Editing Tino rangatiratanga (section)

== Calls for tino rangatiratanga ==
One of the foundational examples of Māori assertions of sovereignty is ''He Whakaputanga o te Rangatiratanga o Nu Tireni'' (The Declaration of Independence, 1835). Signed by northern Māori chiefs, this document affirmed Māori sovereignty over New Zealand and continues to be referenced, particularly by Ngāpuhi, as a basis for Māori independence. For example, groups like Ngāti Hine have expressed interest in pursuing greater autonomy or hapū-level independence. Activists such as Donna Awatere Huata have also advanced the cause of self-determination, envisioning full independence in works like ''Māori Sovereignty''.

A [[National Māori flag|''tino rangatiratanga'' flag]] was designed in 1989 and has become accepted as a national flag for Māori groups across New Zealand.<ref>{{cite web |date=2016-01-13 |title=Flags |url=http://www.teara.govt.nz/en/flags |access-date=2016-03-07 |publisher=[[Te Ara: The Encyclopedia of New Zealand]]}}</ref> The Tino Rangatiratanga flag has become a prominent symbol of sovereignty, often seen during protests. In some instances, these protests include explicit calls for Māori independence and the rejection of New Zealand government authority. Small radical groups, such as Nga Iwi Morehu, have echoed these sentiments, drawing on findings like the Waitangi Tribunal’s Wai 1040 report, which asserts that Māori never ceded sovereignty under the Treaty of Waitangi.