Pacific Power & Activism

Question 1

Name as many words as possible to define the word “power”:

Answer 1

Knowledge, money, force, hierarchy, respect, mana, economic wealth, race, education.

Question 2

The oppression of a group of people based on race, or the belief in a superior and inferior race, is known as ____

Answer 2

Racism

Question 3

Racism that is established within larger systems is known as:

Answer 3

Institutional racism

Question 4

What terminology is covered in the Pacific activism module?

Answer 4

Racism, institutional racism, neo-colonialism

Question 5

Give a brief description of the Dawn Raids, the events that transpired and its influence on New Zealand society:

Answer 5

An act of institutional racism in New Zealand in the 1950s, where Pacific “overstayers” were rounded up and deported back overseas after the government decided they were no longer needed for labour. This lead to the formation of the Polynesian Panthers - a Māori and Pacific activist group based in Auckland, who advocated for social change across the country.

Question 6

Name one of the consequences of racism and institutional racism in the context of the Dawn Raids on Pacific people in NZ:

Answer 6

All stereotyped together due to the colour of their skin. Police brutality.

Question 7

Name any number of social changes that the Polynesian Panthers successfully advocated for:

Answer 7

Homework and food centres. Pedestrian crossings. More scholarships. Tenancy tribunals. An apology for the Dawn Raids.

Question 8

Name the 2 other Pacific nations discussed in class where Pacific power and activism have been implemented:

Answer 8

Samoa, Hawai’i

Question 9

Provide a simple definition for ‘neo-colonialism’:

Answer 9

The indirect oppression and exploitation of less-developed countries by developed countries.

Question 10

“Mau” in the context of the Mau Movement is Samoan for what?

Answer 10

Opinion or testimony

Question 11

Discuss the main events of the Mau Movement.

Answer 11

British-led New Zealand occupied Samoa post-World War 1. New Zealand set up colonial administrations in Samoa, resulting in: influenza pandemic killing 22% of Samoa’s population, protests. NZ refused to form a committee with combined European and Pacific politics. 11 Samoan protesters killed as a result of police brutality.

Question 12

During the Mau Movement of Samoa in the late 1920s, 11 protestors were shot and killed by police, the day of which became one of the darkest days in the country’s history. This day is known as:

Answer 12

Black Sunday

Question 13

Which two events as discussed in class took place in Hawai’i in 1993 and 2014?

Answer 13

Mauna a Wākea protests. Haunani Kay Trask’s centennial speech.

Question 14

Describe in which ways the use of Hawaiian land and arrest of Hawaiian elders utilises neo-colonialism.

Answer 14

Exploitation of indigenous land for western benefit. Hawaiian land “underdeveloped,” US and allies seen as “developed.”

Question 15

Describe some of the key words/themes expressed in Haunani Kay Trask’s speech, which took place 100 years to the day from the illegal overthrow of the Hawaiian Kingdom:

Answer 15

Sovereignty. Power. Identity. Blood quantum. Christianity.

Question 16

Name the largest issue the Pacific faces today:

Answer 16

Climate change

Question 17

Tuvalu plans to preserve their culture and language through the decimation of their island by rising sea levels by doing what?

Answer 17

Becoming the first “digital” nation.

Question 18

Approximately what % of the global seafood catch comes from the Pacific ocean?

Answer 18

60%

Question 19

Describe how climate change affects the fishing industry in the Pacific:

Answer 19

Tuna migration north towards contested waters, resulting in overfishing.