Anahila Kanongata'a-Suisuiki

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.