Christchurch lags behind Australia on Indigenous issues

"In Australia, the norm is for the Koori (Aboriginal) flag to fly from council buildings all year long – at head offices, at libraries etc."

Earlier today, Chch City Council voted against flying the Māori flag for just one day (Waitangi Day). Instead, only one party to the Treaty will be honoured by Council.

Te Ata Tino Toa says that Chch City Council has some catching up to do with the Australians, who fly the flag of the Indigenous people everywhere.

“The flag will be flown in Ōtautahi by individuals, whānau and local groups. But this is not the same as elected representatives supporting the flag.”

“The empty flagpoles will make a powerful statement,” says the group, “reminding us of the continued struggle for Māori independence.”

By NOT flying the flag, Council sends a message to Māori that race relations has some way to go – just to catch up with Australia.

ENDS

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