About the Dawn RaidsThe Dawn Raids refer to a series of operations in the 1970s in which Police entered homes or stopped people to demand proof of their right to be in New Zealand. Pacific peoples were disproportionately targeted, with raids often carried out at random, including in the early morning – hence the term ‘Dawn Raids’.These actions caused lasting trauma, with impacts still felt in Pacific communities today.Dawn Raids ApologyIn August 2021, the Government issued a formal apology for the Dawn Raids, acknowledging the harmful and unjust actions that took place. As then Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern stated in the apology:Today, I stand on behalf of the New Zealand Government to offer a formal and unreserved apology to Pacific communities for the discriminatory implementation of the immigration laws of the 1970s that led to the events of the Dawn Raids.The Government expresses its sorrow, remorse, and regret that the Dawn Raids and random police checks occurred and that these actions were ever considered appropriate. Our Government conveys to the future generations of Aotearoa that the past actions of the Crown were wrong, and that the treatment of your ancestors was wrong. We convey to you our deepest and sincerest apology.We also apologise for the impact that these events have had on other peoples, such as Māori and other ethnic communities, who were unfairly targeted and impacted by the random Police checks of the time.We acknowledge the distress and hurt that these experiences would have caused.Acknowledging the Dawn Raids: the 2021 Government Apology (NZ History) Image Dawn Raids apology, Radio New Zealand Dawn Raids historical account packageFollowing the Government’s official apology, there was significant demand from Pacific communities to begin a meaningful reconciliation process for those impacted by the Dawn Raids.As part of this commitment, Manatū Taonga has developed a programme of work to support healing and increase public understanding of the Dawn Raids. This includes Understanding Dawn Raids, a digital platform on the NZ History website, alongside other initiatives outlined below.Historical account package initiativesWe work with the Ministry for Pacific Peoples on the Dawn Raids Historical Account Package. There have also been a number of goodwill gestures from other government agencies.Contestable funding for Pacific artists and historiansThe Niu Dawn Raids Funding Initiative was made possible by a one-off fund from Manatū Taonga and delivered by Creative New Zealand, with NZ On Air as a supporting partner. Twenty-eight artists and arts organisations received funding, with projects delivered in 2024.Niu Dawn Raids Funding Initiative (Creative New Zealand)Teu le Vā Dawn Raids History Community FundTeu le Vā was part of a reconciliation process to document a historical account of the Dawn Raids. Successful applicants received funding to share their experiences, helping to generate, preserve, and raise awareness of this period, and to pass on this knowledge to future generations.Teu le Vā Dawn Raids History Community Fund (Ministry for Pacific Peoples)Vaka of Stories and Dawn Raids historical account reportThe Vaka of Stories was a travelling vaka that enabled anyone impacted by the events of the Dawn Raids to share their experiences in a safe environment. Stories have been collected, and work is ongoing.The full history publication will focus on the experiences of Pacific peoples in New Zealand, including those who were directly targeted during the mid-1970s Dawn Raids and their families. The Raids sent ripple effects across generations, and there was a variety of responses from communities. This history will highlight the resilience of Pacific peoples.The accounts shared by individuals through the Vaka of Stories project will be an essential resource for the full history.Preserving Dawn Raids histories (Ministry for Pacific Peoples) Understanding Dawn RaidsWe’ve created Understanding Dawn Raids to provide information about the history of the Dawn Raids and their impact on Pacific communities in Aotearoa New Zealand. The platform is available on NZ History and features a historical essay, timeline, and a talanoa section with community stories and reflections. It also includes research resources and links to further materials, supporting deeper exploration of this confronting and important part of New Zealand’s history.The Dawn Raids: A historical essayThis essay examines the causes, impacts, and lasting significance of the Dawn Raids, including their disproportionate impact on Pacific peoples and the 2021 government apology. Timeline of the Dawn Raids This timeline guides you through pivotal events between 1968 and 1977, the peak years of the Dawn Raids era. We highlight key legislative changes and social responses, and their impact on Pacific communities.Talanoa This is a space for stories and dialogue about the Dawn Raids and the Understanding Dawn Raids project, drawing on lived experiences and first-hand accounts so this history is remembered.Research resources We have curated over 200 resources of various formats and perspectives to enrich your understanding of the Dawn Raids. The collection is organised into four main categories for easy navigation:Dawn Raids on screenScreen-based resources including documentaries, film and television productions and related video recordings. Dawn Raids primary resourcesPrimary sources, including photographs and documents from the 1970s, are helpful for grasping the historical nuances of the Dawn Raids as experienced by those who lived through it.Dawn Raids in popular culturePopular sources, including podcasts, blogs, social media posts, websites, plays and poetry, offer valuable insights into how the dawn raids have been interpreted over time.Dawn Raids publicationsA range of published sources, academic articles, postgraduate theses, and both edited and sole-authored non-fiction books. Image Noelle Moa The design for Understanding Dawn Raids is informed by the innovative work of Noelle Moa who used a series of linocuts to depict aspects of the Dawn Raids experience. Letters Home by Noelle Moa (NZ History)Ongoing workThe Understanding Dawn Raids platform was a major focus for Manatū Taonga and is now permanently hosted on NZ History. The remaining programme of work focuses on two deliverables. Book publicationAn educational publication that will present an accessible account of the Dawn Raids, drawing on both state archives and Pacific community perspectives. Publication is planned for 2027.Dictionary of New Zealand BiographySeven Pacific Pioneer biographies are currently in progress with Pacific community contributors. One related biography of Dr Ian Prior, has already been published.Prior, Ian Ambury Miller (DNZB)Contact usWe continue to work with our Pacific communities, with care, purpose and understanding that this process takes time, trust, and the right support. For questions, please contact: [email protected]