AUCKLAND: Maori Party co-leader Tariana Turia is calling for Halloween and Guy Fawkes to be replaced with a Parihaka day of peace. On the 130th anniversary of the passive resistance of Parihaka Turia argues that the two overseas celebrations should be replaced with New Zealand's own history. Hundreds of people joined a hikoi (march/protest) to Parliament today to mark Parihaka resistance dating back to 1881. The resistance followed after two cabinet ministers began the colonial destruction of the self-sufficient Maori community Parihaka in Taranaki. Hundreds of Maori men were sent to South Island prisons without trial, Maori women and girls were raped, houses were destroyed, crops were ripped up and animals were slaughtered. The people of Parihaka retaliated with passive resistance for decades to follow. Turia said “The Maori Party believes that we should, instead, be proud of our own local response to violence as leading the world in the spirit of peace to provide an opportunity for communities to celebrate the practice of passive resistance.” “The people of Parihaka have long advocated for the November 5 to become a national day to learn our own history, and to recognize the significance of Parihaka in the promotion of peace and goodwill.” “I think there is nothing wrong with looking positively at our past, even if there are things in there that we are deeply ashamed of.” “The important thing is to right the wrongs of the past and for all of us to move on,” Turia says. At the moment claims are being processed to give compensation to the people of Parihaka. Despite Turia's call for ending Halloween and Guy Fawkes celebrations, many who marched in today's remembrance of Parihaka resistance disagree with her. Hikoi member, Atahere Te Akau, says abolishing Halloween and Guy Fawkes “doesn't really have significance” and says he “has no real urge to have a special Parihaka day.” Te Akau says “as long as we are acknowledged, that's the main thing … I want the Government to own up to it”. BM
