Parikino

Parikino is a settlement 24 kilometres (15 mi) upriver from Whanganui, New Zealand; the original pā site was across the Whanganui River.^[1]

Parikino pā, on the Whanganui River, after a sketch by Rev. Richard Taylor

Parikino was originally a fortified settlement established in 1845 as security against a possible raid by a Ngāti Tūwharetoa taua (war party). The population of about 200 then gradually moved to the unfortified agricultural land across the river.^[2] Parikino is home to the Ngāti Hinearo and Ngāti Tuera hapū of the iwi Te Āti Haunui-a-Pāpārangi.^[1] The Ngāti Hinearo wharenui is called Te Aroha, and the Ngāti Tuera is Wharewhiti.^[3] The meeting house Maranganui Tuarua, 3 km south of Parikino at Pungarehu,^[4] was built for Ngāti Tuera by the carver Hōri Pukehika.^[1]

Parikino Sports Day, consisting mainly of horseback competitions and family activities, has run every year since 1928; farm chores are traditionally put on hold for the day.^[5]

One of New Zealand's most important contemporary photographers Ans Westra took a series of black-and-white photographs of children and teachers at the Parikino Maori School in 1963.^[6]

There are three marae in the Parikino area. Parikino Marae and Ko Wharewhiti or Te Aroha meeting house are a meeting place for Ngāti Hinearo and Ngāti Tumango. Ātene or Kakata Marae and Te Rangi-i-heke-iho meeting house are affiliated with Ngāti Hineoneone. Pungarehu Marae and Maranganui Tuarua meeting house are affiliated with Ngāti Tuera.^[7][8]

Education

Aberfeldy School is a co-educational state primary school for Year 1 to 8 students,^[9] with a roll of 12 as of March 2025.^[10]