More than 12,000 people gathered to celebrate the fourth Parihaka Peace Festival, held in Taranaki.

The festival is more than just music – it celebrates the actions of Parihaka spiritual leaders, Te Whiti O Rongomai and Tohu Kakahi, who employed non-violent resistance to defend their land in 1881.

Headline acts that entertained the crowds included the House of Shem, Katchafire, Unity Pacific, Hope Road, Kora, Little Bushmen and many more.

There were workshops, kai stalls and plenty of fun for the entire whānau.

A highlight of this year’s festival was the formation of a Parihaka Choir assembled from festival-goers. The choir sang freedom songs from South Africa, Latin America, Afro-America and Aotearoa.

“Singing has been a powerful agent for change in many of these places, and we aim to celebrate that power and find liberation in the joining of many voices to a greater cause,” says choir leader Stephen Taberner.