Auckland honours Parihaka Day

1 November

Auckland Peace Action (APA) and the Pacific Panthers (PP) are hosting a Parihaka Day Peace Action Conference at the Auckland Central Library on Saturday, November 5 from 10-3:30pm.

“The resistance of the people of Parihaka to violent colonialism is the foundation of the modern peace movement. Our conference will be honouring that resistance, and building on it by educating about contemporary peace and justice issues,” said APA/PP member Sina Brown-Davis (Ngāti Whātua ki Kaipara, Te Roroa, Te Uri o Hau).

“I am really excited by the great lineup of speakers we have at this free, public event. Filmmaker Paora Joseph, who produced Tatarakihi: the Children of Parihaka; noted academics Keala Kelly, Craig Santos-Perez, Teresia Teaiwa and Jane Kelsey; Muslim feminist Khayreyah Amani Wahaab and prison abolitionist Emilie Rākete. Marama Davidson will be speaking about her recent experiences on the Women’s Boat to Gaza. The Rev Mua Strickson-Pua will be MC the event.”

“We want to weave together the strands that make a peaceful and truly just society possible. Sessions will be tackling issues such as racism, militarism in the Pacific, and the ongoing struggle for freedom in Palestine,” said Ms Brown-Davis.

The sessions are intended to be Tala Noa Pacific style, which is more conversational and interactive than a lecture. At the end of the day, attendees will produce a community declaration articulating our aspirations and commitment to peace and justice.

Sina Brown-Davis said the event is being held on the traditional lands of Ngāti Whātua, and it’s important to acknowledge their continuing mana whenua.

The event is free and open to the public at the Whare Wānanga, Level 2, Auckland Central Library; lunch is provided. Following the day’s event, a screening of Paora Joseph’s film will be on at the Academy Cinema at 5pm.

ENDS

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