Panamanian flag takes pride of place on bridge

The flag of Panama is flying on the Auckland Harbour Bridge today to mark the republic's national day and celebrate the day Panama achieved independence from Colombia.

Panama had been part of its much larger neighbour since 1821. The idea of a canal through the Central American isthmus, to avoid the long and dangerous trip around Cape Horn, stimulated interest from the United States, a revolution was engineered and Panama was established.

The flag was designed by Manuel Amador Guerrero, Panama's first President. The red star stands for authority and law, and the blue star symbolises purity and honesty.

Transit NZ decides which flags to fly on the bridge. It considers requests from consulates, high commissions and official representatives of countries. Recently the flags of Turkey, Austria and India have been flown.