For immediate release February 3, 2007

Let the flag fly, say Anglican bishops

Support too, for the repeal of the Foreshore and Seabed Act, and for those working to secure a just, democratic future in the Pacific

The country’s Anglican bishops have added their support to calls by Maori for the Tino Rangatiratanga flag to fly from Auckland’s Harbour Bridge on Waitangi Day.

They’ve also renewed their call for the repeal of the Foreshore and Seabed Act – and they’ve publicly reaffirmed their support for those working for a just and democratic future in Fiji and Tonga.

The bishops met in Nelson prior to the ordination in Nelson Cathedral this morning of Richard Ellena as the new Bishop of the Diocese of Nelson.

Their statement follows:

“The Anglican bishops of Aotearoa, New Zealand and Polynesia endorse and celebrate the wish of Maori to request Transit New Zealand to allow the tino rangatiratanga flag to fly alongside the New Zealand flag on Waitangi Day.

“The flag has long been recognized as broadly representing Maori aspirations. It has been flown at Waitangi, and in all the hikoi, both church and iwi based, for almost two decades.

“The bishops also reaffirm the Anglican Church of Aotearoa, New Zealand and Polynesia’s resolution, passed by its General Synod in 2004, and its detailed submission to the Government select committee that sought to repeal the Foreshore and Seabed Act.”

The bishops also issued a statement about democracy in the Pacific:

“As the Republic of the Fiji Islands makes progress in its return to democracy, and as the Kingdom of Tonga recovers from its crisis, the bishops of the Anglican Church of Aotearoa, New Zealand and Polynesia affirm and encourage the efforts of the Tikanga Pasifika bishops to continue to play an active and prophetic role alongside those who work for a just and democratic future in the Pacific.”

Ends

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