Waikanae Watch Book Review: ‘Parihaka: The Facts’

The activities of the South Taranaki Maori settlement and its occupation by the Armed Constabulary on 5 November 1881 have a special place in our history.  The episode features prominently in history books and online, and is often mentioned by the media and commemorated in music, drama, art and dance. There is even a Parihaka Day called the “Day of Plunder”.Much has been written about the passive resistance to settler land development, which was initiated by the Prophets Te Whiti and Tohu, near Parihaka in the 1870s. These Maori leaders are seen as iconic heroes, preaching peace and standing up to an unreasonable and oppressive government.
Furthermore, there has been general condemnation of the “invasion” of the peaceful settlement in 1881 by a large armed force of about 1600 Armed Constabulary and Volunteers, led by Native Minister John Bryce.
But have we been getting a full and balanced account of Parihaka and its history?
https://waikanaewatch.org//?s=parihaka&search=Go

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