By Hazel Riseborough. Published by Bridget Williams Books, 2023. (NZD 50). Reviewed by Liz Hickey

Days of Darkness provides a detailed account of the shameful dealings of the colonial government with the Parihaka community from 1878 – 1884. It shows that the government’s decisions and actions were both expedient and in the interests of settlers.

Tohu Kākahi and Te Whiti o Rongomai were the charismatic and spiritual leaders of the Parihaka people. They encouraged their followers to use passive resistance against the government’s move to occupy their fertile land that had been confiscated. This led to the invasion of their peaceful village, the burning of their homes and destruction of crops and the imprisonment of the men.

Why would the government forces invade Parihaka, a peaceful and established Māori village? The answer is a confronting one: parliamentarians considered the peaceful non-violent actions of the Parihaka people to be a threat to colonial power.

It is timely that Days of Darkness, first published in 1989, was re-released in 2023. Under Jacinda Ardern’s Labour Government schools were directed to provide a more balanced New Zealand history curriculum which taught how Māori experienced colonisation.

I recommend Hazel Riseborough’s book to those wanting a scholarly portrayal of Parihaka’s story. The prophetic leadership and peaceful, passive resistance of Parihaka is an inspiration to us in this time of vigorous constitutional discussion. 

Tui Motu Magazine. Issue 291 April 2024: 27