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Opportunity flagged
The Waitangi commemoration on the morning of Friday February 6, at the Mangawhai Museum precinct, was well worth attending. A mihi by Hannah followed by her engaging talk about the partnership envisaged between tangata whenua and the Crown in 1840 and the increasingly diverse peoples coming to Aotearoa over the decades since was heartwarming.
Tawhiri followed with his local historical perspective and finally Mayor Larson concluded the proceedings with greetings in te reo and some reflections on living in the Kaipara region. I appreciated the spirit of unity and partnership expressed in the celebration.
On Sunday morning I was cycling on our lovely dual pathway across the causeway bridge and noticed the NZ national flag flying on all the light poles.
Why are we not flying the tiro rangatiratanga flag alongside the national flag – perhaps on alternating poles?
We need to be serious about being in a partnership with Maori. There are many practical changes towards enhancing partnership which need to be made.
While flying flags is largely symbolic, it would provide a visible display of intent and direction.
Glenys Mather, Mangawhai
