Remembering the peacemakers of Parihaka

Every year we have a service at St Peter’s, Gonville to honour the prophets Te Whiti o Rongomai, Tohu Kākahi and the people of Parihaka and to remember the events that unfolded at Parihaka on 5 November, 1881.

We do this, because of the importance of Parihaka in the history of Aotearoa. We do this, because the prophets were disciples of Jesus, and their faith inspired them to fight violence with peace. Their example encourages us to do the same. Some of our whānau whakapapa to Taranaki, and so remembering the events of Parihaka also honours them and their tūpuna.

After a time of worship and liturgy, Bishop Justin gave a message about honouring the saints who have gone before us. We then had the opportunity to participate in different stations to help us remember well – and also to consider how God is inviting us to be peacemakers in our own time and place.

Rimu and Lisa Tahuaroa (Te Ātiawa and Ngāi Tahu) led a living book session sharing the story of Te Whiti o Rongomai, Tohu Kākahi and the people of Parihaka. Other interactive stations included planting potatoes in the St Peter’s garden as a symbol of sowing peace and making a raukura (feather) to remember the events of Parihaka. There were also reflective stations to acknowledge and reflect on our history, for confession and forgiveness, and to move us towards pursuing justice, peace and reconciliation.

We finished by gathering in the garden for a shared BBQ with live music.

This year, over 100 people came. Many of them showed up, not just to participate but also to contribute through preparing the food, running the stations, or helping with set up and pack down. It was so special to be with such a diverse group of people, drawn together to learn more about Jesus and his gospel of peace, and to be sent back into our community inspired to continue to share it with our whānau, city and world.

By Reverend Anashuya Fletcher