The popular red and black "Tino Rangatiratanga" flag is quite appropriate for Treaty of Waitangi celebrations and not at all divisive, say two leaders of Wairarapa Maori.
Jason Kerehi and Mike Kawana, chief executive and cultural adviser for Rangitane o Wairarapa, yesterday responded to questions about the flag as politicians again
debate whether it should fly on the Auckland Harbour Bridge on February 6.
Mr Kawana said he believes the flag is "a symbol of unity for all Maori" and the unification of Maori underneath the flag has been "amazing".
The flag speaks of "Tino Rangatiratanga" which some people misinterpret as a threat, Mr Kerehi said.
Often translated "sovereignty", Mr Kerehi said a better meaning is "self-determination".
"It's doing what you believe and what's right for your people, and that's different for different iwi and different people."
"People at the (Masterton district) council have asked me what it means. It's not driving a tank."
Mr Kerehi said with its bright colours the flag has a strong appeal and gained popular, and voluntary, support.
"No one has put that flag up and said: 'You must follow it' (but) all our kids are wearing Tino Rangatiratanga clothes," Mr Kerehi said.
"To me it reminds me of the Aboriginal flag; I think the people have kind of chosen it."
Mr Kerehi noted clothing with the Tino Rangatiratanga device had been very popular at last year's Origins Waitangi Day Festival.
"People were snapping it up for two reasons: A, it was cheap, and B, it was bright and colourful and positive."
But Mr Kerehi said he is not one of those who believes New Zealand's existing national flag needs changing. "I wore the New Zealand flag all around the world."
"I remember when people said that it doesn't represent New Zealand any more, with the Union Jack.
"What people forget is that the Southern Cross is exactly what New Zealand is about. It pulls everyone together."
