Maori flag set to show its colours on Waitangi Day

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The Maori sovereignty flag is set to fly from the prime minister's official residence on Waitangi Day.

Maori Affairs Minister Pita Sharples is understood to have recommended the red, black and white tino rangatiratanga, or sovereignty, flag fly alongside the New Zealand flag after consultations with iwi.

TV3 reported last night that the flag had won support from 80 per cent of people consulted.

Prime Minister John Key said Dr Sharples had recommended a preferred option to go to the Cabinet, but would not be drawn on what it was.

However, he said he was happy with the choice, which would be signed off in time for Waitangi Day next year. "My expectation is it would be able to fly in 2010. My intention is to fly the flag at Premier House."

Mr Key has said previously he would also be happy for any chosen flag to fly alongside the New Zealand flag at the Beehive on Waitangi and other national days.

Dr Sharples was given the green light to consult on the flag after Transit – now part of the Transport Agency – refused permission for the tino rangatiratanga flag to fly on the Auckland harbour bridge in 2008.

Mr Key has indicated any alternative flag would fly on the bridge.

UnitedFuture leader Peter Dunne, who has proposed Waitangi Day be renamed New Zealand Day to better mark it as a national day, said choosing the tino rangatiratanga flag would not be as divisive as it might have been in the past, depending on how it was flown.

"If it's flown ... alongside the New Zealand flag, fine. I wouldn't want to see it become either a de facto New Zealand flag or for it to be used to make a much stronger political point on Waitangi Day. I think that would be inflammatory."

Labour leader Phil Goff says he has no issue with the tino rangatiratanga flag being flown on Waitangi Day.

"I am relaxed about that. I think the tino rangatiratanga flag is a very attractive flag. I have no problem with that," Mr Goff said.

- © Fairfax NZ News