Ngā Manu Korihi Parihaka Network mai Whakatū invite you to join with us commemorating the People and Leaders of Parihaka and uphold the Legacy of Peace they have blessed us with.

On 5th November 1881 at dawn around 1600 government troops invaded the thriving village of Parihaka to claim land that was not legally the Governments. Those troops included 200 men of the Nelson Militia under the leadership of Major Pitt. The Parihaka People and their leaders Tohu Kākahi and Te Whiti o Rongomai sat in peace, their children skipped to meet the soldiers and offered freshly baked bread to them. No lives were taken.
Following arrest and exile Tohu Kākahi and Te Whiti o Rongomai were kept under house arrest for 7 months in Whakatū Nelson. That non-violent response, that faith and grace shine light on a dark moment in Aotearoa New Zealand history. It is a pivotal piece of history that offers alternatives to violence, an open door to reconciliation and the possibility of inclusive and peaceful relationships. Unique to New Zealand, the Legacy has been carried down through the years and continues to challenge us and others throughout the world.

The Dawn Peace Blessing is an opportunity to take time to reflect, to honour Parihaka and remember their wisdom, vision and faithfulness in carrying this legacy into our lives and times at their own cost. It is a time to commit to continuing this vision so that our tamariki/children and mokopuna/descendants may also live and thrive securely in a community that maintains the values of peace, non violence, autonomy, respect and equity, resilience, self sufficiency, unity.

There will be opportunity for karakia/prayer, waiata/song and kōrero/speech.

Parakuihi/Breakfast will follow, given freely by Nelson Quakers.

Nau mai haere mai. Everyone is welcome to attend both events. 

**Kia tau te rangimārie ki runga i a koe let peace settle upon you**