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.
Why was the homework centre set up?
There was no education environment for young children, so university students and teachers volunteered their time to educate them
What was the contribution of Sir Dove Meyer Robinson?
Gave the PPP an office which was used to establish headquarters
What were the percentages around the dawn raids?
Only 30% of overstayers were pasifika, but pasifika accounted for 80% of the raid victims
When was the dawn raid period?
21st-24th October 1976, 200 houses raided, 856 pasifika randomly checked. Only 23 overstayers located. 141 addresses and 172 people checked in wellington, only 16 overstayers located! Very ineffective method!!!
What did the PPP want from the apology?
There were many loud voices within the Pacific community asking for monetary compensation and for pathways to citizenship. What the Polynesian Panthers wanted was education of outcomes. We wanted the Polynesian Panther Party history also to be taught in the schools alongside colonial history of our territory. The main thing was for us that this apology would create a platform, a space for our people to heal. For 50 years, many of our people did not speak about their experience, couldn’t speak about their experience. For many Pacific people, any interaction with the authority is shameful, is disgraceful. Also provided a reference point for Pasifika if anything similar were to happen again. Pasifika also now have an opportunity to share what happened.
What is institutional racism?
Racism embedded in racism
What is internalised racism?
internalised racism is that people start believing the negative stereotypes that are all over social media, all over policy and legislation. They start believing it and acting out on it.
What is everyday racism?
The worst type of racism that polynesians wake up to, have breakfast to …
What was the apology?
It’s the beginning of an shift and ways of thinking about how we can look after all our people, how we can just right these wrongs.
