A descendant of Parihaka in Taranaki says the anniversary of the historic invasion of the small Maori village is a time of reflection and education.
Tuesday marked 132 years since colonial troops invaded and began destroying the settlement, in a bid to confiscate Maori land.
Passive resistance was led by the prophets Tohu Kakahi and Te Whiti o Rongomai, but despite this, many women were raped and hundreds of men were exiled to South Island prisons.
Taranaki Maori teacher Ruakere Hond says people from throughout the country want to learn about Parihaka, and many visit the settlement to hear the history from the locals.
He says the people in Parihaka will gather on Thursday to commemorate the pahua (plundering).
A Parihaka Day Service will be held at the St Mary's Cathedral in New Plymouth.
