TE KARA FLAG 1834 - SALVAGE CLAIM 2024
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
When was Te Kara Flag 1834 Established? Te Kara Flag was established in 1834 to recognise tino rangatiratanga are the superior authority. Te Kara is the sovereign flag of the hapū, not a national flag of New Zealand (the Crown or government).
Why was Te Kara Flag 1834 Established? Foreign ships refused to recognise Nu Tireni vessels without a national flag. James Busby, the British Resident, was instructed to encourage Tino Rangatira to adopt a 'flag' to protect shipping and assert international identity. 20 March 1834: Te Kara was ratified and later adopted. A hui (meeting) was held at Waitangi. 25 Rangatira formally chose and adopted the flag, Te Kara. British representatives, including James Busby, and three missionaries were present as witnesses. The flag was raised onthe land, and saluted with a 21-gun salute from HMS Alligator.
Why was Te Kara Salvage Claim Established 2025? It establishes the 'original owners' of Te Kara in accordance with the principles of tikanga, historical record, and British maritime recognition. It also determines the legitimate basis for a salvage claim, applying the precedent in Eades v Brazeltine, which mandates that salvage may only be conducted for the "original owner". For the purposes of our salvage claim, the term "original owner" is interpreted as referring to Tino Rangatira who held primary influence over the flag’s ratification and authority on behalf of their hapū. This reflects the reality that these rangatira acted within a trade-dominant political structure, rather than as representatives of all tangata whenua.
Te Kara 1832 - 1834 and He Wakaputanga o te Rangatiratanga o Nu Tireni 1835 (Declaration of Independence) (herein He Wakaputanga) are one in purpose and recognition: Te Kara *3ft x 5ft ceremonial flag*symbolises the proclamation (He Wakaputanga). Both are irrevocable, binding, and recognised as the expression of hapū sovereignty.
How do we describe Te Kara Flag? White background field; a red St George's Cross. In the upper canton next to the staff, on a blue field, a smaller St George's Cross in red, severed from the blue by a fimbriation of BLACK half (a narrow black border) the width of the red, and, in the centre of each blue quarter, four white 8 pointed stars (representing the Southern Cross).
Does the 10ft x 10ft flag & 16ft x 10ft flag have full authority? The *full authority* lies with the *10ft x 10 ft land flag* and the *10ft x 16 ft sea flag*, as these are the *jurisdictional flags* that assert rangatiratanga (sovereignty) and lawful authority over land and sea by the ‘original owners’.
Does the 3ft x 5ft flag have full authority? The *3ft x 5ft flag* does not hold independent jurisdictional power or weight but symbolises He Wakaputanga & Te Wakaminenga o Ngā Hapū o Nu Tireni.
Who Has the Right to Use Te Kara 16ft x 10ft on the Water? Te Kara was adopted by the 'original owners', representing the collective hapū who declared their tino rangatiratanga (absolute sovereignty). Each hapū remains independent under He Wakaputanga, retaining their own tino rangatiratanga. That means: Any hapū who whakapapa to 'original owners' and asserts their tino rangatiratanga under He Wakaputanga has the full right to fly Te Kara on the water. The flag represents the independent authority of each hapū, not just a central government or body. Historically, Te Kara was flown by ships belonging to the hapū as their national ensign on the sea. Recognition in 1836 by King William IV acknowledged the sovereignty of those hapū, not of a single state.
Who Has the Right to Use Te Kara 10ft by 10ft on the Land? Hapu who whakapapa to 'original owners' and asserts tino rangatiratanga has the right to fly Te Kara on land as sovereign governance authority. Not Just Anyone (Important Distinction): Te Kara 10ft x 10ft is not a general use flag like a modern national 3ft x 5ft flag. Flying it implies a claim to tino rangatiratanga—so its use carries legal and political weight. If an individual flies Te Kara 10ft x 10ft without hapū mandate or without recognising the obligations of tino rangatiratanga, they risk misrepresenting its significance.
