Story: Missions and missionaries

Pai Mārire

Pai Mārire

Followers of the Pai Mārire religion in Tataroa, Taranaki, hold a ceremony under their sacred niu pole in 1865. Pai Mārire (good and peaceful) developed as a Māori religious response to disputes over land sales. It combined elements of Christian teaching with traditional Māori beliefs. The three flags flying from the niu pole played an important part of the ceremony.

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Alexander Turnbull Library
Reference: B-139-014

Permission of the Alexander Turnbull Library, National Library of New Zealand, Te Puna Mātauranga o Aotearoa, must be obtained before any re-use of this image.

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How to cite this page:

Peter J. Lineham, 'Missions and missionaries - Decline of missionary influence', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/artwork/28020/pai-marire (accessed 29 March 2024)

Story by Peter J. Lineham, published 5 May 2011, reviewed & revised 8 Aug 2018