Between the 2nd and 4th of December, 10 Presbyterians from Auckland and Wellington, along with Wellington Anglican Youth and the Urban Vision network, had the privillage of staying in one of the Marae at Parihaka pa. While they were there, they repainted a church in preparation for the International Parihaka Peace festival in March 2006 and listened to the stories of the history of Parihaka.

Parihaka was a refuge for displaced Maori during the Taranaki land wars of the mid to late 1800's. At one stage, it was the largest Maori village in New Zealand. The two leaders, Te Whiti-o-Rongomai and Tohu Kakahi, were strong advocates of peace, non-violence and passive resistance. Parihaka was invaded by Governemnt forces on the 5th of November 1881 as a result of greed for land. The people of Parihaka used no weapons to resist them, only peaceful means. Their leaders and many of the men were arrested and help without trial, some for as long as 17 years. Parihaka today stands as both a living village and a lasting monument to 'peace on earth and goodwill to all'.

For more information about Parihaka visit www.parihaka.com

Here are some of the photo's from the visit. Click on each to see a larger version.