Banner Headlines: The Maori Flag Debate in Comparative Perspective

Abstract

Consider these statements. On the one hand: '[H]e did not agree with flying the tino rangatiratanga flag because it argued the case of Maori sovereignty, when the Treaty was all about being equal citizens'. 'Maori enjoyed equal citizenship and did not need special treatment, either by having special Maori seats or by having a separate Maori flag fly above public venues.' 'Kiwis should come under a single flag in public places - the current ensign of New Zealand.' On the other hand: 'I can see no particular reason why we wouldn't fly a flag off the Auckland Harbour Bridge and indeed off other prominent government buildings, namely Parliament . . . We are flying a Maori flag, as just another small symbolic step forward in the partnership that was the treaty . . . New Zealanders have a sense of pride that we are doing well in race relations, that is just another step in the partnership'.