Bastion Point flag

This small flag was made for a concert and programme of events to commemorate the 45th anniversary of the eviction at Takaparawhau / Bastion Point in 1978.

It features the iconic black, red and white mangōpare hammerhead shark symbol. Black represents the people, red represents the blood shed by the people, and the white mangōpare design represents the strength, agility and tenacity of the people.

It was designed by the leading figure of the occupation, Dr Joseph (Joe) Hawke MNZM (Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei, 1940-2022), to be flown at Bastion Point during the occupation, 1977-78.

In January 1977, protesters began a 506-day occupation of Takaparawhau led by the Ōrākei Māori Action Committee against the government's decision to build houses on Ngāti Whātua land at Takaparawhau. On 25 May 1978, the government sent in a huge force of police and army personnel to evict the occupation. 222 protesters were arrested, and their temporary meeting house, buildings, and gardens were demolished. The Bastion Point occupation became one of the most famous protest actions and infamous state interventions in New Zealand history.

Ten years after the eviction in 1988, the Waitangi Tribunal supported Ngāti Whātua claims to the land, and it was returned.

Commemoration

Commemorative events were held early on ranging from music concerts to remembrance ceremonies. The programme of events on the day of the 45th anniversary concert held on 25 May 2023 included karakia, a Pink Ribbon breakfast, a symposium, and kai. The concert was held in the evening at the Tuning Fork, Spark Arena, Auckland.