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Flying the Maori sovereignty flag alongside the New Zealand flag on Waitangi Day is a step towards better race relations, Prime Minister John Key says.
Cabinet on Monday decided the tino rangatiratanga flag would fly from Auckland Harbour Bridge, Premier House, Parliament and other significant sites controlled by the Government.
A series of hui were held to decide which Maori flag to fly, and Maori Affairs Minister Pita Sharples reported to ministers that 80% opted for tino rangatiratanga.
It has in the past been used by activists demanding Maori separatism, but Key and Sharples said they didn't expect a backlash.
"We have got to a point in time where we can take race relations forward in New Zealand," Key said.
"It is about one step at a time, it is about building a harmonious New Zealand in which we respect each other."
Sharples said if there was any backlash from people who resented the flag as a symbol of Maori separatism it would be "minor in the scheme of things".
"We are looking forward to it being a positive sign," he said.
Dr Sharples acknowledged that a times the flag had represented conflict, but it had also been raised in celebration.
Key agreed, saying it had been flown at big sports events including the Wellington sevens.
The decision doesn't mean any change to the status of the New Zealand flag, and the tino rangatiratanga flag won't be an official flag.
Last Waitangi Day the authorities who run the Auckland Harbour Bridge angered some Maori by refusing their request for the flag to be flown alongside the New Zealand flag.
Key said a directive would be sent telling them to fly the flag on Waitangi Day next year.
What do you think of the tino rangatiratanga flag flying on Waitangi Day? Let us know on our messageboard below:
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Post new commentmulticultural said on 2009-12-16 @ 15:08 NZDT: Report abusive post
No one can dispute if they look back over the history of this flag that it represents separatism and hence racism, Maori need to choose a neutral and inclusive flag. The Kaumatua at Waitangi won't fly it, John Key has been naive in the extreme, this flag will cause division. Imagine if a radical white group like The National Front wanted their flag flown. National whoring itself to the Maori Party is sadly making it look like a one term government..
RY said on 2009-12-16 @ 14:44 NZDT: Report abusive post
The issue is inciting racial disharmony and as a result is an offence under article 131 of the Human Rights Act 1993 no 82 (as of 1 October 2008) the act mentions a summary conviction with an imprisonment upto 3 months and a fine upto NZ$ 7,000.00 no flag until this is sorted please(would not want to see our PM in jail)
slumbergod said on 2009-12-16 @ 07:38 NZDT: Report abusive post
Until the Maori find a flag that represents them in their unity, this ugly tea towel has no place. Look at the animosity aroused by its display!
Alcyonian said on 2009-12-16 @ 04:08 NZDT: Report abusive post
Maori never had a choice in picking the current flag of NZ. Maori never had a choice in many things. The NZ flag represents INSTITUTIONALISED RACISM. The Maori Flag represents Sovereignty. We never signed away our freedom in the Treaty - it was taken from us. Finally, some autonomy on the horizon. Good times ahead.
swiss kiwi said on 2009-12-15 @ 22:45 NZDT: Report abusive post
Lucky for me here in Switzerland we dont have to worry about such trivial matters as what flag to have and not have. Time for the people of new Zealand to grow up, and get out of the tribal stone age