In 1990 there was a national flag competition in New Zealand.

None of the entries showed any Maori acknowledgement or inspiration.

The TE KAWARIKI therefore held their own Maori flag competition and this is the winning entry.

Black represents Te Korekore the realm of Potential Being. The long darkness from whence the world emerged.

White represents Te Ao Marama the realm of Being and light. It is the physical world, where symbolises purity, harmony and enlightment.

The Koru, curling frond shape, represents the unfolding of new life, that everything is reborn and continues. It represents renewal and hope for the future.

Red represents Te Whei Ao, the realm of Coming into being. It symbolises female, active, flashing, south, yelling, forests, gestation and spirals.

Red is Papatuanuku Earth Mother, the sustainer if all living things.

Red is the colour of earth from which the first humans was made.