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A convoy of cars crossing Auckland's Harbour Bridge flying Tino Rangatiratanga flags has created a traffic snarl-up.
The group want the Maori flag raised on the bridge along side the New Zealand one, but Transit's policy is that there can be only one.
The protesters say they are really trying to raise awareness. The Maori Sovereignty flag, the Tino Rangatiratanga, symbolises liberation and identity.
"I think there is a lot of fear behind the ignorance. We would like to change that kind of thinking to seeing a positive symbol instead of something they fear," says protester Tia Taurere.
Transit has declined requests to raise the Maori flag over the Harbour Brigde on Waitangi Day for two years in a row. Since mid-2007 Transit's policy is to only fly the New Zealand flag.
A year ago, Maori sovereignty group Te Ata Tino Toa tried to get the Tino Rangatiratanga flag flown on the Harbour Bridge. Transit refused the request, saying it did not represent a recognised country.
Shortly after Transit reviewed its policy and no longer flies the flag of any other nations on the bridge.
This year the flag will be attached to a plane and flown over the harbour in protest against it not being allowed to fly on the bridge itself.
Measuring seven by 14 metres, organisers say it will be the largest Maori flag ever made.
Police have since moved the protesters along the bridge. However, the convoy has caused traffic major delays.
Defiant protesters say they will be back next February if their flag is not up there also.
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