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Dawn Raids
Television (Full Length) – 2005
This documentary chronicles a shameful passage in New Zealand race relations: the controversial mid 1970s raids on the homes and workplaces of alleged Pacific Island overstayers. Director Damon Fepulea’i (Watermark, Jono and Ben) examines its origins in Pacific Island immigration during full employment in the 1960s, when a blind eye was turned to visa restrictions. As times got tougher, that policy changed to include random street checks by police, despite official denials. Resistance by activists and media coverage helped end a policy which has had a long term effect on the Pacific Island community.
...Very much was made of the word 'dawn raids'. It's very emotive. Just remember — these young fellas were working in the freezing works, heading off to work at five and six in the morning. They were on long shifts and so on, and that was the only time you could get them.– Former Police Task Force Commander Ross Dallow
Key Cast & Crew
See all 15 credits
Produced by
Isola Productions
Source
Isola Productions
Acknowledgements
Made with funding from NZ On Air
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