Protest, Prophets and Parihaka

The last handout on the Maori Prophetic Movements outlines the ideas of when and why the Prophets emerged. In many indigenous societies Prophets emerged after they had suffered loss of land and culture after encountering Europe. The handout makes the point that some prophets often emerged prior to such depredations. Papahurihuria in Northland is an example of this.

There seems to have been two types of prophetic movements, those that looked more toward the Old Testament - Jehovah the wrathful God who somplimented their ideas of Utu. These were as Belich notes 'biblical; movements often seeing Maori as Jews (Huria) and taking Saturday as their Sabbath. Te Kootis Ringatu Chuch seems to have been such a movement.

Other movements were more syncretic, absorbing the idea of the New Testament and its more peaceful and forgiving aspects. Pai Marire (Good and Peaceful) created by Te Ua and most often associated with Te Whiti and Tohu is an example of this.

Both Ringatu and Pai Marire also became associated with armed rebellion and thus were seen by Settlers as examples of Maori resistance and barbarism. Titokowaru became associated with the revival of cannibalism (although mainly ritualised and he never actually took part), while the eating of Volkners eyes also panicked many settlers. Te Kootis massaacre of Maori and Pakeha near Gisborne mean that settlers saw him and Ringatu as a real threat.

This meant that Parihaka despite professing to be peaceful was always on a hiding to nothing. Many settlers wanted Te Whiti and his followers put in their place. Because it attracted hundreds of followers from around the country it was seen as a cente of dissent and opposition to European hegemony. Bryce as Native Minister wanted this dealt with, he resigned when the Government wouldn't give him clearance to do so. He returned witha a change in Government and took his 1600 volunteers in to clear the village.

He was met with singing and dancing but still arrested the Prophets, destroyed the village and its cultivations, and dispersed their followers.

Thus ended Parihaka.