He Maimai Aroha

Te Ru Koriri was a tenacious and colourful man, an artist, an orator and a catalyst for the revival of te reo maaori and traditional knowledge. He was raised to farm the land and to produce food from gardens, the sea and rivers. Te Ru was involved in maori community affairs all of his life. He remains the longest serving chairman of the Parihaka Paa Trustees.
Edward Rongomaiira Tamati JP, QSM Chairman of the Parihaka Management Trust, The Taranaki Maori Trust Board, past Chairman of Paraninihi Ki Waitotara Incorporation, Parihaka X Farm Block, Manukorihi Paa Reserve, Otuakaia Hapuu Reserve, Mururaupatu Marae, Puketapu Hapuu, and Tarakihi Reserve for Ngaati Moeahu Hapuu and many other positions of leadership. Ted farmed family land all of his life and was the recipient of ‘Best Farmer of the year Award’ in 1973.
Rauna was an architect of the land. He was a skilled machine operator, building roads and reclaiming much-needed whenua (land) for the festival site and for the Parihaka X Farm Block which Ted and Te Ru administered. Of Ngati Kuri Ngaitakoto descent, Rauna came to Taranaki from Awanui in the Far North. He married and remained here amongst his wife’s Taranaki people.

Together, they gave generously to ensure that the Parihaka International Peace Festival was a successful event for those who share the vision, which is Parihaka.

We shall dearly miss their generosity and trust in us to succeed. We go forward now in their memory and with their parting words giving us strength..."When our time to go arrives we will be ready. Whatever you do don’t delay this festival event from the verge of success it deserves, we’ve put our all into it, all of us. We’ll be there in spirit and very pleased with you all".

We invite you all to join the Parihaka people as we observe the passing of these 3 elders and as we remember and acknowledge those who have passed on from amongst us all.