Letter to the Board of Transit NZ: Maori Flag

Tçnâ koutou

Earlier this year we put in a request that Transit NZ fly the Tino Rangatiratanga / Maori flag on the Harbour Bridge on Waitangi Day 2007. Our request was subsequently declined on unclear grounds. We believe Aotearoa / New Zealand has matured considerably in respect of these issues as indicated by the high level of public support from non-Maori, we further believe that diversity and understanding difference are the cornerstone of any healthy society, the recognition of the unique role of Maori and the flying of the Flag is a definite step in this direction.

As we understand it these policy decisions are made by the Board of Transit New Zealand so we are asking Board members to allow the Maori Flag to fly on the Harbour Bridge on Waitangi Day 2008

The following is a list of benefits:

- The acknowledgement of tangata whenua on Waitangi Day.

- The high level support from non-Mâori and Maori on this issue

- Support from Church, Peace and other civil society organisations

- There is a precedent for indigenous flags to be flown. The Aboriginal Flag has flown on the Sydney Harbour Bridge and is flown on government buildings in Australia on official occasions.

We note that Transit has revised their policy about flying flags on the Harbour Bridge this shows that policy making process is not rigid and there is sufficient flexibility that an exception can be made for the flying of the Mâori Flag on Waitangi day

We look forward to your constructive advocacy in this matter. Thank you.

Nâku i roto i nga mihi,

Teanau Tuiono

_Spokeseperson,
Te Ata Tino Toa

ENDS