Tātarakihi - The Children of Parihaka

Film (Trailer) – 2012

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.

While it recounts days of darkness, Tātarakihi – The Children of Parihaka carries a sense of restoration and hope, and I hope it enables continued dialogue for understanding and mutual respect of both Māori and Pākehā in the New Zealand we know today.
– Director/producer Paora Joseph