Author(s): Hohaia Te Miringa

History | Aotearoa New Zealand Non-Fiction | Art | Aotearoa

Parihaka: The Art of Passive Resistance commemorates and explores one of the major historical events in the history of Aotearoa New Zealand - the invasion of Parihaka, Taranaki, by Pakeha soldiers in 1881. It considers the events leading up to the invasion and the immense strength and spirit of the Parihaka community which continues today. Over one hundred and twenty years of art, poetry and waiata were brought together for the exhibition, held at City Gallery, Wellington during the summer of 2000 and 2001. This book includes existing artworks depicting the story of Parihaka and its leaders, Te Whiti o Rongomai and Tohu Kakahi, plus new pieces commissioned from leading Maori and Pakeha artists, as well as historical and contemporary photographs. Texts include major new essays on the history, art and contemporary significance of Parihaka, plus new poems by leading Maori and Pakeha writers.

Review: This beautifully produced book is at once a souvenir of the exhibition . . . and an enduring record of the artistic community's response to one of the blackest moments in New Zealand's colonial history." - Ann McEwan, Waikato Times

Author Biography: Te Miringa Hohaia is a prominent figure in the political and cultural affairs of Taranaki and in the revival of traditional Parihaka waiata and poi.
Gregory O'Brien is an award-winning author, poet, and art curator.
Lara Strongman is an art critic, an editor, and a program manager at City Gallery in Wellington.