PM Jacinda Ardern delivers formal apology for the 1970s dawn raids | nzherald.co.nz

Summary

The speaker offers a formal apology on behalf of the New Zealand government for the discriminatory 'Dawn Raids' of the 1970s, which targeted Pacific Islanders. The apology acknowledges the racial profiling and wrongful detentions, expressing remorse and a commitment to reconciliation. The government pledges support for education, scholarships, and historical documentation to heal and prevent repetition of past injustices.

Takeaways

• 👑 The speaker represents the New Zealand government and acknowledges the past wrongs of the crown against Pacific communities nearly 50 years ago.
• 🌊 The script discusses the migration of Pacific peoples to New Zealand in the 1950s and their integral role in the nation's cultural and social fabric today.
• 🚨 The Dawn raids of the 1970s are highlighted as a dark chapter in New Zealand's history, where Pacific peoples were racially profiled and targeted under discriminatory immigration laws.
• 📉 Economic downturn in the 1970s led to increased societal fears, with Pacific migrants being scapegoated for economic issues, resulting in the Dawn raids.
• 🏠 The Dawn raids involved police and immigration officials conducting late-night and early-morning raids on Pacific families' homes, often with dogs, causing significant distress.
• 📚 There was a lawful provision for random stops and checks, but it was exploited to racially profile Pacific peoples, leading to widespread protests and the formation of social justice movements like the Polynesian Panthers.
• 📉 The statistics show that Pacific peoples were disproportionately targeted and prosecuted compared to other overstayers from the US and UK, despite similar proportions of overstaying.
• 🙏 The government offers a formal apology to Pacific communities for the discriminatory implementation of immigration laws during the 1970s, expressing sorrow and regret.
• 📚 The government commits to supporting the development of a historical account of the Dawn raids for educational purposes and to provide resources for schools to teach this history.
• 💰 The government pledges financial support in the form of scholarships and fellowships for Pacific communities and short-term training scholarships for young leaders from Samoa, Tonga, Fiji, and other Pacific nations.
• 🌟 The script concludes with a hope for closure and healing for Pacific communities and a commitment to grow together as a nation, recognizing the sacrifices made by Pacific peoples for New Zealand.

Q & A

What is the significance of the event being referred to in the script?

The event being referred to is the Dawn raids, a series of discriminatory immigration enforcement actions in New Zealand during the 1970s, which targeted Pacific Islanders and other people of color.

What was the economic context that led to the migration from the Pacific to New Zealand in the 1950s?

The economic boom of the 1950s in New Zealand encouraged significant migration from the Pacific region to fill labor shortages in the manufacturing and primary production sectors.

How did the economic downturn in the early 1970s affect the perception of Pacific migrants in New Zealand?

The economic downturn led to a shift in societal attitudes, with migrants being seen as a threat to financial security and quality of life, particularly Pacific Islanders who became scapegoats for societal fears.

What were the Dawn raids, and how were they conducted by authorities?

The Dawn raids were police and immigration enforcement actions where officials, often accompanied by dogs, conducted late-night and early-morning raids on Pacific families' homes, forcibly removing residents for questioning and prosecution.

What was the impact of the Dawn raids on the targeted communities?

The Dawn raids caused significant distress, disruption of trust in authorities, and a lasting legacy of unresolved grievances and racial profiling within Pacific communities in New Zealand.

What role did social justice movements like the Polynesian Panthers play in response to the Dawn raids?

The Polynesian Panthers and other groups protested against the discriminatory practices of the Dawn raids, raising awareness and advocating for the rights of Pacific peoples.

What was the outcome of the inquiry report by the race relations conciliator Walter Hirsch in 1986?

The report found that Pacific peoples, who made up roughly a third of overstays, represented 86% of all prosecutions during the Dawn raids period, while other nationalities made up only 5%, despite also comprising a similar proportion of overstayers.

What apology and commitments did the New Zealand government offer to the Pacific communities for the Dawn raids?

The government offered a formal and unreserved apology for the discriminatory implementation of immigration laws, expressing sorrow, remorse, and regret. They also committed to supporting the development of a historical account of the Dawn raids, providing education scholarships, and offering training scholarships for young Pacific leaders.

How does the script address the issue of trust and reconciliation with Pacific communities?

The script acknowledges the enduring hurt and the need for meaningful, genuine reconciliation that restores balance from past wrongs. It emphasizes the government's commitment to honoring Pacific ways of seeking reconciliation and ensuring future generations are educated about the Dawn raids.

What are the tangible gestures of goodwill and reconciliation outlined by the government in the script?

The gestures include supporting the development of a historical account of the Dawn raids for educational purposes, providing education scholarships and fellowships to Pacific communities, and offering short-term training scholarships for young leaders from Samoa, Tonga, Fiji, and other Pacific Island nations.

How does the script reflect on the ongoing journey and transformation of Pacific communities in New Zealand?

The script recognizes the resilience and prosperity of Pacific communities, acknowledging their integral role in New Zealand's cultural and social fabric and their active contributions to the nation's success.