TE KARA + AUTHORITY
What is the Authority of Each Flag? See below each flag and authority
1. *10ft x 10ft Jurisdictional Land Flag – Full Authority Over Whenua (Land)* - This flag represents *tino rangatiratanga (absolute chieftainship and authority) over land*. - It is the *paramount flag for land-based governance*, meaning any land-based jurisdiction, rulings, or governance operate under this flag. - Raising this flag on *whenua (land) asserts full jurisdiction* under He Wakaputanga. - It embodies the authority of *hapū (tribes) as sovereign entities* in accordance with pre-1840 tikanga tuku iho (customary law). Used by the ‘original owners’. and descendants - Hongi Hika (Ngāpuhi, Te Uri-o-Hua hapū, Ngati Tautahi), Moka Te Kainga-mataa (Ngāpuhi, Kororāreka), Te Wharerahi (Ngāpuhi, Te Waimate), and Rewa (Ngāpuhi, Kororāreka) — Patukeha Hapu (Ngāpuhi).
2. *10ft x 16ft Jurisdictional Sea Flag – Full Authority Over Moana (Sea)* - This flag holds *jurisdiction over maritime spaces and international trade*. - It was recognised *under international maritime law* before 1840, meaning vessels flying this flag were acknowledged as operating under the independent authority of the Hapu of Nu Tireni. - It is tied to the trade and sea routes*. - It continues to symbolise *sovereign control over coastal and maritime territories*. Used by the ‘original owners’. and descendants - Hongi Hika (Ngāpuhi, Te Uri-o-Hua hapū, Ngati Tautahi), Moka Te Kainga-mataa (Ngāpuhi, Kororāreka), Te Wharerahi (Ngāpuhi, Te Waimate), and Rewa (Ngāpuhi, Kororāreka) — Patukeha Hapu (Ngāpuhi).
3. *3ft x 5ft Ceremonial Flag – Raised, Ceremonial, Symbolic of Sovereignty but Not Jurisdictional* - This version was used in *ceremonial and diplomatic settings*. - While it represents the authority granted by He Wakaputanga, it *does not itself *convey jurisdiction over land or sea*. - It is a *symbol of national unity and identity* rather than an instrument of enforcement, Used by Te Wakaminenga o Ngā Hapū o Nu Tireni.
What’s the Conclusion on authority? Te Kara in its jurisdictional sizes 10ft x 10ft & 10ft x 16ft remains the lawful and internationally recognised assertion of Tino Rangatiratanga sovereignty over land and sea.
TE KARA + TIKANGA (Customary Law)
- Authority is exercised at the hapū level, not by individual rangatira alone.
- Hongi Hika initiated the flag and Tino Rangatiratanga & Patukeha exercised direct authority over the ratification of Te Kara, meaning its customary ownership lay with the 'original owners'
- The rangatira present at Waitangi were acting on behalf of their hapū, not as individuals.
Who are the 'Original Owners' of Te Kara 10ft x 10ft & 16ft x 10ft? Patukeha - Eruera Pare Hongi, Eruera Maihi Pautone (Ngāpuhi, Hokianga), Hone Heke Pokai (Ngāpuhi), Te Wharerahi (Ngāpuhi, Te Waimate), Rewa (Ngāpuhi, Kororāreka), Moka Te Kainga-mataa (Ngāpuhi, Kororāreka), Tītore (Ngāpuhi, Tokorau), Te Rēweti Atuahaere, Kiwikiwi, Makoare Te Taonui (Te Popoto), Moetara Motu Tongaporutu (Ngati Korokoro) and 15 Rangatira. These chiefs, among others, voted on three flag designs, and the selected one became Te Kara, the first internationally recognised flag (10ft x 10ft & 10ft x 16ft) of Nu Tireni. The flag was later recognised by King William IV of Britain 1836 and was an important symbol of sovereignty, upholding the authority of He Tino Rangatiratanga & He Wakaputanga 1835 (3ft x 5ft)
Where was it raised? Raised as the international flag of their independent hapū confederation on the land—a symbol of their Tino Rangatiratanga (absolute sovereignty) at Waitangi on 20 March 1834. It has never been lowered, meaning the independence of our Nation and Hapu Whanau still stands today with our founding declaration He Wakaputanga 1835.
