On November 5, 1881, about 1600 troops invaded the western Taranaki settlement of Parihaka, which had come to symbolise peaceful resistance to the confiscation of Māori land. Its main leaders were Te Whiti-o-Rongomai and Tohu Kākahi.
They developed tactics of nonviolent resistance to prevent the taking of their land and constantly frustrated those who were behind the moves against them. On this day the leaders were arrested and the village inhabitants were dispersed.
Loving God
as we remember the nonviolent attempts by the people at Parihaka to hold on to their land, we pray for first peoples around the world who have enduring similar struggles for land and recognition.
We ask that their concerns be taken with great seriousness and actions taken to address the wrongs of the past.
Amen
By Fr Pat O'Shea - Lower Hutt
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