Te Kara flag - United Tribes of New Zealand

Flying Te Kara, the flag of the United Tribes of New Zealand (1834), is a powerful statement of recognition and respect for He Wakaputanga o te Rangatiratanga o Nu Tireni (1835), the Declaration of Independence. This countries founding document, signed by Rangatira from various iwi, gifted by King William IV, and recognised internationally, affirms the sovereignty (rangatiratanga) of Māori and establishes an enduring trust between the Rangatira and the British Crown. By raising Te Kara, you not only honour the vision of those who declared their independence but also help keep the mana, authority, and knowledge of He Wakaputanga alive. It serves as a visual reminder that Māori sovereignty was asserted long before the Treaty of Waitangi and continues to be upheld today.

More than just a historical emblem, Te Kara is a living symbol of the trust and agreements formed in 1835, which remain relevant in modern discussions about Māori governance, self-determination, and Tino rangatiratanga. Every time this flag is flown, it educates and sparks conversations about Māori independence, it’s lawful continuity, and the recognition of He Wakaputanga as a foundational document in Aotearoa’s history. It strengthens the collective identity of those who stand for Māori sovereignty and ensures that the legacy of the Rangatira who signed He Wakaputanga continues to inspire future generations.