The people of Parihaka have always commemorated the invasion of Parihaka by Crown troops more than 130 years ago.
This year is the first time the service was held in New Plymouth at the Taranaki Cathedral Church of St Mary.
The occurrences that took place on November 5th 1881, still causes heartache for some of the people of the area, when government sent troops to take control of the land.
It’s believed about 1600 Māori that occupied the land were expelled and their homes set on fire.
Tiki Raumati says, “In those days, they came here, hungry for land. War was waged upon our people, and my tribe, wider Taranaki, was subjected to horrible treatment.”
Wharehoka Wano feels, “We're moving forward, but the Government has to do the right thing and then perhaps we all can move forward.”
Tomorrow is the Plunder of Parihaka day, where the descendants of Parihaka remember their ancestors who were at the mercy of the Govt.