Pacific / History

Episode 1: Waking Up to the Dawn Raids (Aotearoa) | Untold Pacific History

06:00 am on 18 May 2021

Series Classification: PG (Parental Guidance) | Watch the series here

Listen to the audio

Reverend Alec Toleafoa talk about the Dawn Raids period in NZ's history Photo: Tikilounge Productions

Of the many events affecting Pasifika people in Aotearoa, the Dawn Raids story is overdue to be told. Long whispered about in secret family conversations, people have heard the words ‘Dawn Raids’ but not what really happened.

Melani Anae talks about the Dawn Raids period in NZ's history Photo: Tikilounge Productions

In this critical examination of a time little-known in New Zealand’s social history, this piece features key talent involved in the infamous New Zealand government ‘Dawn Raids’ regime; from a Samoan policeman who was at the forefront of the raids; to the personal stories of families impacted in this time.

This episode explores the landscape of Aotearoa in the 1970s and the global political factors that led to the economic decline that turned the tide of public sentiment against ‘illegal immigrants'.

This important mini-doco looks at the relationship of Aotearoa and its Pacific population, and how this has evolved over the decades.

In this short-form encapsulated history of the Dawn Raids era, historians, Pacific families, teachers and a policeman help to paint a picture of a time that redefined the lives of Pacific people in Aotearoa.

Manase Lua talks about the Dawn Raids period in NZ's history Photo: Tikilounge Productions

Mike Tafua recalls the Dawn Raids' impact on him as a Samoan police officer Photo: Tikilounge Productions

Pauline Smith and Tigilau Ness share memories of the Dawn Raids Photo: Tikilounge Productions

Pauline Smith shares her experiences of the Dawn Raids in NZ Photo: Tikilounge Productions

Protesters march in solidarity at Auckland's Black Lives Matter protest, 1 June 2020 Photo: Tikilounge Productions

Protesters march in solidarity at Auckland's Black Lives Matter protest, 1 June 2020 Photo: Tikilounge Productions

Welby Ings shares recollections of having to hide students during the Dawn Raids Photo: Tikilounge Productions

Welby Ings shares recollections of having to hide students during the Dawn Raids Photo: Tikilounge Productions

Mike Tafua, Samoan policeman during the Dawn Raids in NZ Photo: Tikilounge Productions

About Tikilounge Productions:

Tikilounge Productions Photo: Tikilounge Productions

Tikilounge Productions brings the stories of the Moana to the world and amplifies indigenous narratives by centring indigenous voices as the mainstream. The multi award-winning young team of Tikilounge creatives are constantly evolving forms of Pacific storytelling, as they share their kaupapa and histories with the world.

The Untold Pacific History series is an attempt to unravel some of the histories of the Pacific region as a starting point to wider conversations around what has happened in NZ’s colonial past.

With a raft of award-winning feature documentaries and a variety of Film and TV Producer credits under its belt, Tikilounge Productions is also the creator of the world's biggest online hub of Pasifika content in the portal the coconet.tv.

Additional audio provided courtesy of Ngā Taonga Sound & Vision Photo: Ngā Taonga

Photo: RNZ/NZ On Air