What is the legacy of the Te Kara Flag? Te Kara Flag represents Tino Rangatiratanga sovereignty ‘Mana Motuhake’ and unity globally and throughout the Commonwealth Nations. He Wakaputanga Article 4 explicitly mentions Te Kara, affirming it as an adopted flag of independence. The flag is flown by Tino Rangatiratanga for independence, self-determination and self-governance, however is a protectorate for all that gather under the jurisdiction flags of Te Kara 1834 (10ft x 10ft & 10ft x 16ft).
TE KARA + INTERNATIONAL RECOGNITION
Te Kara+ International Recognition (British Maritime Law)
- The 21-gun salute signified that the tino rangatira who selected the flag were recognised as its lawful sovereign representatives.
- King William IV officially recognised Te Kara in 1836, confirming our independent national status under international law.
- British diplomatic recognition was tied to those who controlled trade and shipping, further confirming that tino rangatirahad primary influence.
Who else recognises Te Kara Flag and the Mauri Nation? In the past two years, Te Kara has been acknowledged and recognised by: Jason-Paul: Greaves, Chief Post-Master General & Chief Harbour Master, EIRE Sovereign Nations (Great Britain, Scotland, England), Crown of England (British Crown), Sri Lanka (High Seas), Fiji, Vanuatu, Australia, Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, India, Greece, Spain, France, acknowledging Tino Rangatiratanga of Hapu as absolute sovereignty - Nu Tireni, Mauri Nation.
Did the EIRE Sovereign Nation recognise Te Kara Flag? Yes it was recognised in a written and witnessed treaty, in September 2024 by the Sovereign Nations of Ireland, Scotland and England.
TE KARA + WHAKAPAPA
1820 - King Hongi Hika meeting with King George IV on his visit to England. Hongi Hika (Ngāpuhi, Te Uri-o-Hua hapū, Ngati Tautahi) was closely related to Patukeha leadership through shared descent and intermarriage. Moka, Te Wharerahi, and Rewa were brothers whose mother, Te Auparo, was Hongi Hika’s paternal aunt, making them his close relatives (uncle/cousin relationship). This familial link reinforced their shared strategic and military interests.
1820 - Military Alliances During the Musket Wars - Hongi Hika, alongside Moka, Te Wharerahi, and Rewa, waged campaigns during the Musket Wars (1810s–1820s). They fought as allies, securing dominance in the north and establishing trade networks that later influenced the adoption of Te Kara. After Hongi's death in 1828, these Patukeha leaders remained dominant figures in Ngāpuhi diplomacy and trade.
1828 - Trade and Political Influence After Hongi’s Death - Ngāpuhi’s control over Kororāreka (Russell), the principal trading port, remained in the hands of Patukeha and closely allied hapū. Patukeha continued to be a leading force in international trade, particularly in shipping and commerce. The ratification of Te Kara (10ft x 10ft & 10ft x 16ft) was a trade-driven decision, ensuring vessels could operate under an internationally recognised flag.
1828 - 1834 Patukeha’s Role in the Selection of Te Kara - As the primary hapū influencing Ngāpuhi trade, Patukeha held direct authority over decisions related to maritime recognition. Moka, Te Wharerahi, and Rewa were the chief decision-makers at the Waitangi gathering, confirming that Patukeha had the greatest authority over Te Kara. Their relationship to Hongi Hika ensured the continuity of his strategic vision, reinforcing their influence over Ngāpuhi affairs.
1834 Te Kara Flag - Te Kara 3ft x 5ft Flag adopted at Waitangi. 25 Rangatira of Te Wakaminenga o Nga Hapū o Nu Tireni formally chose and adopted a national flag, Te Kara.
28 October 1835 - He Wakaputanga o te Rangatiratanga o Nu Tireni (Declaration of Independence) signed by 34 rangatira of Te Wakaminenga o Nga Hapū o Nu Tireni. This affirmed tino rangatiratanga (absolute sovereignty) and declared their independence. He Wakaputanga Article 4 explicitly references Te Kara as their national flag, sent to the King of England.
