Tino rangatiratanga

Te Rangatiratanga flag was created in 1989 by Maori activists 

Black – represents Te Korekore, the realm of Potential Being. It represents the long darkness from where the world emerged from. It represents the heavens. 

White – represents Te Ao Marama, the realm of Being and Light. It is the Physical World. White also symbolises freedom from immorality, harmony, enlightenment, and balance.

Koru – the curling frond shape, the Koru, represents the unfolding of new life,rebirth and offers the promise of renewal and hope for the future.

Red – represents Te Whei Ao, the realm of Coming into Being. It symbolises the female element. It also represents active, flashing, southern, falling, forest, land and. Red is Papatuanuku, the Earth Mother, the sustainer of all living things. Red is the colour of earth from which the first human was made.

New Zealand's first official flag was the flag of the United Tribes. It was selected on 20 March 1834 by 25 Northern chiefs  who had gathered at Waitangi.