KEY POINTS:
The face of Maori nationalism Tame Iti says the Tino Rangitiratanga flag is the most suitable representation of Maoridom, and should fly from the Auckland Harbour Bridge.
The veteran activist says arguments about a different flag should not be used to prevent a Maori symbol being flown on Waitangi Day.
"There are always going to be arguments about the flag within any country - the same could be seen in England, in Australia. We have our own Tuhoe flag, and other tribes have their own flag. But the Tino flag has been around a long time, and represents all of us.
"As far as I'm concerned this has already been resolved."
Prime Minister John Key yesterday said he had "no particular reason" to object to calls from some Maori for their national flag to be given equal prominence on February 6 each year.
He said provided iwi were consulted and agreed on a flag, and that the meaning of the flag was agreed, he had no problem with flying the Tino Rangatiratanga flag from the Auckland Harbour Bridge on Waitangi Day, or even from Parliament.
However, the issue will not be sorted out in time for this Waitangi Day, with Mr Key telling Maori Affairs Minister Pita Sharples first to consult Maori on the matter - leaving it to them to settle on a flag.
Lawyer and activist Moana Jackson told the Herald it was "nice" Mr Key had moved on the issue.
He backed Mr Iti and said that although each iwi and hapu had its own flag, the Tino Rangatiratanga flag should be the flag of choice, as the standard had gained "iwi-wide acceptance and recognition" since its advent in 1990.
While the Te Hakituatahi o Aotearoa held "tremendous mana" for Maori, the Tino Rangatiratanga flag had gained "general acceptance".
Mr Jackson - who acted as spokesman for the legal team defending the so-called "Urewera 16" - said while many Maori had their own iwi flag, "when we go to national events we take that flag and the Tino Rangatiratanga flag".
Broadcaster Willie Jackson said he did not believe Tino Rangatiratanga would be "the absolutely unanimous choice" for all Maori, but it had grown to be the most widely accepted among Maoridom.
It was not necessary for "every single bloody Maori" to like the Tino Rangatiratanga flag design, as many Pakeha disliked the New Zealand flag but still supported what it stood for, Mr Jackson said.
Titewhai Harawira said Mr Key's flag move was "long overdue", but perhaps did not go far enough.
"I think it should be flown all the time. For me, Waitangi Day is every day."
She said the Tino Rangatiratanga flag - designed in a national competition in 1990 - was the "first and only flag ... put together by Maori, for Maori".
While the 1835 Te Hakituatahi o Aotearoa was respected, the ensign was given to Maori by others, she said.
- John Armstrong, Eddie Gay
