Story: Taranaki region

The invasion of Parihaka (2nd of 2)

The invasion of Parihaka

Members of the Constabulary Field Force prepare to advance on Parihaka in late 1881. On 5 November more than 1,500 armed men surrounded the township and arrested passive-resistance leaders Te Whiti-o-Rongomai and Tohu Kākahi. Over the next few weeks many of the residents were evicted and their houses were destroyed. The two chiefs were given an enforced tour of the South Island, designed to demonstrate to them the advantages and power of Pākehā society. They were returned to Parihaka in 1883.

After many years of decline, the village of Parihaka was rejuvenated in the late 20th century. From 2006 it was the venue for the annual Parihaka Peace Festival, which drew visitors from all over New Zealand.

Using this item

Alexander Turnbull Library, Parihaka Album
Reference: PA1-q-183-19
Photograph by W. A. Collis

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:

Ron Lambert, 'Taranaki region - Māori–Pākehā conflict', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/photograph/25325/the-invasion-of-parihaka (accessed 28 March 2024)

Story by Ron Lambert, updated 1 Aug 2015