Thursday, 1 February 2007

Bridge building not flag waving needed: Dunne

United Future leader Peter Dunne has reiterated his approval of Transit’s decision to reject the proposal to fly the Maori sovereignty flag on Waitangi Day, and called for further discussion to be focused on resolving the conflict’s underlying issues.

Mr Dunne describes Maori Party comments telling New Zealand to “grow up”, as “unhelpful, inflammatory and demeaning of the Maori Party's usually dignified approach to issues”.

“I would be happy for the Maori flag to fly any day of the year upon the bridge – except on our national day because this is the day we celebrate being one multicultural nation,” says Mr Dunne.

Mr Dunne says our national day is one for all New Zealanders to celebrate, not one to be hijacked by one group of New Zealanders.

“I am one of countless New Zealanders who view a separate flag flying on Waitangi Day as divisive – telling us to ‘grow up’ is not furthering the debate.

“I respect the point of view of some who want the Maori flag flown on the Treaty anniversary - but my focus is on the wider issue of making our national day as inclusive as possible for all New Zealanders."

Mr Dunne believes that this situation is just a symptom of deeper issues and differing values involving Waitangi and national day celebrations.

“I have offered the separation of Waitangi and National Day celebrations as one possible path for discussion.

“I welcome further dialogue and would like to hear any other ideas to resolve these ideological differences without telling one side they are just flat wrong,” says Mr Dunne.

ENDS

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