in New Zealand where the city is situated.

A Coat of Arms is sometimes referred to as "Armorial Bearings" and is typically made up of a number of heraldic elements.

The elements in the Auckland City Coat of Arms are listed below in the official language of heraldic description:

• arms - argent upon waves of the sea a two-masted ship in full sail, proper flagged. Gules on a chief per pale azure and gules to the dexter a cornucopia or to the sinister a shovel surmounted by a pick in saltire proper
• crest - issuant out of a mural crown or a representation of the phormium tenax flowered proper
• supporters - on either side an apterix (or kiwi) proper
• motto - advance.

The arms, crest and supporters were chosen for a variety of reasons:

• the arms, placed inside the shield, include the cornucopia or "cup of plenty" which reflects the wealth of the land and agricultural productivity of the Auckland Region
• the pick and shovel are a reminder of early mining activities in the region
• the sailing ship symbolises the special relationship Auckland has with the sea and as a major New Zealand port.

The College of Arms placed the closed visor in the crest to represent Auckland City's status as a corporation and the battlements signify a local authority.

At the top of the crest, the flowering flax is a native New Zealand variety that can found in the Auckland region.

On both sides of the shield, two kiwis stand guard on the motto scroll which states "Advance". These birds are the main national symbol of New Zealand.