Background
The Parihaka Settlement is symbolically a statement of Maori resistance and strength to defy Eurocentric beliefs and confiscation of native Maori land. Two emerging prophets, Te Whiti o Rongomai and Tohu Kakahi established the Taranaki settlement to reflect their peaceful values in the hope to achieve civil and peaceful relations between Maori and Pakeha.
Where is Parihaka?
Parihaka is a small community/ village established in 1865 by Tohu Kakahi and Te Whiti o Rongomai. It is located seven kilometers inland from the coast near Pungarehu in Taranaki in the North Island of New Zealand. Even though it is a small settlement, it is home to a powerful history. Parihaka was inhabited by Maori people and at its peak, was home to 1300 Maori.
Parihaka is still visited by descendants of Te Whiti and Tohu on the 18th of every month and holds an annual international peace festival in January. Following the Invasion and into the 20th and 21st Century, a growing awareness has evolved on the grievances, violence and injustices that Maori faced at Parihaka and has been addressed by the Waitgani Tribunal to settle such grievances. People, descendants, who are directly affected by the Invasion, ask for revered remembrance on the conflict and wish to keep the prophets peaceful legacy in their hearts.
Parihaka is a small community/ village established in 1865 by Tohu Kakahi and Te Whiti o Rongomai. It is located seven kilometers inland from the coast near Pungarehu in Taranaki in the North Island of New Zealand. Even though it is a small settlement, it is home to a powerful history. Parihaka was inhabited by Maori people and at its peak, was home to 1300 Maori.
Parihaka is still visited by descendants of Te Whiti and Tohu on the 18th of every month and holds an annual international peace festival in January. Following the Invasion and into the 20th and 21st Century, a growing awareness has evolved on the grievances, violence and injustices that Maori faced at Parihaka and has been addressed by the Waitgani Tribunal to settle such grievances. People, descendants, who are directly affected by the Invasion, ask for revered remembrance on the conflict and wish to keep the prophets peaceful legacy in their hearts.
Establishment
Formerly know as Repanga, Tohu and Te Whiti established Parihaka; a pacifist community. The teachings at Parihaka were based off Te Ua Haumene’s (see ‘Key Individuals & People) Hauhau principals; peace being the centre of all teachings. The community did not follow the rituals of Hauhau notably with the niu pole no longer used in worship and followers did not consider themselves as Jews of the religion (like Te Ua had preached) but rather “lost sheep of the House of Israel” and “the Chosen People.” [1] However similar to Hauhau, the teachings of the prophets were drawn from the Old Testament and held monthly meetings on the 17th (this later became the 18th) preaching up to 2000 members of the public. Te Whiti and Tohu were regarded as significant figures for Maori in Taranaki and considered as symbols of Maori resistance to colonisation. [2] Many of their teachings included the spiritual and sacredness of the land and gelled the members of Parihaka, encouraging and teaching them on peaceful resistance and maintaining peaceful relations with Europeans so not to incur war with them. Under the guidance of Te Whiti and Tohu, Parihaka strengthened and grew to become known as one of the largest settlements in the Taranaki region; by the 1870s the largest Maori settlement in New Zealand with around 1300 people.
[1] http://history-nz.org/parihaka.html
[2] http://history-nz.org/parihaka.html
Formerly know as Repanga, Tohu and Te Whiti established Parihaka; a pacifist community. The teachings at Parihaka were based off Te Ua Haumene’s (see ‘Key Individuals & People) Hauhau principals; peace being the centre of all teachings. The community did not follow the rituals of Hauhau notably with the niu pole no longer used in worship and followers did not consider themselves as Jews of the religion (like Te Ua had preached) but rather “lost sheep of the House of Israel” and “the Chosen People.” [1] However similar to Hauhau, the teachings of the prophets were drawn from the Old Testament and held monthly meetings on the 17th (this later became the 18th) preaching up to 2000 members of the public. Te Whiti and Tohu were regarded as significant figures for Maori in Taranaki and considered as symbols of Maori resistance to colonisation. [2] Many of their teachings included the spiritual and sacredness of the land and gelled the members of Parihaka, encouraging and teaching them on peaceful resistance and maintaining peaceful relations with Europeans so not to incur war with them. Under the guidance of Te Whiti and Tohu, Parihaka strengthened and grew to become known as one of the largest settlements in the Taranaki region; by the 1870s the largest Maori settlement in New Zealand with around 1300 people.
[1] http://history-nz.org/parihaka.html
[2] http://history-nz.org/parihaka.html
“Me aha ia rā e mauru e ko te hau ka wherū, whakamomotu, e whiuwhiu ana kei te Uru, kei te Tonga.”
"Despite the apparent calm, there
is a wind that batters, that shreds
and casts us about, in the West
and in the South."
E rere rā – Parihaka waiata
is a wind that batters, that shreds
and casts us about, in the West
and in the South."
E rere rā – Parihaka waiata