MEDIA STATEMENT

Te Ururoa Flavell
MP for Waiariki
Wednesday February 01, 2012

MP disappointed at flag-flying decision

Maori Party MP for Waiariki, Te Ururoa Flavell has challenged the decision made by the Rotorua District Council not to fly the Tino Rangatiratanga flag on Waitangi Day.

"The decision, if true, is a blatant disregard of the recommendations made by Te Arawa at a mandated hui called by the Te Arawa Lakes Trust to get their perspective," says Mr Flavell.

"Having attended the hui, I know that there was a general consensus that the Tino Rangatiratanga flag should fly this year on Waitangi Day, that further consideration could be given in the future, and I have no reason to believe that consensus no longer exists," he added.

This was seen as a good compromise, in fact the hui asked the Council to facilitate having Te Arawa marae flags fly on a main road to remind the community about the relationship envisaged by the Treaty. This sort of decision, however, gives us no hope that a Te Arawa voice will be listened to. And the down side is that this is not the first time"

“Te Arawa might well ask what's the point in turning up to hui if in the end your decisions are not considered?"

"Te Arawa people give considerable mana to the Te Arawa Standing committee so it is important for the district council to honour that mana and work with the people rather than against them," ends Mr Flavell.

ENDS

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