TOHU

A chief and kinsman of Te Whiti Orongomai, together they established a centre and refuge of passive resistance at Parihaka, "a republic within the state" — an open door unfortified village. Sympathisers and supporters flocked there to listen to the wisdom of the spoken word.

"E rere ra te motu nei" is a waiata composed by the Muaupoko tribe of the Otaki coast. This tells of the highest regard that they and others of Aotearoa held for him his strength and doctrines.

At the sacking of Parihaka on the 5th of November 1881 Tohu and Te Whiti and their followers were arrested. They were held without trial for two years. In 1883 they made a hero's return.

"Ka hoki max ano ra he tangata rongonui tonu ki te tangi a te pox."