25 May 1836 - King William IV Recognises Te Kara & Te Wakaminenga A formal Letter of Recognition issued by King William IV (King of England). Acknowledged the independent status of the hapū confederation under He Wakaputanga. This recognition affirmed hapū sovereignty in international law.
1836–1840: International Recognition Te Kara 10ft x 10ft & 16ft x 10ft & Trade Nu Tireni vessels sailed under Te Kara, recognised by British Admiralty law and foreign powers. The flag represented Nu Tireni sovereignty in international trade and diplomacy.
Minutes documented by James Busby and British officials confirmed the selection of Te Kara 3ft x 5ft. He Wakaputanga affirmed Tino Rangatiratanga and referenced Te Kara as the flag of the confederation. King William IV's Recognition (1836) whereby official British Crown letter acknowledging Te Kara and Te Wakaminenga & Crown of the Maori Nation as independent. Published in British government papers, treaty mandate and diplomatic correspondence preserved in the National Archives in the United Kingdom. Ships flying Te Kara 16ft x 10ft internationally were recognised under international maritime law, and protected as sovereign vessels.
Conclusion: Te Kara 3ft x 5ft is the symbol of the Tino Rangatiratanga declared in He Wakaputanga 1835. It was formally recognised by the British Crown and international law in 1836. Its status as a national flag and sovereign symbol remains unchanged and binding under customary international law and treaty principles.
TE KARA + COUNTERFEIT FLAGS
Many Flags are counterfeit - Variations in different sizes, different numbers of points on the stars, different colours, different fimbriation colours and the gazetted counterfeit united tribes flag. See picture below.
TE KARA 10ft x 10ft & 10ft x 16ft + SALVAGE CLAIM
Te Kara + Salvage Law (Eades v Brazeltine)
- A Salvage claim can only be executed for the ‘original owners’ . Its meaning, status, and authority cannot be changed, revoked, or redefined by anyone other than the hapū rangatira who declared and affirmed it originally. Under international law and customary law, its recognition and status remain in force unless lawfully changed by the 'original owners'.
- Original Owners - the strongest claim under salvage claim law rests with Hongi Hika (Ngāpuhi, Te Uri-o-Hua hapū, Ngati Tautahi), Moka Te Kainga-mataa (Ngāpuhi, Kororāreka), Te Wharerahi (Ngāpuhi, Te Waimate), and Rewa (Ngāpuhi, Kororāreka) — Patukeha Hapu (Ngāpuhi).
Why did we have to do a Salvage Claim? Because we have so many variations, sizes, different jurisdictions, ceremonial, designs and fraud gazette notice 1835, we needed to salvage to ensure precision and truth in language and what is correct for Tino Rangatiratanga, Sovereignty, Governance and International recognition going forward. To stop fraud, confusion, jurisdictional challenges and misunderstandings. The salvage claim could only be conducted for the 'original owners' for the 10ft x 10ft Land Flag and 16th x 10ft Sea Flag.
Who did we do the Salvage Claim for?The claim for salvage was executed on behalf of 'original owners' Hongi Hika (Ngāpuhi, Te Uri-o-Hua hapū, Ngati Tautahi), Moka Te Kainga-mataa (Ngāpuhi, Kororāreka), Te Wharerahi (Ngāpuhi, Te Waimate), and Rewa (Ngāpuhi, Kororāreka) — Patukeha Hapu (Ngāpuhi). The salvage claim recognises the ongoing authority of descendants and 'original owners'.
What are the Salvage Claim details? It is DOC/SAL/FRM So7D2024, dated 09 December 2024 - A claim to notify all relevant parties that Tino Rangatiratanga restored the mana of Te Kara and rightful standing in accordance with tikanga and international salvage law. The preservation and restoration of Te Kara as a tangible symbol of Sovereignty is a matter of constitutional significance.
Who was the salvage claim command done with? Tumuaki Lady-Crown: Turikatuku III Post-Master-General of Nu Tireni on behalf of the Sovereign Crown of the Mauri Nation, a sovereign and descendant of Hongi Hika & Turikatuku III. UPU Jason-Paul: Greaves the Chief Post-Master General & Chief Harbour Master issued the Salvage Claim.
