Ringatu

The Ringatu church was founded in 1868 by Te Kooti Rikirangi. The symbol for the movement is an upraised hand, or "Ringa Tu" in Māori.

Te Kooti was one of a number of Māori detained at the Chatham Islands without trial in relation to the East Coast disturbances of the 1860's. During his captivity, Te Kooti studied the Bible scriptures intensely and conducted religious services based particularly on the Old Testament. His mana and understanding of the Bible led many other detainees to reject the Pai Marire movement and convert to his peaceful new faith.

In June 1868, Te Kooti's followers seized a vessel and sailed back to the North Island of New Zealand. From the next four years Te Kooti and his followers fought a series of battles with Government forces and Te Kooti was pursued until his pardon in 1883. During this time, his personal popularity and following in Ringatu continued to grow.

In 1926, Robert (Rapata) Biddle, a Minister and Secretary of this faith, designed the Ringatu seal (crest). The seal consists of the Old and New Testament in the centre, surrounded by the words 'Te Ture A Te Atua Me Te Whakapono O Ihu' meaning 'The Law of God and the Truth of Jesus'. There are also two upraised hands (one on either side of the inner design) and an eagle perched atop the centre ring (in reference to Deuteronomy 32:11-12, where the eagle is compared to God).

Ringatu services are generally held at a tribal meeting houses and the church leaders include a poutikanga and a tohunga, an expert in church law. Church members read and memorise scripture, and chants and hymns are also held in memory.

The 2006 New Zealand census showed 16,000 members of the Ringatu Church, with a third found in the Bay of Plenty region.

References

See Also

* Season of the Jew (historical novel refereing - despite its name - to the history of the Ringatu)