We were honoured to welcome three original members of the Polynesian Panthers to our school, sharing first-hand accounts of living through the Dawn Raid era

Today we were honoured to welcome three original members of the Polynesian Panthers to our school: Associate Professor Dr. Melani Anae, Reverend Alec Toleafoa, and prominent activist and reggae musician Tigilau "Tigi" Ness. The special guests spoke with Year 9 boys, as well as some lucky Year 7 classes. The visit also gave Year 13 Arts Leader Patrick Lemeki the opportunity to showcase two of his award-winning paintings, which were directly inspired by the legacy of the Panthers.

Founded in 1971 and inspired by the Black Panther Party in the United States, the Polynesian Panthers were a vital social justice movement. They stood at the forefront of the fight against the racism and discrimination targeting Māori and Pacific Island communities during the Dawn Raids of the 1970s.

During the presentation, our guests shared powerful first-hand accounts of living through that era. They detailed how the Panthers provided legal aid to targeted families, ran homework centres, protected tenants from unfair landlords, and even organised the Police Investigation Group patrols to monitor police activity and safeguard their community. It was an extraordinary opportunity for our students to learn about a definitive chapter of New Zealand's history from the very people who shaped it. The boys were captivated, asking insightful questions throughout the session. 

The enduring motto of the Polynesian Panthers, "Educate to Liberate," continues to inspire our school today.