Maata » Parihaka Pā Maori Cultral Experiences

He maru ahiahi kei muri te maru awatea. He paki arohirohi kei mua.
After the shades of darkness comes the dusk of dawn. Whilst before lies the shimmering glory of a fair day.

Te Ru Koriri Wharehoka

Visit Parihaka to share a story of survival against all odds. A story of heartbreak and tragedy, a story of promise and redemption.

In 1865 the settlement of Parihaka was created by the Taranaki Prophets Te Whiti o Rongomai and Tohu Kakahi as a spiritual refuge. A place where the art of passive resistance was founded.

Over two thousand Maori joined them and so the story of Parihaka became embedded in the hidden conscience of this country.

We want to showcase our culture and traditional practices that are woven into this landscape and the hearts and minds of our people.

We welcome you to hear our ancient chants, the beat of our drum, the twirl of our poi and the quiver of our voices. Partake in our cultural cuisine, food that we harvest and source locally.

Wander with us as we follow the footsteps of our ancestors and as we journey around our village and visit the traditional meeting houses of our people.

Come and visit the birthplace of Passive Resistance. Where the prophets Tohu Kakahi and Te Whiti o Rongomai established a community seeking spiritual refuge against colonial aggression. In doing so their leadership would set about a chain of events that resonates in the hidden conscience of this country.

Experience a story of heartbreak and tragedy, as story of survival, a story of promise and redemption.

Experience the powhiri (welcome), the whaikorero (speeches), waiata (music & songs) at one of the three meeting houses. Listen to the traditions of the marae and the history of the prophets and their people.

Overnight Parihaka Pa Visit $180 per person Overnight Guided tour around Parihaka Weaving workshop Entertainment Story Telling Lunch and Dinner (4 course meal) Breakfast Pickup from Puke Ariki or by arrangement Return transport Depart: 8:30am • Return: Next Day 10:00am	Full Day Parihaka Pa Visit $155 per person 10.5 hours Guided tour around Parihaka Weaving workshop Entertainment Story Telling Lunch and Dinner (4 course meal) Pickup from Puke Ariki or by arrangement Return transport Depart: 8:30am • Return: 6:00pm
Half Day Parihaka Pa Visit $120 per person 6.5 hours Guided tour around Parihaka Weaving workshop Lunch (3 course meal) Pickup from Puke Ariki or by arrangement Return transport Depart: 8:30am • Return: 2:00pm	Parihaka Pa Dinner Visit $120 per person 7.5 hours Entertainment Story Telling Dinner (4 course meal) Pickup from Puke Ariki or by arrangement Return transport Depart: 2:30pm • Return: 9:00pm

MAATA is part of a unique, privately operated whanau (family) business, Te Whiri o Te Koka, working towards providing a special, exciting and an informative experience for guests coming to our marae and meeting house Te Niho o Te Atiawa Wharenui Parihaka.

This moving experience is home grown, unique and happens naturally. We don’t use props.

While observing traditional tikanga Maori (values and lore) the hau kainga (local people) will interact with guests and set the scene for what is to follow.

The powhiri – arrival on to the marae atea (sacred alighting the marae) and entering the meeting house where korero (speeches) sets the first part of the experience followed by whakanoa (removal of sacredness) where food is served with flavours sourced by the chef. During kai time you can listen to the melodies of our people both in Maori and English.

Philosophy

MAATA has an innovative approach to establish employment opportunity by creating a business with a difference and meet and embrace Maori entrepreneurial development within Taranaki.

Whilst this is a new business the process is not new to Maata Wharehoka who has been Kaitiaki of the Te Niho o Te Atiawa Meeting House since 1986 serving the people as a cook, cleaner, kaikaranga (caller), kaikorero (speaker) and many other roles that have come her way. She has enthusiastically contributed to maintaining many traditional Maori processes and is adept in raranga (weaving), rongoa (Maori medicine), Kaitiakitanga (caretaking).

Now after six years of planning and gaining confidence from the residents of Parihaka, Maata Wharehoka sees this visitor experience venture as a huge breakthrough for her and her whanau.

Entertainment

Entertainment will be provided by the family members. Local talents will also be showcased. Use the contact details for more information.

