Dawn Raids in Aotearoa New Zealand
The Dawn Raids were the Government’s promise to ‘get tough’ on law and order and immigration in the 1970s. Raids took place in the early hours of the morning or late at night when police would enter homes to convict and deport so-called ‘over-stayers’.
Police also stopped people in the street to ask for evidence of their right to be in the country, but the majority of people targeted in this way were Pacific people, despite Pacific people making up only one third of those overstaying their visas. The majority of over-stayers – British, Australians and South Africans – were not subjected to the same treatment.
Panel talk: The impact and legacy of the Dawn Raids
This talk will reflect on a dark time in Aotearoa New Zealand’s history, what has happened in the 50 years since the Dawn Raids, and how this has shaped the design of a new mural, with Oscar Kightley MNZM, Tigilau Ness, Nina Nawalowalo ONZM, Mere Montgomery, and Liana Leiataua.
Sat 9 Nov 2024, 11.00am–1.00pm
Event Ngā kaupapa motuhake
Watch: Steve Kenny – growing up in a Police house, a son’s perspective
As part of remembering Dawn Raids, a talanoa (workshop) was held at Pātaka to reflect on the time 50 years ago and share testimonies of Māori and Pacific stories of the trauma, injustices, and impact on their families and lives. Here, Steve Kenny talks about his father's job in the Police and how that affected their lives.
Watch: Magele Maria Uluilelata recites Waves and shades of brown excellence
As part of remembering Dawn Raids, a talanoa (workshop) was held at Pātaka to reflect on the time 50 years ago and share testimonies of Māori and Pacific stories of the trauma, injustices, and impact on their families and lives. Here, Magele Maria Uluilelata shares some of her reflections and a poem she wrote when she was 15 years old.
Timeline of the Dawn Raids
This timeline covers key events and context relevant to the Dawn Raids, highlighting key legislative changes and social responses, and their impact on Pacific communities – including immigration settings, dawn raid reports, protests, community meetings and police and government activities.
View the timeline on Manatū Taonga’s website.