The Dawn Raids

During Humanities, we’ve been working on the Dawn Raids, a significant part of history in New Zealand. Here’s my work on it:

 

Who was involved?

The people who were mainly involved in the Dawn Raids were Polynesian people, people of colour, government officials, and police officers.

When did this happen?

This whole incident started during 1973 to 1979, around 15 years after Polynesians were first invited to come to New Zealand after World War II.

Where did this take place?

This took place in Auckland, New Zealand.

What happened?- 3 details

The Dawn Raids were basically a time that Polynesian and coloured people were racially profiled, and that they were to be sent back to their home country because they “overstayed” their welcome. It was called the Dawn Raids because police officers would raid the homes of Polynesian/coloured people during the early hours of the morning, which comes in the name, the “Dawn” Raids. During this time, Polynesian/coloured people were to be taken by immigration, questioned on their visa, and it decided if they would be brought back to their home country.

Why did this happen?

This happened because of a political party that supported the idea of bringing back those who migrated from Polynesia, back to their home countries. Their reasoning for these was outrageous, turning to the colour of their skin as a prime target. Eventually, people started to support them and voted for their party in the next election, with their winning, they used this power to create stricter laws on immigration.

What were the outcomes or implications?

The outcomes of the Dawn Raids were that generations after were heavily affected as well. But, they used this part of history as a reflection of standing up for what they know is right, and protecting their ancestors history so that the next generations will never have to face what they did.

 

That’s all for now in my understanding of the Dawn Raids.