Tātarakihi - The Children of Parihaka

In 1881, after being met by the pā's children holding white feathers of peace, invading constabulary ended Te Whiti-o-Rongomai and Tohu Kākahi's passive resistance at Parihaka in Taranaki. One of the darkest episodes of the New Zealand Wars, it was revisited in this documentary made by Paora Joseph. The film follows another group of Taranaki children undertaking an emotional, modern-day pilgrimage to the South Island jails where their ancestors were exiled and forced to labour. Footage of their hīkoi is interwoven with their poetry, song, art and narration.

Just as night is the bringer of day, so too is death and struggle the bringer of life.

– Te Whiti-o-Rongomai and Tohu Kākahi

Key Cast & Crew

Duane Phillips

Cinematographer

Simon Price

Editor

Tracey Egerton

Editor

Janine Martin

Co-Director, Producer

Phill Simmonds

Animation

Paora Joseph

Director, Cinematographer, Writer, Producer