Growing numbers celebrate Nelson’s Parihaka connection
Almost a century-and-a-half after armed troops invaded Parihaka, Whakatū’s connection to the Taranaki township made famous by prophet and leader Te Whiti-o-Rongomai is growing.
On Tuesday, about 200 gathered in Anzac Park at dawn to mark Parihaka Day, remembering November 5, 1881, when more than 1500 armed men entered the township and arrested leaders Te Whiti and Tohu Kākahi.
Later, on their tour of New Zealand as captives, Te Whiti and Tohu were held for a time in Whakatū.
Run by the Ngā manu kōrero o Parihaka mai Whakatū and Nelson Quakers, the annual dawn ceremony has grown from a handful of attendees to the crowd who stood in Anzac Park to remember and honour Te Whiti and Tohu, and reflect on the need for peace.
Reverend Harvey Ruru acknowledged those who had fought in conflicts, including the 28th Māori Battalion.
“Remember those who have gone on in battles; the battles going on in the world.”
Mayor Nick Smith said the event took place on a “historic and nervous” day, as the world waited for the outcome of the US election.
While there were some parts of New Zealand of which we could be proud, Parihaka was one of the “worst instances” of wrongdoing, Smith said.
“If we are to go forward as a nation, we need to acknowledge the harm, hurt and wrong back in the 19th century.”
Nelson MP Rachel Boyack remarked on the growing numbers attending the dawn event, and the connection Whakatū had to Parihaka – on both sides.
“We sent troops to be part of the invasion. We had Te Whiti and Tohu sent here, hosted by us. We welcomed them as well as imprisoning them.”
Parihaka Day is about peace and harmony, and Boyack acknowledged this was something to continue to strive for, including in Aotearoa, where the Treaty Principles Bill threatened to divide and harm the country.
After the ceremony, the crowd filtered into the Bridge Club, welcomed by waiata from Te Mana Hā, for breakfast provided by the Quakers.
By Warren Gamble, Nelson Mail
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