Tino Rangatiratanga
In 1990 there was a national flag competition in New Zealand. None of the entries showed obvious recognition or inspiration of Maori heritage. As a result the Te Kawariki held their own Maori flag competition. The chosen flag by Hiraina Marsden, Jan Smith and Linda Munn is black over white over red, with a thin white stripe - at its heart the Koru unfurling. The red, black and white are all colours with strong Maori heritage. The black represents Te Korekore, the realm of potential being - it symbolises the long darkness from which the earth emerged, as well as signifying Rangi - the heavens, a male, formless, floating, passive force. The white represents Te Ao Marama, the realm of being and light. It symbolises the physical world, purity, harmony, enlightenment and balance. The red represents Te Whei Ao, the realm of coming into being. Red is Papatuanuku, the Earth Mother, the sustainer of all living things.
