A key Historical idea that is demonstrated by the philosophy promoted at Parihaka is Racial Integration. Parihaka was the first haven for Maori from different iwi and from a historians point of view was the first multi-tribal .
Te Whiti O Rongomai and Tohu Kakahi established the open farming community of Parihaka in 1863. Situated on the western side of Mount Taranaki this place was to be a breeding ground for non-violence actions and the protection of Maori independence. a large
village founded during the punishable years of mass seizure and removal of Maori
from their properties. Parihaka in itself was very unique as it attracted Maori from all over the north island who had had their land confiscated by the British. Instead of conflicts between tribes, which previously had been a problem, the people of Parihaka from all different places and tribes worked together to resist the British and preserve their traditional Maori way of life. For example, Iwi preserved their unique identities through building maraes and carvings, unique to their own tribes.
The leaders at Parihaka also had a unique approach towards European settlers. Te Whiti envisioned an Aotearoa where both races could live in harmony, while maintaining their own unique identities. This is evident in Te Whiti's instructions to send gifts to surveyors and road marking parties, such as food to help make the Europeans appreciate their position as guests on Maori land.
Te Whiti encouraged Maori to maintain their culture and traditional way of life by preserving their identities unique to their tribes. However he encouraged racial tolerance, harmony and integrationby instructing his followers to accept and welcome European people. Hazel Risenborough writes: 'Te Whiti had long said he wished to live in peace, that he was prepared to "share his blanket" and agreed to settlement of the lands north and south of the Parihaka block'. Te Whiti and Tohu symbolized an alternative authority and were a reprimand to the Victorian idea of racial and cultural supremacy.
This was the response of the British to Te Whiti and his Philosophy's