Former New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has faced severe criticism for what has been described as a “hollow” apology regarding the Dawn Raids that targeted Pacific Island New Zealanders in the 1970s. A scathing review conducted by Mike Heron KC has shed light on the disappointment felt by the Pacific community, as no significant changes were made to prevent the continuation of these raids.
Immigration Minister Andrew Little expressed remorse and acknowledged the government’s failure to update guidelines and provide new enforcement strategies to Immigration New Zealand. He admitted that in hindsight, this was a mistake and should have been addressed. Acting Prime Minister Carmel Sepuloni shared her disappointment with Immigration New Zealand, stating that their actions were triggering for the Pacific community and failed to consider the government’s apology. Sepuloni, who herself experienced the traumatic effects of the dawn raids, described it as a distressing experience.
The review found that Ardern’s apology in 2021 appeared insincere and did not meet the reasonable expectations of the Pacific community that these early morning intrusions would cease. Despite the media attention surrounding the apology, there were no efforts made by ministers and officials to change the government’s approach to deportation. The review recommended implementing new legislation to completely end or limit the use of dawn raids to specific circumstances. It also emphasized the need to update Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and guidelines for officers, ensuring that dawn raids are considered a last resort and taking into account the presence of children or elderly individuals during such operations.
The Dawn Raids, known for targeting Pacific Island New Zealanders in the 1970s, left a lasting impact on the community. While Pacific people were once the primary victims of these raids, recent years have seen a shift in focus, with Chinese nationals comprising the majority of deportees due to changes in visa priorities. The review captured diverse perspectives from community representatives, with some condemning the raids as racist, regardless of the targeted communities, while others supported deportations to protect the reputation of lawful citizens and maintain a sense of citizenship identity. These opposing views highlight the complexity of the issue and the significant social and psychological stress caused by the dawn raids.
In response to the review, MBIE Chief Executive Carolyn Tremain acknowledged the impact of the 1970s Dawn Raids on the Pacific community and committed to updating guidance for compliance officers. The new guidance will specify when and how out-of-hours visits to residential addresses should take place, making it clear that they should only be carried out as a last resort when all other alternatives have been considered.
However, the government’s actions moving forward will determine whether a genuine change in approach can be achieved, providing justice and reassurance to the affected communities. It is crucial for the government to address the concerns raised by the review and take concrete steps to ensure that history does not repeat itself, and that the Pacific community feels respected and protected in New Zealand.
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