Call to remember people of Parihaka

CO-LEADER: Maori Party's Tariana Turia says all Kiwis should grow up knowing this history.

The Maori Party is calling again for the anniversary of the sacking of Parihaka and the peaceful protest over land confiscation to be observed nationally.

Maori Party co-leader Tariana Turia said on November 5 New Zealanders should remember the 2000 people of Parihaka who sat in peaceful resistance, when in 1881 the Crown launched a violent invasion of their community.

"Why are we celebrating Guy Fawkes [on November 5] when on this day in 1881 we have our own New Zealand story of courage, bravery and protest?

"While the actions of the constabulary on that day are vile, what we remember today is the courage of our tupuna who stood against them. The courage to show resistance through peaceful protest. The children of Aotearoa should grow up knowing this history. All New Zealanders should know this history."

Mrs Turia said there had been many appeals for a Parihaka Day to be officially observed in New Zealand.

"We received a petition from the community in 2012 and presented it to Parliament. We negotiated that a private member's bill on establishing Parihaka Day be supported to first reading in our Relationship Accord with the National Party.

"As a small party who are only entitled to one private member's bill at a time in the ballot, we have not had the opportunity to push forward with this kaupapa. Indeed it has been years since we have had a private member's bill pulled from the ballot."

She said the Government should show leadership by adopting this on their own volition, as a Government bill.