The Invasion of Parihaka was a significant event in New Zealand’s early history that was caused by a number of underlying factors that resulted in a continued strained relationship between Pakeha and Maori. In the lead up to the Invasion, pressure from Pakeha for Maori to conform to Eurocentric beliefs, and holding the idea that Europeans were a more superior race than Maori (social Darwinist beliefs) combined with issues of sovereignty and land ownership was met with resistance and a peaceful religious movement lead by Tohu Kakahi and Te Whiti O Rongomai. Tohu and Te Whiti were two significant figures that lead the people of Parihaka into peaceful resistance and non-violent non-cooperation to land confiscations, holding onto their Christian beliefs and desisting from harmful protest actions that would invoke conflict with Pakeha. While Maori tried to abstain from conflict, on November 5 1881, some 1600 volunteers and Armed Constabulary troops, led by Native Minister John Bryce, marched onto the settlement, ordered the dispersal of settlement inhabitants, destruction of the village and ordered for Tohu and Te Whiti to be detained and arrested on the grounds of going against the New Zealand government. During the Invasion, the settlement was sacked and due to the loss of both leaders, most Maori left the village and the strong legacy of Parihaka was disintegrated. The New Zealand government took further legislative measures against the settlement, confiscating land and implementing punitive legislation. Maori, inspired by the legislative crimes against their livelihood, continued on resistance and initiated campaigns to reinforce their sense of injustice caused by the Invasion. Arguably, the government held a negative view of Parihaka that continued through to the twenty-first century and measures taken in the early 2000s, with the help of the Waitangi tribunal, was to settle grievances, mend relations and restore to Maori (considerably land) what had rightfully been theirs.
Parihaka- Tim Finn and the Herbs
Even at the darkest hour, his presence will remain
'Parihaka' was sung by Tim Finn (1989) featuring the band The Herbs. Inspired by Ask That Mountain, (Dick Scott, 1975) Finn wrote and recorded 'Parihaka' to be a voice to Maori and to allow the modern audience to understand the significance of the historical event. Filmed over a night at Auckland Art Gallery, Fane Flaws and cinematographer Alun Bollinger worked together to create the music video. Colin McCahon's Parihaka triptych is the centrepiece of the video.
Popular websites, such as YouTube and NZ On Screen, have many audio and visual clips on the Invasion of Parihaka and historical affairs surrounding the time. Users on YouTube can upload personal videos showing their understanding, perspectives and sympathy on the Invasion. The significance of this is that the Invasion is still remembered by the general public (Pakeha and Maori) and allows for the injustices felt by Maori continue to be heard.