The second annual 2007 Parihaka International Peace Festival was a celebration of diversity, cultural heritage and peace, through music, dance, theatre, poetry, film, craft, art, food, forums and workshops.

Thousands of people flocked to Parihaka Pā to be entertained by more than 30 nationally known artists including Dave Dobbyn, Che Fu, Kora and Katchafire.

The weekend event was celebrated by young and old with hundreds of people setting up camp at the Pā. The event often recalls the village’s history for both locals and visitors alike.

Parihaka was once the largest Māori village in New Zealand, and was also the site of one of New Zealand’s most infamous land disputes.

It was back in 1865 that Te Whiti o Rongomai and Tohu Kākahi led the Parihaka movement. They were committed to non-violent action in order to resist the invasion of their estates and to protect Māori independence.

The peaceful actions of Te Whiti and Tohu are the cornerstone of celebrations for the Parihaka International Peace Festival.