Parihaka (Peaceful Resistance) - Social Studies

 Hi there, 

Today I will be writing about what I have recently learnt in Social Studies. We started our new task Parihaka. We are continuing on with our maps, locating and finding information. What is Parihaka? Parihaka is a village in the North Island, back then about 1600 troops attacked western Taranaki settlement of Parihaka.  

Questions:

What is the main message of this song?

To encourage people to never give up and stand up against the unfair care of people, and to speak up and spread awareness.

Parihaka by Tim Finn Tim Finn & Herbs      

My friend, My friend, I hate to see you suffer,

Events conspire to bring us to our knees,

My friend, my friend, you've taken this the wrong way, 

Rise up, defend yourself, never give in,

Look to the sky, the spirit of Te Whiti,

The endless tide is murmuring his name. 

I know Te Whiti will never be defeated,

And even at the darkest hour,

His presence will remain.

I'll sing to you the song of Parihaka.

Te Whiti he used the language of the spirit,

Then stood accused, the madman and his dream,

He saw the train go roaring through the tunnel,

He heard the voice travel on the magic wire,

But he loved the silence of the river,

He watched the dog piss on the cannon's wheel.

I know Te Whiti will never be defeated,

And even at the darkest hour,

His presence will remain.

I'll sing to you the song of Parihaka.

One day you'll know the truth,

They can't pull out the roots,

Come and take me home,

To weep for my lost brother.

They gather still, the clouds of Taranaki,

His children's children wearing the white plume,

So take me for the sins of these sad islands,

The wave still breaks on the rock of Rouhotu.

And when you taste the salt that's on your pudding,

And when you taste the sugar in your soup,

Think of Te Whiti, he'll never be defeated,

Even at the darkest hour,

His presence will remain,

I'll sing for you the song of Parihaka,

Come to Parihaka,

Weep for my lost brother,

The spirit of nonviolence,

Has come to fill the silence, Come to Parihaka.

What line explains their passive resistance method?

I know Te Whiti will never be defeated,

And even at the darkest hour,

His presence will remain.

I'll sing to you the song of Parihaka.

What does "you can't pull out the roots" refer to?

The way that I interpret this question is: You can't take away my culture, heritage and my community. 

Give evidence of their determination:

Rise up, defend yourself, never give in, Look to the sky, the spirit Te Whiti.

How does this song show the significance of Parihaka?

It is telling you about Parihaka and how it connects to the world. It shows how they overcame it with their faith, hope, beliefs and working together.

What makes an event significant?

What makes one event significant is the impact they were able to make.  

How many people are affected?

About 1600 troops were affected including Te Whiti and Tohu were apprehended. 

How long were people affected? 

People were affected for centuries and even now. 

To what extent were people affected? 

People involved in the Parihaka were taken from their homes, some were arrested and women were also raped during the attack. 

My Map