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Maori broadcaster and Ngapuhi kaumatua Kingi Taurua insisted last night that the Maori independence flag would fly from the Harbour Bridge on Waitangi Day.
"They have made a big mistake," Mr Taurua said of Transit's decision to deny Maori permission to fly the flag from the bridge.
"Let me tell you, we will get that flag up that pole one way or another."
He said the issue had raised the ire of many Maori, with meetings planned today to force the issue.
"We are going to fly that flag on the Harbour Bridge. I don't know how yet but we will fly our flag.
"Maori are tangata whenua of this country. If it is good enough to recognise the flags of other countries then they can recognise the flag of the Maori nation on our national day."
The Maori Party also weighed in on the issue, saying it was time New Zealand "grew up" and allowed Maori to fly sovereignty flags on Waitangi Day.
Maori Party co-leader Tariana Turia said the flag should be allowed.
"I thought the flag story was really interesting given that Australia accepts the Aboriginal flag and the rangatiratanga flag will be flying on St Monica's beach over in America on Waitangi Day," she said.
"It's time New Zealand grew up and accepted the Maori nations and that they should be able to have their own independent flag in the same way that Aboriginals do."
Ata Tino Toa lodged a request with Transit last week seeking permission to fly the distinctive red black and white flag from the Auckland landmark.
It argued that flags of other countries were flown on national days but Transit said the flag did not represent a recognised country.
Ata Tino Toa spokesman Teanau Tuiono said Transit's decision was a disgrace and the group was considering a protest.
"Transit have allowed corporates to fly their flags, a right they will not extend to the indigenous people of this country."
Hone Harawira, a Maori Party MP and long-time protester at Waitangi, said he would attend events at Waitangi to reaffirm the party's opposition to a bill deleting references to the Treaty of Waitangi and another to instigate a New Zealand Day.
United Future leader Peter Dunne has twice introduced bills to Parliament seeking a New Zealand Day holiday because he thinks Waitangi Day is divisive.
"As far as we are concerned, Waitangi Day is the national day of this country," Mr Harawira said.
Online Herald Poll
Q: Should a tino rangatiratanga flag be allowed to fly on the Auckland Harbour Bridge, given that an Aboriginal flag flew on Sydney Harbour Bridge in 2000?
1612 votes by 7pm yesterday
* No: 72 per cent
* Yes: 28 per cent
