A group of about 200 people from Parihaka has arrived at Parliament this morning to witness an historic bill being passed into law.
The ope from Parihaka at Parliament this morning. Photo: RNZ / Te Aniwa Hurihanganui
The bill aims to reconcile the relationship between Parihaka and the Crown following one of the most violent Crown invasions in Aotearoa's history.
The ope (group) descended onto Parliament forecourt to the sound of puapua and haruru acknowledging their tipuna (ancestors) as they made their way.
Parihaka was invaded in 1881 by Armed Constabulary troops who destroyed homes, killed livestock, raped women and confiscated land.
The people of Parihaka did not retaliate, and have since been seen as a symbol of peaceful resistance.
In 2017 the Crown formally apologised to the people of Parihaka, and Te Pire Haeata ki Parihaka - the Parihaka Reconciliation Bill - passed its first reading in 2018.
The bill aims to strengthen Parihaka's relationship with the Crown and is part of the Crown's formal apology that require legislation.
It was expected to be passed into law this afternoon.
Rangi Kipa looks down on the settlement of Parihaka in 2017, ahead of the Crown's apology for atrocities committed there in 1881. Photo: RNZ / Robin Martin