The sacking of Parihaka took place on the morning of 5 November 1881, when around 1600 volunteer and armed constabulary led by John Bryce invaded Parihaka. John, who described Parihaka as ‘that headquarters of fanaticism and disaffection’ called on Te Whiti and Tohu to surrender.
They were arrested along with others, their homes were raided and torn down and crops were destroyed. Detained in custody, prisoners were transferred south to Te Waipounamu. On 5 November, in recognition of this important historical event, Rāpaki whānau gathered at the Taranaki monument in the Rāpaki Church urupā for a remembrance service with whānau and friends from the Lyttelton Community, and the kōhanga reo.
Light refreshments were available at the Lyttelton Community House after the service. Thanks to Christine Wilson from the Lyttelton Community House for facilitating this annual event.
Rāpaki whānau and friends at the Rāpaki Church urupā.