Kōrero: Conscription, conscientious objection and pacifism

Religious leaders and pacifists Te Whiti-o-Rongomai and Tohu Kākahi built up a pan-tribal community at Parihaka in Taranaki in the late 19th century. Much of the village was destroyed by a large military force in 1881, and Te Whiti, Tohu and other leaders were imprisoned. They later returned to Parihaka and rebuilt the community. This photo shows Te Whiti's son-in-law Taare Waitara with a class of children in the early 20th century. Many wear or display a white feather symbolising non-violence.