Editorial: Our loyalties still divided

OPINION: It was significant that the National-led Government should agree to fly the Tino Rangatiratanga flag from Government buildings on Waitangi Day, but the decision has opponents on either side of the divide.

It is a flag many relate to protests, and particularly of the Waitangi dirt-throwing variety. David Rankin of Ngapuhi hapu Te Matarahurahu calls it a "hate flag" and Labour MP Shane Jones brands it "Hone's flag".

Perhaps that explains why by Thursday afternoon a whopping 75 per cent of readers who took part in a Waikato Times internet poll this week did not want to see the black, white and red flag flying in any official capacity in the Waikato. No, said 215 people. Yes replied 63. "Don't know," said another 11.

Bearing in mind the view that internet polls are likely to draw less conservative readers than those who read the hard print version of the newspaper, that "no" vote looked remarkably high. It also suggests a significant disconnect at Waitangi time, because when TVNZ's Te Karere commissioned a survey of about 1000 Maori voters, 53 per cent said yes when asked if Maori should have a separate flag and half preferred the Tino Rangatiratanga model. That's despite the fact that Maori Party MP Hone Harawira and family members planned to copyright the flag to secure revenue from its sale. The next best known Maori flag is the George Cross-inspired 1835 United Tribes flag.

Waitangi Day remains a day measured by the division between Maori and Pakeha. This year they appear closer than last, and a simmering national flag debate and the handing out of a new national award this week, one that has much promise, shows a mood swing towards spreading wings and discussing New Zealand issues rather than Maori-Pakeha issues.

In Hamilton the city council has stepped in to move the city's annual festivities from Innes Common to a much smaller venue, Garden Place, after eight years. It will feature a free concert by Australian Idol winner Stan Walker, a Melbourne-born Maori. The timing of the new New Zealander of the Year award around the Waitangi celebration is also clever and provides potential for adding to an event which could be celebrated in all corners. Australia has achieved similar success by timing its award near Australia Day – a celebration which is worthy of monitoring and learning from.

Australia has its own issues with cultural clashes and race hate groups and had riot squads on standby, so New Zealand should not feel obliged to stare across the Tasman with any huge degree of envy at the success of their "day".

The city council's plan has merit, though it may find the venue too small, as it seeks to provide a celebration platform everyone is comfortable with. That is no easy task when the people are polarised on something as simple as a flag. Waitangi Day has been used, and on occasions abused, as a day for grievances to be aired. The council is at least providing an opportunity to simply celebrate.

- © Fairfax NZ News