Descendants of Maori prisoners from Taranaki, who died while working in Dunedin in the 19th century, gather around a kohatu at the Southern Cemetery in Dunedin yesterday. Photo by Gerard O'Brien.
Their ancestors were taken as political prisoners from Taranaki in the 19th century to work in Dunedin.
Will Edwards, Te Korowai o Ngaruahine chairman in Taranaki, said the journey was to host a hikoi honouring the prisoners of the past.
''They were pacifists, revolutionaries, and stood up for what they believed in.
''It [the journey down] is also to seek resolution - the city council has already started to do that.''
Both young and old attended, and Mr Edwards said some of the older members of the gathering could be great-grandchildren of the prisoners.
The hikoi featured formal and sacred waiata (songs), speeches, a poi performance and a gathering around the kohatu (memorial stone).
