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Parihaka Day

Parihaka Day

 

Cultural events are listed here with basic background details. For specific events, dates, and times, please see the Featured Events on the Cultural Calendar main page.

 

 

EVENT DESCRIPTION

November 5th is largely observed as Guy Fawkes Day across New Zealand, but for some Māori, it is a time for a very different reason. In Taranaki 1881 on the same day, also known as Te Ra o te Pahua or the Day of Plunder was the day of Parihaka - te Pahuatanga when about 1500-armed constabulary and volunteers led by the Native Affairs Minister, John Bryce, invaded Parihaka. In the months leading up to the invasion, troops surrounded the peaceful Taranaki Māori Village, setting up a cannon on a nearby hill. But there no bloody battle, instead, soldiers entering the village were greeted by women and children singing and presenting them with baskets of bread. Following the invasion of Parihaka, the leaders Tohu Kahahi and Te Whiti o Rongomai were arrested and imprisoned without trial. In 2017, more than 100 years later, the Crown was again met with singing children and baskets of food at Parihaka, though the circumstances this time were different. The Crown was there to deliver te Whakapaha a formal apology for its actions over Parihaka. 

Key Terms: Remembering Parihaka/Day of Plunder/Reconciliation

LIKELY DATES

5th November every year.

 

Parihaka_Day 

 
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