Te puna wai kōrero

Te Whiti-o-Rongomai, the Māori leader and prophet from the Taranaki became well-known outside of the district largely due to a books by author Dick Scott, telling the Parihaka story.

During the launch of his new book,"Ask that Mountain" in Auckland, some of Te Whiti's followers were present, proudly wearing the three white feathers traditional emblem of Parihaka.

Selwyn Muru and Dick Scott tell the story of Te Whiti and Parihaka.

Selwyn interviews Matarena Raumati Rau, a follower of Te Whiti at Parihaka. She describes how his teachings were captured in waiata, and examples of the waiata are heard.

She talks about how important Te Whiti's teachings still are in her life today plans to develop Parihaka marae, and current divisions between followers of Tohu Kakahi and Te Whiti, which she puts down to personality differences.

She speaks briefly about Wiremu Ratana and his relationship with Parihaka She says the songs of the past are not sung as much today with the passing of their elders, and she would like to see the poi preserved - in particular by the Te Atiawa people of Waitara and the single poi of Ngati Mutunga.

Dick Scott talks about Te Whiti's role as a pioneer of passive resistance.