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The impact of the Polynesian Panthers on society - Coggle Diagram
The impact of the Polynesian Panthers on society
Long term
Formal Government Apology
On the first of august 2021,nearly 50 years later and after lobbying from the Polynesian Panther Party the New Zealand government formally apologized for the Dawn Raids. This marked a significant acknowledgment of the harm done and initiated discussions about making amends, such as improving immigration pathways for Pacific people.
Formal recognition of the political and cultural significance of Pacific Islanders
In 1985, Prime Minister David Lange under the Labour Government created a new Government Ministry, Ministry of Pacific Island affairs. In the Ministry there is a representative of the 6 main Pacific Island groups.
Police and the way they operate in New Zealand
After the Dawn Raids the police made sure to reach out to the wider community. It became more comfortable for Pacific Islanders to join the police force and for Maori Police to be given higher up positions. Prime Minister David Lange said "I think the Police have certainly become more aware of their limitations when dealing with minority groups of whom the Polynesian Panthers was one."
Polyfest
Polyfest started at Hilary College,Otara in 1976. It is one of the biggest festivals to demonstrate pride in cultural identity and multiple of these events can be found up and down New Zealand.
Pacific Panthers
In 2016 former Polynesian Panthers set up a new advocacy group for Polynesians called Pacific Panthers. The hope of the new group is to unite Pacifika groups all across New Zealand.
Short term
Public visability
To get there message across the Polynesian Panthers would hold protests and marches for things like racial discrimination, prejudice and social inequality faced by indigenous Māori citizens and Pacific Islanders. Queen Street marches would attract up to 2000 people.
PIG patrol
Police Investigation Group. The Polynesian Panthers and allies would follow police cars and monitor where they were going. They would monitor arrests, observe and photograph arrests and hand out booklets on legal aid.
Pressure the Government to change its policy
Advisory groups formed and met with Government representatives, as the Minister of immigration refused to meet with them. In the meetings the members of the Polynesian Panthers would try to pressure policy changes.
Government relaxes policy
The Government agreed to reopen the over stayer register for six weeks. 635 over stayers registered. The final amount from two amnesties was 5381 registered, which 70% were given permission to stay in New Zealand.
Disruption between communities and families:
As people were arrested, detained and deported families were torn apart. The raids not only disrupted families, but entire communities as well. This led to a breakdown of trust between Pacific Islanders and law enforcement. This was because of racial profiling, even though other ethnic backgrounds were targeted like Europeans and Asians, the dawn raids disproportionately targeted Pacific people.
