What Led to the Formation of The Polynesian Panthers Party in NZ
Polynesian Panthers
Causes
Prior to the Dawn Raids, The New Zealand government was in fact encouraging Pacific Island people to migrate to New Zealand. Administration anticipated that these Pacific Island people would be the resolution to their labour shortage that occurred during the 1950s. Polynesians agreed to migrate as they also felt the need for a better quality of life for their families. However by 1971, the population of pacific island people had reached an outstanding 45,413 people which was a substantial leap from the national census in 1945 which revealed less than 2,200 Polynesian people living in New Zealand. During the 1970s, New Zealand's economy plummeted due to numerous global advances. This financial recession produced a huge increase in both unemployment and delinquency. A great amount of frustration was born from these social ailments and in effect the New Zealand government initiated the Dawn Raids as an attempt to rid the country of overstayers.
The Polynesian Panthers Party (PPP) organisation was officially established on the 16th of June 1971. The Polynesian Panther Party was initially born out of dissatisfaction with the New Zealand police force and their continuous intolerant behaviour towards the Maori and Pacific Island people. Will Ilolahia, is one of the many key founders who would strongly agree that the ‘Dawn Raids’ was a fundamental event which instigated their desire to fight for minority rights. Polynesian Panthers were inspired greatly by the Black Panthers who were a political party in the United States that were also fighting for civil rights and equality upon diverse races.
Dawn Raids entailed New Zealand Police officers going out during early hours of the morning and invading the homes of Pacific Island families that were suspected of overstaying their visas. People unable to verify they have a valid visa were arrested and imprisoned then eventually deported back to their country. In the government’s eyes this
Causes
Prior to the Dawn Raids, The New Zealand government was in fact encouraging Pacific Island people to migrate to New Zealand. Administration anticipated that these Pacific Island people would be the resolution to their labour shortage that occurred during the 1950s. Polynesians agreed to migrate as they also felt the need for a better quality of life for their families. However by 1971, the population of pacific island people had reached an outstanding 45,413 people which was a substantial leap from the national census in 1945 which revealed less than 2,200 Polynesian people living in New Zealand. During the 1970s, New Zealand's economy plummeted due to numerous global advances. This financial recession produced a huge increase in both unemployment and delinquency. A great amount of frustration was born from these social ailments and in effect the New Zealand government initiated the Dawn Raids as an attempt to rid the country of overstayers.
The Polynesian Panthers Party (PPP) organisation was officially established on the 16th of June 1971. The Polynesian Panther Party was initially born out of dissatisfaction with the New Zealand police force and their continuous intolerant behaviour towards the Maori and Pacific Island people. Will Ilolahia, is one of the many key founders who would strongly agree that the ‘Dawn Raids’ was a fundamental event which instigated their desire to fight for minority rights. Polynesian Panthers were inspired greatly by the Black Panthers who were a political party in the United States that were also fighting for civil rights and equality upon diverse races.
Dawn Raids entailed New Zealand Police officers going out during early hours of the morning and invading the homes of Pacific Island families that were suspected of overstaying their visas. People unable to verify they have a valid visa were arrested and imprisoned then eventually deported back to their country. In the government’s eyes this