5. I guess you might want to know who I am

Patricia Roberts (2005)

Hello – yes, that's me on the left. I know some people felt annoyed when lots of high-profile New Zealanders tried to push the whole flag and referendum idea onto the rest of us, so let me first say that I don’t have any fancy credentials, and I’m not rich or famous, or even a proper artist. I’m just an everyday mum who wants a new flag, with an idea that endeavours to keep everyone happy. (See Page 1 – and my flag designs).

I've had a lot to do with older people, and a number of my relatives fought in the war, so it matters that their viewpoint is taken into account. For them especially, I hope I've made it a little easier to understand the reasons for changing the flag (and provided some answers for the concerns people have). Whether you agree with my thinking or not, I will be pleased to hear your views. I’m sure my ideas are more important than anything about me, but if it helps to know I’m a genuine Kiwi, then read on .....

I am from a large rural Hawke’s Bay family (8 kids), and have 4 adult children of my own. My New Zealand heritage goes back to the earliest colonial settlers. Before the Depression, my mother’s family owned and farmed Forsyth Island in the Marlborough Sounds. My paternal grandfather was a Civil Engineer, involved in major works that included the Mohaka Viaduct, the Auckland Harbour Bridge, and the Christchurch to Lyttelton Tunnel.

I have no Maori blood, but have regard for the Maori perspective. My father went to Raupunga Native School, my daughter sat School C Maori Language, and at Kereru School my sisters and I learnt how to make and use Maori poi, piupiu etc, as well as some basic language and songs. When I looked for something suitable for my flag/s, I was in awe of the incredibly clever designs of Maori kowhaiwhai patterns (and decided on a simple koru, familiar to us all).

I do not think of myself as European, and the term makes me feel alienated. I am simply a New Zealander – proud to be Pakeha, and New Zealand is where I belong – totally. I am grateful the Treaty gives me that absolute right and assurance. I have travelled very little overseas, but have seen much of our beautiful country. I am enormously proud of being a New Zealander, and I just think our flag should be about us, and not about Britain which is thousands of miles away.

A special thankyou to my son, Michael, for all his help in setting up this website (2005).

To visitors in 2010: Thanks for reading my thoughts and ideas. Now you can read what others think, then click your vote. (If the page doesn't respond, please try again later).

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