Bitterness & Reconciliation 

Bitterness & Reconciliation 

Bitter inscriptions mark graves of British soldiers killed in the Taranaki Wars (1860-81). The language of that era still has power to shock. However, in 1956, Te Ātiawa lay pare kawakawa wreaths on these graves, laying down grief in a sign of reconciliation. Another powerful act occurred in 2018 when the Cathedral’s first kaumatua, Reverend Tikitūterangi Raumati, chose to be buried near the men who shot his people. As the dead lay in peace, may we live in peace.