The Significance of the Event
The Invasion of Parihaka had a profound impact on Taranaki Maori, those living in the Parihaka settlement and continues to be a lasting legacy and example of the mistreatment of Maori under European rule. Immediately following the Invasion, the settlement was sacked in an attempt by Bryce and his troops to destroy the spirit of Parihaka Maori and continued to ensure Maori knew their place in society by taking away their control of land and bestowing it as land reserves after an introduction of further punnative legislation. Inspired to show their sense of injustice many Maori, under the leadership of Parihaka prophets Te Whiti o Rongomai and Tohu Kakahi, carried out campaigns such as The Marching Campaign, Whare Building Campaign and protested against the Dog Tax using these as a way to reinforce the grievances felt amongst Maori. In the late 1990s, the Waitangi Tribunal set about to resolve Maori grievances in the hope to also strengthen relations between Maori and Pakeha by repaying large sums of money to compenstate for confiscated land and issued a formal apology to Taranakai Maori in a 1996 report. The Invasion of Parihaka, lead by Bryce and 1600 governmental troops, was an accumulation of tension between Maori and Pakeha and the belief of the government to decimate the settlement to prevent an outbreak of war. The settlement was believed to be a rebellion against the government and thought teachings in the settlement was centered on Maori superiority. The Invasion of Parihaka was contributed to by a number of causes such as pressure on the government, by European settlers, for New Zealand land to buy and inhabit that would be sourced as Maori land. Holding onto Eurocentric ideas in the belief that European settlers could in fact ‘outcompete’ the Maori race (a combination of Social Darwinism and the Fatal Impact Theory) led to confusion over sovereignty and the right for Maori to live autonomously; as seen through the Parihaka settlement. In the hope to set straight the rights of Maori, campaigns were initiated, such as the Ploughmen Campaign, to resist actions against the government but in a passive light. Te Whiti and Tohu, from the Taranaki region, created the Parihaka settlement in reflection of their Christian values and to live autonomously of the government, reinforcing the idea that Maori were self-sufficient peoples and had the same rights as European settlers. Infuriating the government, Te Whiti and Tohu preached on the importance on desisting from violent protest action against the government instead passively resisting.
Looking at the Past to the Present
Even though Maori will never forget what happened in the past, they can forgive. The Waitangi Tribunal allowed for Maori to move on and to accept what had happened in the past. Their grievances had been heard and the government acknowledged the mistreatment and injustice Maori faced at the time of the Invasion. Now, both Maori and Pakeha can work together to mend the relationship that had always been strained. If Maori and Pakeha can do this, it will serve as a significant example (and credit to both races) not only to modern day New Zealanders but to other countries and races who are also suffering with broken race relations.
Wider Consequences
An overview of the wider consequences, of the Invasion, and thus the lasting impact on the modern New Zealand society can be uncovered to discover the significance of the Invasion.
Looking at the Past to the Present
Even though Maori will never forget what happened in the past, they can forgive. The Waitangi Tribunal allowed for Maori to move on and to accept what had happened in the past. Their grievances had been heard and the government acknowledged the mistreatment and injustice Maori faced at the time of the Invasion. Now, both Maori and Pakeha can work together to mend the relationship that had always been strained. If Maori and Pakeha can do this, it will serve as a significant example (and credit to both races) not only to modern day New Zealanders but to other countries and races who are also suffering with broken race relations.
Wider Consequences
An overview of the wider consequences, of the Invasion, and thus the lasting impact on the modern New Zealand society can be uncovered to discover the significance of the Invasion.
- Historians have conlcuded that the impact of colonial settlers and the emergence of the colonial government (during the Invasion) on the Taranaki region has been severe. Historians believe a ‘post-war syndrome’ has been a result. The colonial experience for Maori on a whole has paved the significance of the event on past and modern audiences.
- European reinforcement that the future of Maori was on the brink extinction and that idea there was no future for Moari made later generations of Maori believe that there was no future in being Maori. This was supported by the social theories of social Darwininism and Fatal Impact Theory. Such ideas were seen and carried through a century from the 1870s to 1970s,
- There is a distinctive lack of Te Reo Maori speakers in Taranaki which remains as a lasting impact of the Invasion and colonial experience.
- Traditional knowledge (usually held by Maori elders and leaders) on land management and genealogy are in short supply.
- Older Maori of the Taranaki region relay their experiences of not being allowed to speak Maori and were pressured (by Pakeha) into a Pakeha idealised way of life. Maori felt that they were not allowed to express their heritage and to acknowledge who they truly were.
- The effect of land confiscations are still felt in the present day and have left cultural and social impacts as a result.