Since the Queen of England is the Head of State, the Union Flag is designed on the upper left. It is located in the same position as flags of other nations and regions that have relations with Britain, but the rest is not in the Blue Ensign design and rather in a bright yellow. The unique color represents the sun in Niue and expresses hopes for friendly relations with New Zealand, with which the nation has a free alliance. The four stars in the Union Jack express the Southern Cross and represents harmony with New Zealand, and the big star in the center, Niue's autonomy in the Pacific Ocean.