The first local authority to fly the Māori flag on Waitangi Day has decided to run it up the flagpole more often.
Bay of Plenty Regional Council says it had positive comments from the public when it flew the red black and white emblem on 6 February and is now planning to fly the flag at other times significant to Māori, like Matariki, Anzac Day and Māori Language Week.
The council's Māori committee chairman, Tai Eru, says two other councils have said they're also likely to fly the flag in future.
He says the New Zealand flag is the symbol of the realm, Government and people of New Zealand.
But he says flying the Māori flag as well expresses a spirit of mutual respect and nationhood.
