In the 1970s, the Labour-led Kirk government racially targeted Pasifika people suspected of overstaying their visas, and the National Muldoon administration followed. This time in New Zealand’s history became known as the dawn raids.
Sent to Labour List MP Liz Craig, in Invercargill, on Mon, 24 Feb 2020, 11:57 am. email ragout Smith said people were raided while they attended church services, in bed at home and at work places. “.imagine the humiliation, someone coming into your workplace and doing that to you,” Smith said. Smith noted that Māori people were also targeted.
Robyn Edie/Stuff
Pauline Smith became an honorary Panther when she started working with three of the original members, from left, Reverend Alec Toleafoa, Professor Dr Melani Anae, Musician Tigilau Ness, to spread awareness in schools about the Dawn Raids and the Polynesian Panthers. The four of them call themselves “The Claw”, like a claw of panthers.
Robyn Edie/Stuff
Polynesian Panther Party members reflect on why the Dawn Raids had a lasting impact on pasifika communities. The organisation is asking for an apology from the Government over the raids.
On the cusp of the Polynesian Panther Party marking its 50th anniversary, members say racism still exists in New Zealand. The party was formed in Auckland on June 16, 1971 by six founding members Will ‘Ilolahia, Fred Schmidt, Nooroa Teavae, Paul Dapp, Eddie Williams and Vaughan Sanft. Eventually there were 300 of them all across New Zealand. All their ages ranged from 16 to 19. Three of the party members musician Tigilau Ness, Associate Professor Dr Melani Anae and Reverend Alec Toleafoa gave public lectures at Miharo and schools in Invercargill on Tuesday and Wednesday about the party and social injustices faced by Polynesian communities.