Northland Maori have asked the Waitangi Tribunal to hold an urgent hearing to stop the flag change process, claiming iwi have not been properly consulted over the contentious issue.
The Government is running two referendums on changing the flag that are expected to cost up to $26 million. The Flag Consideration Project has just completed its roadshow, outlining the process and asking people to submit ideas for a new flag. The first referendum will be held in November or December to decide on which alternative flag design will be chosen.
The second referendum in March next year will decide between the present flag and the preferred alternative.
But Haami Piripi, on behalf of himself and the iwi of Te Rarawa, Rihari Dargaville, on behalf of himself and the Tai Tokerau District Maori Council, and Cletus Maanu Paul, on behalf of himself and the Mataatua District Maori Council, have applied to the Waitangi Tribunal seeking an urgent hearing on the issue.
The claimants say they are suffering, and will continue to suffer, significant and irreversible prejudice by the Crown's failure to appropriately engage with Maori when deciding to initiate the flag change process.