Te Whiti Biography

Te Whiti Biography

Te Whiti-o-Rongomai was born in 1830 in Nga Motu, Taranaki around the time of the Musket Wars. He was the son of a minor chief, Tohukakahi, of the Te Ati Awa tribe. His mother was called Rangiawau, the daughter of a major chief, Te Whetu. He lived peacefully on a coast near Parihaka and attended Reimenschnieder Mission School, excelling in Bible Studies. Also, he was identified as a possible teacher or prophet from an early age. After leaving school he set up a flourmill at Warea. At that point in time there were many battles between Maori and Pakeha - it is said that Te Whiti fought in none of them.

By 1870 Parihaka had evolved into the largest villiage in the country. In 1879 the European troops invaded the land, and in 1881 began taking land from the Maori and treating them unfairly. The people were unhappy about this, and thus started up the Parihaka Movement.     The leaders of this movement were Te Whiti and Tohu, his good friend. They both shared the same beliefs- they were both spiritual men who preached Christian teachings. they were also committed to non-violence and peace. They led a passive protest against the Europeans. The people challenged the Europeans because their land had been taken unfairly. This only resulted in the Europeans treating them worse. Te Whiti encouraged the people to continue ploughing the fields of the land that was stolen. Te Whiti did not allow the use of arms, so when the settlers arrested the men and treated them horribly, they did not put up a fight. Hundreds of men were forced to go to prisons in the South Island, Te Whiti among them. While in prison Te Whiti learnt how to use European technology, and became perhaps the first person in the country to speak on a telephone. He also played mind games on the guards, making them doubt their own sanity. While incarcerated, Te Whiti received news that the Europeans had completely demolished Parihaka, taking two months to utterly destroy the land and crops, burn houses, and rape women and girls. He was also dealt a huge blow by the news that his wife had died and he was not allowed to return for her funeral.

Shortly after his wife died, Te Whiti was released. He returned to Parihaka with Tohu. Many men, women, and children had died during that time of poverty. He was greeted with a hero’s welcome. Soon the Europeans began modernizing the villiage, adding streets, shops, and elaborate houses. Parihaka had become ahead of its time.

Te Whiti and Tohu died within a month of each other, and their followers adopted the white albatross feather as a symbol of the mana of the Parihaka settlement. Even today, it continues to be worn by the members of the Te Ati Awa tribe in remembrance of Te Whiti.

Te Whiti, I believe, was the most inspirational leader in New Zealand’s history. Keeping peace with the world was his main priority, and I think this was why people admired him so much. He made an enormous difference in the course of history. He will not be forgotten.

By Margarita.