What documents are associated with the Salvage Claim? Federal Postal Service Headquarters hand-over letter (1 Page), Report of Wreck and Salvage (2 Pages), Te Kara Flag Salvage Claim (24 Pages), Te Kara Flag & Constitution 1834 (11 Pages), Te Kara Flag Charter 2024.
Who can use the Salvage Claim? The Sovereign Crown of the Mauri Nation are the Kaitiaki. The sovereign descendants that can whakapapa to the body of the tupuna of the 'original owners', can apply for the ‘right of use’ of the salvage claim.
Why did Tumuaki Lady-Crown: Turikatuku III do the salvage claim? Because she is a descendant to the body of original initiator Hongi Hika and tupuna Hone Heke Pokai.
It is legal? Salvage claim under DOC/SAL/FRM So7D2024 is historically and legally precise, ensuring that tikanga tino rangatiratanga, international maritime law, and British diplomatic recognition are all accounted for.
Who is the Post-Master-General of Nu Tireni on the Salvage Claim? Tumuaki Lady-Crown: Turikatuku III is the Post-Master-General of Nu Tireni, Nu Tirei Post Office acknowledged by UPU Jason-Paul: Greaves, Chief Post-Master General & Chief Harbour Master.
How can the Te Kara + Salvage Claim be challenged? Any challenge to the salvage claim must be made under tikanga-based dispute resolution processes or within a competent jurisdiction that acknowledges He Wakaputanga 1835 as a foundational constitutional instrument and declaration.
TE KARA + TITLE 4 FLAG
What does the Te Kara Flag 1834 + Title 4 Flag mean? Salvage claim was completed in conjunction with the Title 4 Flag. Te Kara Flag 1834 (10ft x 10ft & 16ft x 10ft) as the internationally recognised symbol of Tino Rangatiratanga Sovereignty and Independence, in conjunction with the Title 4 Flag as a representation of Correct-Sentence-Structure Communication Parse Syntax Grammar (C.S.S.C.P.S.G.), ensuring precision and truth in language. This signifies the assertion of pre-existing and continuous sovereign authority, independent of statutory or corporate governance structures.
TE KARA + LODIAL LAND DEED
What is Lodial Land? Te Kara Flag (10ft x 10ft & 16ft x 10ft) is the foundation and land deed for Tino Rangatiratanga upholding He Wakaputanga o te Rangatiratanga o Nu Tireni 1835 Article 2 "All sovereign power and authority over the lands of Nu Tireni shall remain with the chiefs in their collective capacity and with their individual tribes." Affirming that Tino Rangatiratanga hold absolute sovereignty over their lands and that no decisions about the land can be made without the consent of the chiefs and their hapū. Further affirmed authoirty, land ownership and sovereignty in Te Tiriti o Waitangi 1840.
TE KARA + TE TIRITI O WAITANGI
Te Tiriti o Waitangi 1840: The flag is recognised internationally.
TE KARA + RECORDS
Primary Claim Holder: Crown Irrevocable Trust on behalf of 'original owners' Hongi Hika (Ngāpuhi, Te Uri-o-Hua hapū, Ngati Tautahi), Moka Te Kainga-mataa (Ngāpuhi, Kororāreka), Te Wharerahi (Ngāpuhi, Te Waimate), and Rewa (Ngāpuhi, Kororāreka) — Patukeha Hapu (Ngāpuhi).
Primary Record Location of Archives: www.mauricrown.org
Flag 10ft x 10ft Location: Nu Tireni
Flag 16ft x 10ft Location: High Seas
Flag 3ft x 5ft Location: Hapu Ceremonies
Te Kara original design Archive: Colonial Office Record CO209/1 p.124 (microfilm only)
Right to Use Salvage Claim Application & Records: www.mauricrown.org
All Rights Reserved
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RIGHT TO USE Expression of Interest. Apply to Sovereign Crown of the Mauri Nation
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FOR MORE INFORMATION ON TE KARA + NATIVE EARTH CLAIM = SALVAGE CLAIM = TITLE 4 CLAIM