Unauthorized Power : Parihaka a Social History

Unauthorized Power : Institutional racism, love of wealth, ignorance of others, and lack of understanding, led to the shocking actions at Parihaka. These appalling actions reflected events carried out in the name of powerful governments throughout the world. They were all-powerful. They knew what was best for all.Parihaka is used as an example of the damage caused through such narrow-minded colonial thinking and how such thoughts led on to problems in today's world. We have not learnt.And what of Maori? How are they faring as a result? The statistics are no prize for the New Zealand Government, but for some reason Maori are blamed for having the highest imprisonment rates, lowest education and housing figures, and poorest health data. And yet, before the New Zealand wars, the ancestors of these people were the most educated, and had the most successful farming and business enterprises in Aotearoa-New Zealand. What happened?

Dr Patricia Berwick was born in New Zealand where she currently lives. She has lived and worked in Europe, USA, China, Bangladesh, Pakistan, the United Arab Emirates, Vanuatu and her native New Zealand. Peace and how it is achieved and sustained are her major driving life-forces. As an educationalist and anthropologist Dr Berwick has been involved in researching and writing much of her work life, publishing widely for government and private organisations. These publications explore social-historical works which include extensively researched works on Maori land claims and non-violent protests; international relationships books and papers; articles on human rights; ethics simulations for university students; education articles; and blogs. Wishing to reach a wider audience she ventured into the world of the novelist in 2012.

Featured in the 29 October 2019 New Zealand newsletter.
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