It was a great opportunity to be in the presence of the original Polynesian Panthers

On Thursday, the 12th of March, the Polynesian Panthers, Tigilau Ness, Melani Anae, and Alex Toelefoa, visited Rutherford College. 

They shared stories about their culture and their experiences before, during, and after the dawn raids. 

The Dawn Raids were a series of discriminatory raids on the Polynesian Community during the 1970s that the government pushed. The police specifically targeted Pacific families who lived in the inner-city suburbs of Grey Lynn and Ponsonby in the early morning to find these so-called “overstayers”. 

In 2021, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern apologised to the community affected. 

We must continue to learn about the past. Therefore, we are grateful to the Polynesian Panthers, as they were involved and were present during the time of the Dawn Raids. They helped many Pacific communities while challenging the unjust treatment of them. 

It was a great opportunity to be in the presence of the original Polynesian Panthers. They inspire our youth to challenge unfair treatment in society.  

Thank you

by Krisarn Sietu