We were honoured to have a special visit from Associate Professor Dr. Melani Anae and Reverend Alec Toleafoa, two original members of the Polynesian Panthers

We were honoured to have a special visit from Associate Professor Dr. Melani Anae and Reverend Alec Toleafoa, two original members of the Polynesian Panthers. They came to talk to the Year 9 boys who have studied the Dawn Raids as part of Junior Social Sciences, and to 9EAP and 7GSW who both studied the novel ‘Dawn Raid’ by Pauline Vaeluaga Smith. 

Patrick Lemeki (Year 12) was able to show Dr Melani and Reverend Alec his award winning painting entitled ‘Power to the People’ inspired by the legacy of the Polynesian Panthers. Members of the Pasifika group and their families also came to hear from the Polynesian Panthers.

The Polynesian Panthers, founded in 1971, were a social justice movement inspired by the Black Panther Party in the United States. They played a crucial role in fighting against the racism and discrimination faced by Māori and Pacific Island communities during the 1970 Dawn Raid period.

During their presentation, Dr. Melani and Reverend Alec shared their experiences from the era of the Dawn Raids in the 1970s. The Polynesian Panthers provided legal aid and support to families affected by the raids. They also initiated their own Police Investigation Group patrols to monitor police activity and protect their community. The Polynesian Panthers also advocated for Pacific Islanders, helping with homework centres and ensuring families were treated fairly by landlords.

The visit was an incredible opportunity for our students to learn about this important part of New Zealand's history directly from those who lived it and helped shape the fight for a fairer society. The work of the Polynesian Panthers laid the foundation for modern Pasifika activism and their motto "Educate to Liberate" continues to inspire us today.