MAATA is conveniently situated at Te Niho o Te Atiawa Meeting House, parihaka pāpakainga, Pungarehu, a small settlement off the West Coast of Taranaki 50km South of New Plymouth and 63km North West of Hawera which you access through State Highway 45. Surrounded by green grass and rolling country hills with scatterings of pine trees. It offers easy access and lots of parking. A picture rest is available for a shot of the mountain.

New Plymouth - Parihaka (SH 45)

When coming from New Plymouth you will pass Oakura, Okato, Warea, Pungarehu and as you pass RD1 on the left side remember it is the last landmark before you reach Mid Parihaka Rd. Turn left onto Mid Parihaka Road and travel 2.5kms. A yellow Parihaka Pā sign points towards the entrance. Enter through the large stone posts while keeping to the left hand side of the fork drive slowly until you reach the signs MAATA.

Hawera - Parihaka (SH 45)

When traveling from Hawera you will pass through Manaia, Opunake, Rahotu. The Pungarehu Golf Club is on the left side of the road just before you pass over a bridge that ever so slightly curves to the right. There is Lower Parihaka Road on your left. Do not be fooled by that. Carry on another hundred meters and turn Right on to Mid Parihaka Road and drive 2.5kms . A yellow parihaka pā sign points towards the entrance. Enter through the large stone posts while keeping to the left had side of the fork drive slowly until you reach the signs MAATA.

What will I experience?

Half Day - Full Day Visit

You will be picked up by our driver and host (kaitiaki) at your accommodation or at Puke Ariki Museum, Ariki Street, New Plymouth.

From there you will be transported out to Parihaka which is approximately 35-40mins south west of New Plymouth. Before the journey starts the kaitiaki will do a small prayer (karakia) to bless your trip. During the trip you will be shown places of importance to the story of Parihaka and the territory of the Taranaki Tribe. You will also be given the opportunity to learn a short song (waiata) that you will sing to support your speaker/s during the formal welcome.

At Parihaka you will be welcomed into one of the three meeting houses and taken through a formal welcome (powhiri). You will be guided through this process with your kaitiaki. After that we do a round of introductions this is called whakawhanaungatanga – getting to know each other.

These formalities will be concluded once a karanga (call) by one of our elders is made to go into the dining room for a morning or afternoon tea.

After this you will be guided back into the wharenui where you will be told the history of Parihaka by way of story, song and performance. Weather permitting we will also take you to various parts of the Parihaka settlement (papakainga) and explain the importance of those historical sites.

You will be given the opportunity to interact with our local residents who live and work on the Papakainga.

Full Day Visit

A Full Day Visit also includes an afternoon tea and the opportunity to participate in workshops, story telling and visiting the other meeting houses on the papakainga to learn of their history and purpose.

Overnight Stay

An overnight stay includes all of the above plus evening discussions and story telling.

Dinner will also be a three course meal and will be a quieter affair to allow you to interact with other visitors or your hosts.

Breakfast will be served at 8am with a morning karakia (prayer) at 7am.

Overnight visitors may also be involved in welcoming visitors the following morning before being returned to your accommodation or Puke Ariki by 10am.

Dinner Experience

Specially tailored for entertaining during a dining experience, this is an opportunity to enjoy our hospitality with close friends or family for that special occasion or event. We can develop this to meet your needs.

How do I pay?

Please use our online booking system. To negotiate and/or organise group bookings please contact us directly.

What extra things do I pay for?

This is dependant on which visitor experience you have booked. For Half Day or Full Day visits there is no additional costs.

Overnight visitors can purchase or hire the following...

• espresso coffee
• linen
• bedding
• toiletries

Am I able to purchase or drink alcohol with my meal?

When Tohu Kakahi and Te Whiti o Rongomai established Parihaka one of their important values was to never drink alcohol. What they observed was the the negative impact alcohol abuse had on families, loss of land, and loss of mana. Therefore only one complimentay glass of wine is available with your midday or evening meal. Otherwise we administer a non-alcohol policy.

Is there a no smoking policy?

