Dr Pita Sharples
Minister of Maori Affairs

13 July 2009
Media Release

Minister launches hui to find Maori flag

Dr Pita Sharples will tomorrow launch a series of hui to seek feedback on which flag Maori would prefer to see flying on the Auckland Harbour Bridge and other public structures next Waitangi Day.

He will launch the hui at Te Puea Marae at 41 Miro Road at Mangere Bridge in Auckland at 10.30am.

“I’m particularly pleased to be getting these hui underway following the call earlier this year when our people were asking why a Maori flag couldn’t be flown alongside the New Zealand flag on the harbour bridge on Waitangi Day,” Dr Sharples said.

“Rather then try to shut the debate down, Prime Minister John Key asked me to give him an indication of which flag Maori would like to see flying on the bridge and government buildings – another good example of how well and in a mana enhancing way the relationship between the Maori Party and National is functioning.

“I hope as many people as possible can make it to the 21 hui starting in Kaitaia on Saturday.”

Participants at the hui will be asked on what occasions they think a Maori flag should be flown and asked to choose from four possible flags:

* Flag of the United - later independent - tribes of NZ

* The New Zealand flag

* The New Zealand red ensign

* The Maori flag – sometimes incorrectly called the ‘tino rangatiratanga flag’

“I am very happy to be asking Maori communities for their views on a national Maori flag. This is the first time it has ever been done and we’re really excited about that.”

The launch was to have taken place at Hoani Waititi Marae in west Auckland but has been changed to Mangere because of a tangi.

ENDS

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