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New Zealand Parliament reflects on Dawn Raids in special debate

The acknowledgement and reflection of the 1970s Dawn Raids is now forever etched into government records after a special Parliamentary debate.

All political parties in the debate expressed their sorrow towards Pasifika who were traumatised and impacted by the Dawn Raids.

For a couple of Labour's Pacific MPs, the Dawn Raids hit home.

Anahila Kanongata'a-Suisuiki relayed the words of her mother, who survived the Dawn Raids.

"I found refuge in my prayers to God to keep us safe and found peace in singing hymns as we leave our homes before dawn. 

Pacific Islands Forum marks 50th anniversary

The leaders of the Cook Islands, Fiji, Nauru, Tonga and Samoa together with Australia and New Zealand met in Wellington from 5th-7th August 1971. This was the first South Pacific Forum meeting.

At the time, the only regional organisation established was the South Pacific Commission which was created in 1947.

The leaders of the newly independent island nations understood the external influences that existed in that regional body, which included colonial powers. It was clear another forum was needed.