This is a chapter in New Zealand's history which I am reasonably familiar and is the thread that weaves the cloth of my sense of 'homeland'. I am part of this history. My ancestors were the ones being allocated land that had been confiscated from the Maori. My mother's forefathers 'owned' prime land in Manaia just a little way around the mountain from Parihaka. My father's forebears won a plot of land in Mokauiti by ballet. Ihimaera did beautifully at recreating the hope and dreams of the people of Parihaka and the events that led to the creation of and necessity for a refuge in which to fight from. I loved Erenora, that warrior woman, willing to protect her family by whatever means possible. And was absolutely devastated anew by the unfair treatment of the people of Parihaka, indeed the people of Taranaki who were forced to create Parihaka on the back of years of persecution. And what a beautiful dream they had. In 2008 I went to the Parihaka International Peace Festival which was an amazing experience. They had speakers and music and a real spirit of inclusiveness. I am sorry that it didn't get off the ground financially and sincerely hope that it can find the financial backing that it needs. That place is a sacred place. It is palpable.