Unite Union flies Maori Flag in Queen St
The Unite Union been flying two large Maori flags today from the top of its building at 300 Queen St in Central Auckland.
“Our Union is glad to be associated with this important symbol of Maori identity as we prepare to celebrate Waitangi Day tomorrow,” said Unite Vice President Liane Henry
“The Treaty could be considered New Zealand’s first Collective Agreement – between the British Crown and the indigenous people of Aotearoa. Like many such agreements since it has often been breached – but as a commitment to live in partnership and equality it had few precedents in the world of its day.
“It seems incredibly petty and small-minded to reject the fact that New Zealand has been created on the labour and land of two peoples by refusing to fly a flag of one partner.
“Maori have been an integral part of the union movement in New Zealand from day one. The first recorded wages dispute was as far back as 1821 when Maori sawyers in the Bay of Island struck to be paid in money or gunpowder.
“Maori workers have been often been in the forefront of struggles to improve the wages and conditions of all workers in New Zealand.
“By flying the Maori flag we want to celebrate that unity and solidarity – equality and partnership begins with respect.”
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Re: Unite Union flies Maori Flag in Queen St
The Treaty could well be considered New Zealand’s first Collective Agreement – between the British Crown and the indigenous people of Aotearoa. Like many such agreements since it was made in the name of a mass of people without being available for close scrutinty by those it would effect. Maybe its time to renegotiate the thing, there's plenty of room for improvedment. Remember, the crown can't very easily lock all maori out if the going gets rough.