Lecture 19 Pacific Health Flashcards
Why did the polynesian panthers form?
They were tired of the racism they were subjected to, and stood forward because their parents were too busy working and too respectful towards authority to stand up themselves
Why did Polynesians settle in Ponsonby?
They were encouraged by the NZ government to come because NZ was short of workers. This led to them being seen as units of productivity, and their humanity disregarded
Describe the police brutality which polynesians suffered
Some of us were picked up, put in the cars and the police cars taken round to a dark end of the street or alley, beaten with wet newspaper, no bruises and dropped off just for walking
When was the first meeting of the PPP and what was the age composition of the group?
First meeting was 16th June 1971, mostly made of teenagers.
What is an example of racism in schools?
Student told by principal to cut their hair, however traditionally, boys can’t have a haircut until you’ve undergone a coming of age family ceremony. Student was thus expelled.
What are some community actions that the PPP organised
Food bank, Tenants Aid Brigade, Newspaper, Homework club for kids, Christmas party with presents, petition, concerts at old peoples homes, talked to prisoners
What was David Long’s contribution?
Before he became prime minister, he wrote the PPP a legal aid pamphlet. This allowed them to stand up against the police (e.g they cannot arrest you if they do not have full uniform on)
What was the PIG patrol?
A group which followed police around to make sure they were not just randomly picking on pasifika
What were the Dawn Raids?
Between 1973 and 1976, successive governments cracked down hard on immigrants with expired visas. Communities were being racially profiled and rounded up on the streets and in their own homes early in the morning.
How did the PPP combat the dawn raids
They used mega phones and blasted “Come out with your passports” outside politician homes, when the front door opened/lights came on they ran away in cars
The dawn raids were eventually called off, but why was it still a problem?
The hurt and shame of the dawn raids still lingered and there was no formal apology
What happened during the Springbok tour?
Because Maori were not allowed to play against the springboks due to racism, the PPP went violent against the police. As a result, some of the PPP were sent to prison for rioting
Why are the PPP focusing on children?
They’ve got no qualms about race, colour, greed, setting. “All I want is to be safe and to be loved.” These days, the panther message is spread through the schools rather than the barricades.
What is the 3 point panther platform?
Peaceful resistance against all racism, Celebrate mana pasifika, Educate to liberate
What was the tenants aids brigade?
Rental accommodation was unliveable but landlords were charging exorbitant rents. If there was any complaints about tenancy, the tenants would be just evicted. There was no tenancy agreements. The PPP stood by the tenants who were about to be evicted, barricaded themselves at the addresses and resisted police. Tenants were encouraged to not pay rent unless changes were made.
