With arrests taking place in both Australia and the UK over people simply displaying the national flag, it is worth highlighting a disturbing case closer to home.
Last year, during the Te Pāti Māori organised Toitu Te Tiriti march, a man named Phil Engel was carrying the New Zealand flag on High Street, Masterton. He was not blocking marchers or causing disruption. He walked in front of the protest, keeping a safe distance, his flag held up quietly and peacefully.
What happened next was shocking. Engel was shoved by one of the movement’s leaders, sparking a scuffle. In the process, his flag was snapped in half.
