Maori protestors to enter flag debate at museum

Auckland’s MOTAT (the Museum of Transport and Technology) is facing protest threats over plans to exhibit a famous flag from Thursday Morning (3 March).

Ngapuhi leader David Rankin negotiated with MOTAT to put on display the flag designed by his ancestor, the chief Hone Heke. Heke famously cut down the flagpole in Russell in 1844 and now his personal flag will be exhibited at MOTAT, on the day that the country’s flag referendum starts.

Mr Rankin has been warned that there will be protests from Maori groups at the powhiri at MOTAT on Thursday 3 March at 7:00 am because the flag is associated with war and the massacre of other North Island tribes.

“Bringing Heke’s flag to Auckland at this time will re-focus the nation’s thoughts on what flags mean to us,” says Mr Rankin. He says that the threats of violence and protest do not concern him. “I’m ready for them”, he says. “They will be in for an ugly surprise if they thing they can take on Ngapuhi.”

As for the flag referendum, Mr Rankin is not saying which side of the debate he supports, but he says Maori have a strong interest in flags. “Tame Iti, displayed this passion, even though, like Ritchie McCaw, he got the New Zealand and Australian flags mixed up”.

“Hone Heke went to war, taking on the might of the British Empire over a flag, and we see that passion bubbling to the surface again.”

The flag will be installed in at MOTAT with a large ceremony at dawn on Thursday 3 March.

ENDS

© Scoop Media