There were many icons of resistance in Aotearoa during the 1970s- Ng\u0101 Tamatoa, the pou kara of the M\u0101ori Land March 1975, the Bastion Point Noho Whenua flag 1977-1978 , the Waitangi Action Committee flag 1978-1985, the Kotahitanga flag 1984.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n In 1981, we saw the Aboriginal flag in Brisbane pre the Commonwealth Games- an indigenous symbol that called out to the people.\u00a0 “Land Rights NOW!”\u00a0 ..\u00a0 \u00a0 “200,000 years of dreaming, 200 years of nightmares. “ \u00a0<\/p>\n The idea of a national M\u0101ori flag was borrowed from the Aboriginal flag.\u00a0 1989 in the lead up to the 150th commemoration of the Treaty signing- a national hui of M\u0101ori activists considered several campaigns to bring awareness to the plight of the Treaty of Waitangi and ongoing legislative abuses to M\u0101ori.\u00a0 The Crown had millions of dollars to promote a wonderful co-existence with the Treaty Partner. M\u0101ori activists under the mantle of Te Kotahitanga or The Movement -had no putea.<\/p>\n Getting arrested was time consuming and is to be saved for special occasions. The Movement wanted to use their creative talents to promote awareness of ongoing Treaty grievances.<\/p>\n Ng\u0101ti Kahungunu & Ng\u0101puhi activists promoted kaupapa music- waiata reo M\u0101ori. Tuhoe began an awareness campaign to reclaim their whenua and created their own kara. Others went into storytelling through contemporary art. Far North group Te Kawariki embarked on a campaign to set up a M\u0101ori flag competition to inspire M\u0101ori to have hope in a time- where M\u0101ori were struggling to realise kaupapa M\u0101ori education, land claims and high unemployment. Te Kawariki sought a flag that would appeal to M\u0101ori of any politics or religion- a flag of M\u0101ori identity and pride.<\/p>\n The final winning M\u0101ori flag now commonly referred to as the Tino or Tino Rangatiratanga flag was created by 3 women from Tai Tokerau: the late Hiraina Marsden(Ngai Takoto), the late Jan Dobson Smith (Patu Harakeke) and Linda Munn (Ng\u0101ti Manu, Tauranga Moana).\u00a0 Liz Marsden (Ngai Takoto, Ng\u0101ti Korokoro) suggested the koru be off centre.\u00a0 The flag was taken to several hui in Tai\u00a0 Tokerau, the design was modified a few times, Ahipara women hand sewed some flags and launched them in Kaitaia on the annual hikoi to\u00a0 Waitangi in 1990.<\/p>\n Reddish brown represents Papatu\u0101nuku- the earth mother. The white represents Te Ao Marama and the koru reminds us that life is continually in renewal and ongoing. Black represents Ranginui- the sky father. No matter what, there is a natural order in the universe- the earth and sky embrace the world of the living. The natural colours and its simplistic depiction of the world led to an early acceptance of the flag by many M\u0100ORI in different walks of life.<\/b><\/p>\n The simple symbolism and a $5 promotional poster was circulated around the country and was scripted by Walter Erstich. “The elements of the national M\u0101ori flag represent the three realms:<\/span><\/p>\n Te Kawariki members did try and control the sale of quality flags- but so many flags were given as koha for hikoi, land occupations, Xmas presents for the cousins in Australia- it became,\u00a0 aroha mai, unprofitable.\u00a0 After the death of Jan Dobson, Te Kawariki did not have the capacity to sell and distribute the flag.\u00a0<\/p>\n Wh\u0101nau did like buying the cheaper $10 versions from the $2 shops\u00a0 and it solved the problem of access and affordability . However, be wary of some kara versions that have a narrow white strip which alter the flag dimensions.<\/p>\n After much consultation Te Kawariki set a kaupapa with the flag: 2009<\/strong>\u00a0–Pita Sharples, \u201cMinister of M\u0101ori Affairs <\/em>publicly called for a M\u0101ori flag to be flown from the Auckland Harbour Bridge on Waitangi Day. He considered that flying a M\u0101ori flag at sites of national significance would reflect and enhance Crown-M\u0101ori relationships. The Prime Minister answered that call, saying that he would support flying the two flags together, if agreement could be reached on a preferred flag<\/em>\u201d.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"http:\/\/mananews.co.nz\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/Tohu-o-Nga\u0304-Tamatoa-1.jpg\")
<\/a><\/a><\/a><\/a><\/a>\u00a0Sprinter Cathy Freeman later ignited\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0international pride re her victory lap with the Aboriginal flag after winning double gold at 1994 Commonwealth games.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/a><\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n\n
\n
1) the flag dimensions not be changed;
2) the kara should not be worn on the kotore ( derriere, bottom);
3) the icon be used by any group supporting and promoting kaupapa M\u0101ori and not for personal gain;
4) the original artists wanted any royalties to go towards setting up a M\u0101ori arts w\u0101nanga in Ng\u0101puhi;<\/p>\n