Defiance, Nonviolence & Creativity
The Prophetic Leadership of Maata Wharehoka
Based on appearances, you might not associate Maata Wharehoka with nonviolence. Her fiery eyes, formidable presence, and notoriously forthright style of telling-it-like-it-is without a shred of equivocation, could be, and sometimes was, misunderstood as confrontational and aggressive.
The truth, though, is that Maata Wharehoka was, to her last breath, loyal to her tupuna (ancestors) who imparted to her the original wisdom of nonviolence. Unbeknownst to most people, nonviolence did not originate with Gandhi. It was born at Parihaka, on the North Island of Aotearoa New Zealand, in 1881, when British soldiers invaded. The story of Parihaka is a compelling narrative for this very moment. Its teachings speak directly to the struggles now threatening democracy. We have a great deal to learn about perseverance and perspective from Maata, who embodied the teachings of nonviolence.
Just as gaslighting and lies are being used today to claim that the peaceful ones are the oppressors, so was that tactic used by colonialist invaders at Parihaka. Maata Wharehoka conscientiously absorbed the teachings of peacemaking, education, empowerment and prophetic transmission that were given to her as a Rangatira, a protector and guardian of Parihaka. Now, since her passing, The Spirit of Manaaki: Maata, a Living Library of Māori Wisdom & Medicine Practices, continues to do that for her. (Note: Manaaki means protection.)
Maata asked me to write this book for a global audience. She wanted to broadcast the call for unity far and wide, particularly to women. She knew that the key to combating oppression was unity. Te Whiti o Rongomai, the central orchestrator of nonviolent strategies at Parihaka, was a prophet, like Maata. They both acted for future generations, looking far beyond immediate conditions, and accurately forecasted the future. It is my great honor to carry this transmission forward in this book.
Maata Wharehoka was ceaselessly creative. She used her creativity in many ways to carry out her destiny. Her weavings, her poetry, her healthcare advocacy and innovation, particularly for women and families, all conveyed her messages of nonviolent action and inclusivity. In all regards, Maata was always an activist. She encouraged everyone to just do it, to Bring It On, to quote from one of her poems.
People of the People
Bring it On!
Heal the land.
Arm yourselves with the word.
Bring it on!
—Maata Wharehoka
Maata’s voice comes through to me, across time and space, piercing all dimensions. She tells me to be undefeated, and to never hesitate to step into the activism that is nonviolent, creative, defiant, and just. As we face the heart-rending conditions of these times, when innocent lives are being sacrificed, I hear her words encouraging me forward.
“I want to know that my work and my words are valued. I am an avid follower of Te Whiti o Rongomai, and this leads me to promote and teach biculturalism everywhere. At home, In our communities. In the world. This commitment also leads me to participate actively in the preservation of Mother Earth. We must rise against any further losses of what is left for Papatuanuku (Mother Earth). We can never give up.”
Last year, when I was at Parihaka to interview Maata, her family, and her community, Maata’s health was failing dramatically. Nevertheless, she actively engaged every day in finalizing a major exhibit of her weaving called Fibrous Soul. She had a grand vision for this exhibit, and she was determined to fulfill every detail. Weavers came from all around to help once they heard that she was unwell and struggling to complete the details of her designs. Maata even recruited me to help, despite my lack of experience, and taught me the rituals and perspective of this sacred art. The exhibit manifested her evolution and deep understanding of the practice of Kahu Whakatere, the ceremonial process for death and dying.
Maata arrived at this exhibit, her last in a long career of teaching and mounting her weaving masterpieces, in all her magnificence. The photo of her on the cover of The Spirit of Manaaki was taken at the exhibit. The art behind her, depicting her beloved Taranaki Maunga (Mt. Taranaki), is her own. Maata lived at the feet of Taranaki Maunga, and she paid homage to him every day.
Whether speaking to a legislative body, to dignitaries or visiting students who came from around the world to stay at Parihaka to learn from her, whether writing a poem or sharing her art, Maata embodied peacemaking, unification, biculturalism, truth-telling, generosity of spirit, nonviolence and creativity. She was unrelenting in her activism, unrelenting in her call for justice and equity. She is our mentor for these times.
Maata is a Mother of Medicine, a revolutionary artist, a prophet, and a guide. Though she was a stunning presence, tall and regal, Maata was also humble. She expressed gratitude every day to her family, her ancestors, and her community. She wanted to transmit to others that they too were supported in their activism. That is why every chapter of The Spirit of Manaaki ends with questions and dialogues for you, the reader, to help you regenerate and act from a grounded, aware and utterly confident place of self-knowledge and integrity.
Maata Wharehoka is a very personal inspiration to me. Her endurance, her loyalty, her motherhood, her generosity of spirit, her love for her children and all children, her warmth, her humor, and her bold directness, her ability to stand on her own two feet even when she could not walk, and her unwavering eye on her goals for her people— these will never leave me. She will never leave me. I rely on her to be by my side, and I trust completely that she is there, right now.
“If we are to survive these challenging times, we must read The Spirit of Manaaki. We must imbibe the worldview of the Elder Wisdom of Maata Wharehoka that we desperately need at this very moment.”
—Cherionna Menzam-Sills, PHD, Author of The Prenatal Shadow
Stephanie will be in New Zealand this February-March! Visit the event page HERE to learn more!
