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 Pākehā 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 Māori and Pākehā 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 Māori and Pākehā writers.


This major publication of the nationally significant City Gallery Wellington exhibition, Parihaka was jointly published by City Gallery Wellington, the Trustees of Parihaka Pa, and Victoria University Press.