Polynesian Panthers mark 50 years of activism rnz.co.nz - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from rnz.co.nz Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
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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.