Tino Rangatiratanga flag Rectangular Sticker

The national Māori flag, also known as the Tino Rangatiratanga flag in reference to the concept of tino rangatiratanga, is used to represent the Māori people of Aotearoa. In 2009, the Tino Rangatiratanga flag (also simply Tino) was selected as the national Māori flag after a nationwide consultation. It was first revealed on Waitangi Day in 1990. Though it does not have official status from the New Zealand Government, it has been used by the government on official occasions. The national Māori flag uses the national colours of New Zealand: black, red ochre, and white or silver. Each of the colours references a realm in the creation story of Māori mythology: black is Te Korekore (potential being), red is Te Whai Ao (coming into being), and white is Te Ao Mārama (the realm of being and light). The design features a koru (Māori for fern frond), a common design in Māori tattoo and sculpture. It symbolises renewal and hope for the future. The white part of the flag is also a reference to the Māori name for New Zealand, Aotearoa, or "Land of the Long White Cloud."