Story: Flags

Tino rangatiratanga flag: Linda Munn, 2009 (1st of 3)

Tino rangatiratanga flag: Linda Munn, 2009

Hiraina Marsden, Jan Dobson and Linda Munn (pictured) designed what became known as the tino rangatiratanga flag in 1989. The black represents Te Kore (the void), the space beyond the world of everyday experience. White represents Te Ao Marama, the world of light. Red represents coming into being and life, and Papatūānuku, the earth mother. The koru (spiral, symbolising an unfurling fern frond) in the centre suggests the unfolding and renewal of life.

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New Zealand Herald
Reference: 241109NZHAGFLAG02.JPG
Photograph by Alan Gibson

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How to cite this page:

Kerryn Pollock, 'Flags - Māori flags', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/photograph/33979/tino-rangatiratanga-flag-linda-munn-2009 (accessed 28 April 2024)

Story by Kerryn Pollock, published 20 Jun 2012, reviewed & revised 20 Apr 2016