Story: Ngā haki – Māori and flags

Kīngitanga flags: Mahuta's flag (1st of 2)

Kīngitanga flags: Mahuta's flag

This flag has the name Kiingi Mahuta Tawhiao Potatau Te Whero Whero printed on it – the full name of the third Māori king, Mahuta. The seven stars represent Te Paki o Matariki, the constellation Pleiades, which was an important symbol for the Kīngitanga (Māori King movement). The rainbow represents the god Uenuku and the canoe represents the Tainui waka.

Using this item

Te Ara - The Encyclopedia of New Zealand
Reference: James Cowan, The Māori, yesterday and today. Christchurch: Whitcombe & Tombs, 1930, p. 85

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How to cite this page:

Malcolm Mullholland, 'Ngā haki – Māori and flags - Kīngitanga and Kotahitanga flags', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/photograph/35208/kingitanga-flags-mahutas-flag (accessed 19 March 2024)

Story by Malcolm Mullholland, published 20 Jun 2012