In January 2009, the Minister of Māori Affairs publicly called for a Māori flag to be flown from the Auckland Harbour Bridge on Waitangi Day. He considered that flying a Māori flag at sites of national significance would reflect and enhance Crown-Māori relationships. The Prime Minister answered that call, saying that he would support flying the two flags together, if agreement could be reached on a preferred flag.

Over July and August 2009, twenty-one public hui were held nationwide, and written and online submissions were invited from Māori and other interested New Zealanders. Four flags of national significance were identified for consideration as the preferred national Māori flag: the New Zealand flag; the New Zealand Red Ensign; the national (United Tribes of New Zealand) flag; and the Māori (Tino Rangatiratanga) flag.

Over 1,200 submissions were received, with 79% of submitters identifying themselves as Māori. Of the total submissions, 80.1% selected the Māori (Tino Rangatiratanga) flag as the preferred national Māori flag.

On 14 December 2009, Cabinet recognised the Māori (Tino Rangatiratanga) flag (pictured) as the preferred national Māori flag, and noted that it will complement the New Zealand flag.

The national Māori flag was developed by members of a group named Te Kawariki in 1989. On 6 February 1990, the group unveiled the flag at Waitangi.

The various elements of the national Māori flag represent the three realms of Te Korekore, potential being (Black, top); Te Whai Ao, coming into being (Red, bottom); and Te Ao Mārama, the realm of being and light (White, centre). The koru is symbolic of a curling fern frond, representing the unfolding of new life, hope for the future and the process of renewal. The flag should always be flown as depicted above, that is, with the black section at the top, the top part of the koru closest to the flagpole, and the red section of the flag at the bottom.

Last modified: 6/01/2010