Parihaka
Our Relationship with Parihaka
In the turbulent 19th century, under the leadership of Tohu Kākahi and Te Whiti o Rongomai, Parihaka became a place of refuge for displaced Māori and of non-violent resistance to the confiscation of Māori land.
Caritas has worked with the communities of Parihaka to provide materials designed to help Catholic parishes, schools and the wider community learn about the history and current reality of Parihaka.
Remembering Parihaka
In 2013, Caritas responded to a growing desire by Catholic parishes and schools to honour the memory of Parihaka. In consultation with the Parihaka community, Caritas produced a 12-page booklet to help groups and individuals to pray and reflect on its story and non-violent resistance to injustice, in the light of Catholic social teaching.
A Caritas delegation presented the booklet Remembering Parihaka to the Parihaka community after consulting them over its preparation.
This booklet enables us to reflect on the impact of injustice today.
Remembering Parihaka includes:
An introduction to the story of Parihaka
Some insights on Parihaka today
Reflections on the application of Catholic social teaching
Liturgical material
Links to school curriculum to assist with a classroom discussion or school liturgy
Parihaka Remembrance Day
Caritas Aotearoa New Zealand encourages communities to take the opportunity to learn about and remember the story of Parihaka on 5 November 1881.
The invasion of Parihaka, the atrocities committed against the community and the non-violent response has left a legacy that continues to this day. The Parihaka community received a Crown apology in 2017 but continues to live with the ongoing consequences of land confiscation.
The commemoration of this day is an example of a Māori community that led the way in non-violent resistance in the face of injustice.