Our wharenui and dining room have been smoke free for 15 years. We are proud of our policy and ask that if you want to smoke, go to the designated place for smokers which will be pointed out to you.

Will there be any Maori Art Work for sale?

We are lucky to have weavers living on our Papakainga (settlement) who are experienced in making Kete (baskets), Piu Piu (skirts) backpacks and floral arrangements. These will be available for sale along with other artwork, calendars, and a booklet on Parihaka written by historian Hazel Reiseborough.

I understand that some places in Parihaka do not let you take photos?

There are places on our Papakainga where this is not allowed. We ask that you ask permission before taking photographs or video.

Do you cater for special diets?

Special menus will be provided when required. However we request notification at the time of booking so that we can ensure we have the appropriate dietary requirements necessary to ensure you have a quality visitor experience.

Do I have to speak the Maori Language?

It is not necessary at all. The role of the kaitiaki is to guide you through the tikanga (protocols). They will escort you into the meeting house at the time of your arrival and as you travel out to Parihaka they will encourage you to learn a short waiata (song) that you will use during the formalities.

I want to have this experience but I cannot cope with a large group.

To be able to make this experience viable we must have a minimum of 12 visitors per visit. However you are welcome to discuss your requirements with us directly.

How do I get there?

If we are providing the transport you will be picked up and returned to your accommodation or the Puke Ariki Museum.

If you are driving to Parihaka please refer to our location map. You can get to parihaka pā by coming onto SH45 from New Plymouth in the North or Hawera in the South.

Once you arrive at the parihaka pā settlement please follow our signs.

Am I able to bring children?

Children are an important part of our kaupapa (philosophy) so we welcome the opportunity of hosting children. Please contact us for more information.

Why do I have to make a booking?

MAATA Hikoi Koi ki Parihaka has agreed with members of the Papakainga (settlement) to avoid the potential of excessive numbers of people coming into the Reserve every day of the week.

This is our private world which we have just become comfortable with sharing. To maintain our integrity we are providing a visitor experience not a pure tourism product. As such you will be OUR GUEST.

Therefore bookings are essential.

So why are you allowing visitors to arrive at Parihaka if the reserve is not open for tourism?

Because our Papakainga is rurally isolated and away from the main centres it has been hard to maintain our community when many of our members have moved away for employment and educational opportunities.

As a result our traditional houses fell into disrepair. We have observed that for nearly 25 years ‘time stood still’ and finding the resources to maintain the upkeep of our Reserve has been difficult.

We now recognise that sustainable tourism delivered as a uniquely authentic visitor experience may help us develop the resources we need to bring Parihaka back to its former glory.

What are the least number of people that I need in my group if I want to book a visit to the marae?

We require a minimum of 12 people but we are open to negotiation on numbers and price.

What is your maximum number you can cater for in your dining room?

We have room for 58 people seated.

If I book your marae for my own family or group to stay overnight, what are your costs?

Overnight bookings are dependant on availability of the marae, other events or activities that may be happening on the Papakainga and availability of your hosts. Advance notice and direct communication with us will ensure we can negotiate to meet your needs.

Will you offer other packages for groups?

We are working with a number of other Maori involved in the Visitor Industry and we can work to meet your requirements.

At this stage we can access...

• adventure activities (dam dropping, surfing, fishing, surfcasting, kayaking, biking, etc.)
• golf course accessibility
• mountain excursions
• B&B accommodation

What do I need to bring when I stay overnight?

If you have never stayed overnight on a marae before it may be a bit daunting as you will be sharing your sleeping quarters with a number of other people. But don't worry this will also be a happy and enjoyable part of your visit. We recommend you bring warm bedwear, sleeping bag, slippers, towel & toiletries. Ear plugs will also be available for purchase.

If there is a funeral at the meeting house what will happen?

From time to time death occurs amongst our resident's families or whanau connected to Parihaka and when that eventuates our meeting houses may be in demand for returning family and friends.

Should this occur unexpectantly we will make alternative arrangements to ensure your visit is not disrupted.

Overnight Parihaka Pa Visit

Full Day Parihaka Pa Visit

Half Day Parihaka Pa Visit

Parihaka Pa Dinner Visit