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A group that has pushed for official bodies to fly the tino rangatiratanga flag wants New Zealand to be open to Maori influences when they are given a chance to vote on a new flag.
Prime Minister John Key has ruled out a referendum alongside the September election, but promised one within the next three years to replace what he halls the symbol of a colonial era.
A steering group will engage the public in the discussion and solicit design ideas.
Labour and the Greens say a referendum will happen even if there is a change of government.
He says a selection of MPs will decide on the referendum process, and a steering group will ensure the public has the opportunity to engage in any discussion on changing the flag and to submit design ideas.
Te Ata Tino Toa spokesperson Te Ao Pritchard says Maori have decided on their flag, and now it’s up to all New Zealanders to come up with one for the whole country.
He says his group would like to see the new flag fly alongside the Maori one in an acknowledgement of the treaty partnership.
Copyright © 2014, UMA Broadcasting Ltd
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