The exhibition was developed by Pauline Smith in collaboration with Southland Museum and Art Gallery, Niho o te Taniwha, and focuses on the actions that took place in the mid-1970s when the government introduced the practice of dawn raids.
Smith says the Polynesian Panthers emerged from this unsettling time and played a key role in fighting for the rights of their people.
“The Panthers fought for social justice and protested against unfair treatment and the targeting of Pacific Islanders. They encouraged immigrant families across New Zealand to stand up for their human rights.”
“This was the reality for many of us growing up in New Zealand, including my own family. Some of the photographs may bring back raw memories for our parents and grandparents, but I believe it’s crucial for our younger generation to understand the struggle their families faced during this time.”
The gallery space will be themed as a 1970s Kiwi-Pacific Island family’s lounge room, forming the backdrop for original artworks, memorabilia, and photographs from the dawn raids era.
The exhibition opens on 6 April and runs until 25 May.
Source: Maoritelevision.com
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