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Parihaka is a small settlement in Taranaki with a big place in history.
By the late 1800s it was known as the largest Maori village during the Maori Land wars. Te Whiti o Rongomai and Tohu Kākahi were charismatic leaders of the community who were committed to non violent resistance. This was due, in part to their strong Christian beliefs combined with a passion for, and understanding of, the Maori way.
The Parihaka method of resisting through protests and other methods was not appreciated by the europeans, leading to the incarceration of many of its men and the eventual plundering and occupation of the village.
Finally, in 1898, the last of the prisoners were returned home, ending 19 years of exile. Today the events and indeed the attitudes of this amazing group of people have inspired the Parihaka International Peace Festival, an annual event recognising the importance of non-violent resistance.