A Te Arawa kaumatua has written to Prime Minister John Key to say only the current New Zealand flag will fly at Ngati Whakaue marae and the Muruika War Cemetery.
Pihopa Kingi said his letter was a historical reminder of the sacrifice Te Arawa made when they fought under the flag in battle.
Mr Kingi, one of the most senior kaumatua in Ngati Whakaue, sent his letter to a wide network of iwi members and received no objections to his stance, he said.
His father and uncle fought at Gallipoli.
"This [flag referendum] is of vital significance to the Arawa Confederation of Tribes within Rotorua district.