Ringatu

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Ringatu (Maori, Ringa-tua, ‘upraised hand’). The oldest continuing prophet movement in New Zealand. It was founded by Te Kooti Rikirangi (?1830–93) among prisoners captured during the Anglo-Maori wars, with whom he had been unjustly deported to the Chatham Islands in 1866. His earnest Bible study established a new Maori religion which spread after their escape home in 1868. He is now revered as saint and martyr, and creator of the Ringatu liturgy.