The Role of the Niu in Pai Marire

The niu or worshipping pole was the central focus of Pai Marire ritual. Clark (1975 , p.89) commented how the niu became the symbol of the movement, although flags and flagpoles were an integral part of Pakeha ceremonial both military and civil, and were well established in the King Movement “ as proclamations of political allegiance and statements of authority. Te Ua ’ s movement took over this general concept, giving it religious significance.

The peculiar significance of the niu in Pai Marire was derived from one of the early visitations by the Angel Gabriel to Te Ua. This was described by the Assistant Native Secretary, R. Parris, who had dealings with Te Ua, whom he called Horopapara, in the early stages of the development of Pai Marire in Taranaki (AJHR 1865, E4, pp.5-6).

Te Ua then went to his own place in Upper Taranaki, and on a certain day he was in his house and fell asleep, and was in a trance, when a great light descended from heaven and a voice called to him “ to rise and stand on his feet ” , when he saw a great multitude of every race upon earth. A voice then said to him, “ Horopapara go out of your house, take your son and kill him. ” Horopapara took his son and twisted the leg until the bone broke in several places. A voice then cried “ Horopapara spare your son. ”

The Angel Gabriel then said “ take your son and wash him in water ”. He took his son to a river called Wairau (in the Upper Taranaki District) and washed him and the leg was restored whole as the other. The Angel Gabriel then said to him “ go back to your house and erect a niu ” . Horopapara enquired of the Angel what a Niu was. The Angel replied “ a post ” . Horopapara enquired for what purpose. The Angel replied “ Work for you for the acquirement of the languages of all races upon earth. ” Horopapara enquired of the Angel who was to impart to him the gift of languages. The Angel replied “ The Spirit of God passing with the winds will teach you. ” Horopapara then asked the Angel “ What of the winds? ” The Angel replied “ As the winds of heaven proceed to all quarters of the globe, so from the Niu proceeded all the different forms of religion upon earth. ” The Angel Gabriel then sung the following Hymn

Te Waiatu Aroha a Kapariera mo tona iwi tukirikau, Motu Hawke

Atua Pai Marire, Atua Pai Marire, rire, rire,

Atua Tamaiti Pai Marire, Atua Wairua Tapu Pai Marire rire,

Kia whakakaroria kia koe e Ihowa i te takiwa o tenei ao

And the throne, and the throne, and the throne, rire rire

The last sentence is said to have been spoken as written.

This Gabriel ’ s song of love to his people standing naked - Motu Hawke

God Pai Marire, God Pai Marire, rire, rire

God the Son Pai Marire, God the Son, Pai Marire, rire, rire,

Glory be to Thee, 0 Jehovah, in this world,

And the throne, and the throne, and the throne, rire, rire.