Yesterday there was a vote, for the third time in as many years, if you please, about flying a protest flag instead of our national flag from the Council buildings.
Cr. Jami-lee Ross said:
“The tino rangatiratanga flag is not a symbol that represents Manukau City and I’m dismayed that we have to have this debate once again.
“The tino rangatiratanga flag is a flag of division, of racism, and separatism. It has no place flying on Council flagpoles and must not be approved at tonight’s meeting.”
Now before you go off all half-cocked and call racism, Jami-Lee Ross is Ngati-Porou. He goes on:
“Waitangi Day is our national day and we should be flying a flag that represents national pride and unity. New Zealand only has one New Zealand Flag and it is a flag we should be proud of.
“The New Zealand Flag represents all New Zealanders, both Maori and non-Maori alike. There is no need or desire to fly a protest flag alongside it. The tino rangatiratanga flag is not a flag of our country, nor that of all Maori.”
Thankfully a majority of the Council made the right decision last night and voted 9-7. The left and Len Brown weren’t impressed. The council will now only going to be flying the NZ Flag and Council Flag on Waitangi Day.
Roll on the Supercity elections.
