Dear shadowminister,

What a prissy little comment.

Tell me should the CSIRO forego any future earnings by opensourcing its WiFi technology?

"This technology is a part of all recent WiFi implementations. As of April 2012, the CSIRO has earned over $430 million in royalties and settlements arising from the use of this patent as part of the 802.11 standards with as much as a billion dollars expected after further lawsuits against other parties."

And why aren't you a rent seeker? You have seemingly profited greatly from government immigration and negative gearing policies in the sale of your house. Are you going to return the profits?

Anyway aren't you a supporter of the free market? Haven't you railed against China breaking patents? Isn't the protection of intellectual rights championed by your president?

How about at least a little consistency?

Oh wait, I get it, it is because he is Black isn't it. Upstart of a fellow it seems. Not deserving of the support you would have given him otherwise.

You can be deeply hypocritical sometimes mate.

Hi Steele,

The wife gave herself the task of explaining the inner meanings and symbolism of the Ngati Hine Iwi (her tribe) flag. The 'facebook' link below shows the flag displayed in Antarctica. Its important that others, particularly the young members, understand the meaning of what they are looking at, ask questions, and offer opinions, which they did. Its much more than a colourful array of geometric shape, which at first glance it would appear to be just that.

The Green of mountains representing the lands of the many hapu (sub tribes within the Iwi). The diamond shape from the korowai (cloak) of Paramount Chief Kawiti (1770?-1854) representing leadership past and present. Black outer, the times before life and the people, the mystery time of the gods. Yellow when light came and the Red of the blood of the parting of Rangi and Papa the primordial parents, the Sky father and Earth mother, long story. There is much more but that's about what I can remember.

http://www.facebook.com/NH.Hineamaru/posts/te-kara-o-ngati-hine-at-the-south-poleour-ngati-hine-flag-has-also-been-to-antar/1834826466663907/

We really need a flag design that reflects our Asianess.

Yellow on a red background comes to mind.

Misop,

If you're so keen, get to work on it then .....

Foulmouth

Paul,

My brother's partner and their two lovely girls are from around Parakao, out west from Whangarei. I'll have to ask them about this whipu. Small world :)

Cheers,

Joe

Steele and Loudmouth, " It doesn't mean that the Dutch or Croats etc. are claiming any particular bit of Australia - their flags represent their cultural attachments to their countries of origin,"

Those flags don't fly side by side with the Australian flag under the Flag Act. The fact the law allows, or requires in some jurisdictions, that an aboriginal nation that never existed be symbolized is something I don't support. It represents a push for treaty and sovereignty where no nation ever stood. I support native title and land-rights claims alongside racist welfare arrangements, but not a flag that grows to represent a division of this country more and more each day.