The Raukura (white feather) is a sign of peace associated with the people of Parihaka.

 Remember, remember, the 5th of November,

Gunpowder, treason and plot.

I see no reason

Why gunpowder treason

Should ever be forgot

This is the first verse of an old nursery rhyme.  It tells the story of Guy Fawkes and the plot to blow up the English Parliament.  

It has always struck me as ironic that this date and first verse could be used to tell the story of what the British did to the innocent and peaceful people of Parihaka.

The 5th of November commemorates the day the British invaded the peaceful people of Parihaka.  About 1600 troops invaded the western Taranaki settlement of Parihaka, which had come to symbolise peaceful resistance to the confiscation of Māori land. 

He will judge between the nations and will settle disputes for many peoples. They will beat their swords into plough shares and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation will not take up sword against nation, nor will they train for war anymore. Isaiah 2

Go put your hands to the plough. Look not back. If any come with guns, be not afraid. If they smite you, smite not in return. If they rend you, be not discouraged. Another will take up the good work. Te Whiti o Rongomai, Parihaka, 1879

The contemporary world too needs the witness of unarmed prophets... Pope St John Paul II, 1983

He honore, he korōria ki te Atua, he maungārongo ki te whenua, he whakāro ki ngā tāngata katoa.  - Honour and glory to God, peace upon the land, and goodwill to all people. A quote fromTe Whiti, found on his monument.