Today we remember a significant day in our NZ History

Parihaka was invaded in 1881 by NZ Soldiers.  The leaders and whanau of Parihaka sat peacefully on the marae while the children offered Manaakitanga, the children went out to the soldiers offering bread freshly baked by the women of Parihaka. Nobody was killed on that day. The leaders of Parihaka, Tohu Kākahi and Te Whiti o Rongomai, were arrested without trial. 

The Parihaka village was a centre for non-violent resistance to government confiscation of land. Many of those arrested we sent down to Dunedin and were imprisoned in caves along the peninsula and lost their lives there.

I struggle that this significant and remarkable event in NZ history is not recognised more.  We celebrate Halloween and Guy Fawkes but maybe the offering of hospitality and the fireworks would be a better fit remembering the manaakitanga offered and the guns that did not fire.
The non-violent resistant response by the Parihaka people and their leaders is a vital and pivotal part of our history, a guide to future peaceful relationships for all people.

If you would like to know more about this, here is a link to a Caritas Resource.

All Souls and All Saints

This week we also celebrated on Monday All Saints and Tuesday All Souls, we remember those that have passed on.  We pray for all those who have died, Eternal rest grant unto them O Lord and let perpetual light shine upon them.  For those who grieve may they feel the loving support of those around them.