Have your say: First flag

The flag debate continues.

Wiremu Kakarana's view of New Zealand's first flag doesn't match history.

Pre-1840, Britain had no intention of expanding its empire and annexing New Zealand.

From 1806, the New South Wales government attempted to control the lawlessness rife in the South Seas. Successive governors issued proclamations and orders to protect natives and enforce law and order but their efforts were futile.

In 1814, Governor Macquarie appointed chiefs Hongi and Korokoro to act with Mr Kendall as magistrates in the Bay of Islands.

By 1831, the fear of French annexation was such that 13 chiefs of the Bay sent a letter to King William IV pleading for protection. Correspondence from King William IV, the British Parliament, Maori chiefs, NSW government and their representatives from 1806 to 1840 are well documented.

In an attempt to control British settlers in NZ, Governor Darling (NSW) conceived the idea of sending a consular agent to the Bay of Islands. His successor, Governor Bourke appointed James Busby. Among his copious duties on April 13, 1833, was "... to bring escaped convicts and others to trial in Sydney and to mediate to prevent internecine wars ..."

"... Mr Busby's first notable act was the choice of a national flag. Governor Bourke dispatched three flags. At the Busby residence, the assembled chiefs finally chose the 'National Standard'. [A full description is given.] This flag was hoisted beside the Union Jack and honoured with a royal salute of 21 guns by HMS Alligator ...

"... Before NZ became part of the British Empire, vessels built in NZ and entering overseas ports to trade were liable to seizure as they had no flag of their own and were not permitted to fly the British Ensign. After choosing the National Standard, as the flag was called, any vessel having a register from a Maori chief countersigned by the British Resident was allowed to trade to all His Majesty's ports and a right to the protection of the flag of England ..."

Hardly a symbol of Maori independence.

References: Maori and Pakeha. A History of New Zealand, Shrimpton and Mulgan. New Zealand Gazette. The Story of New Zealand, Professor Frank Parsons, published by Equity Series, Philadelphia. 1904.

M Larcombe
Opua

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