A selection of the rich collection of screen and moving image resources about the Dawn Raids.
Video documentaries
The documentaries included here draw on the freely accessible collection of NZ On Screen and other sources to explore Dawn Raids histories and the lived experiences of Pacific peoples.
Compass – The Islanders
Television episode, directed by David Pumphrey, produced by Michael Scott-Smith, 1968.
This 1968 report from the current affairs show Compass, presented by Brian Edwards, highlights the experiences of Polynesian immigrants in New Zealand. Seeking better job opportunities and education for their children, they faced challenges that included language barriers, housing inequality and discrimination. Edwards interviews teachers and community leaders helping Pacific Islanders integrate, as well as a landlord who refuses to rent to them.
The episode delves into the difficulties of prejudice and the concentrated Polynesian population in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland at the time dubbed, ‘the unofficial capital of Polynesia’.
Children of the Migration
Directed by Lala Rolls, TVNZ, 2004.
In this documentary, the children of Pacific families who migrated to Aotearoa from the 1950s to the 1980s reflect on growing up Pacific in New Zealand. Through intimate, portrait‑like interviews, the film honours the sacrifices, resilience, and cultural legacy of a parent generation, balancing memories of hardship with celebration and pride.
Dawn Raids
Documentary, directed by Damon Fepulea‘i, produced by Isola Productions, 2005.
Exploring the controversial Dawn Raids in New Zealand during the mid-1970s, this resource examines migration factors, the international economic context, and changing attitudes towards Pacific migrants. Learn first-hand from those raided and subsequently deported, and also New Zealand police officers of Pacific descent working in the service at the time of raids. The film features valuable insights from political figures Helen Clark, Tupua Tamasese Efi, and former Immigration Minister Aussie Malcolm, and includes commentary from Oscar Kightley and Professor Paul Spoonley. The film provides a comprehensive view of this period and discusses the lasting impact of these actions on Pacific communities.
Polynesian Panthers
Directed by Dan Salmon, Tūmanako Productions, 2010.
Formed in the early 1970s in response to racism and social injustice, the Polynesian Panthers Party became a highly visible force during the Dawn Raids, organising and advocating for Polynesian communities.
Presenter Nevak Rogers traces the Panthers’ origins, key actions, and enduring legacy, reflecting on the movement co‑founded by her uncle, Will ‘Ilolahia.
Loading Docs – Testimony
Short film, directed by Alice Lolohea, produced by Notable Pictures, 2022.
Presented in Tongan and English, Tesimoni Fuavao's 2021 testimony submitted to the Royal Commission of Inquiry inspires this short film on New Zealand's painful history of Dawn Raids.
Fuavao discusses his family’s migration story to Aotearoa and the deep shame he felt when his parents were arrested and detained for a week by police under suspicion of overstaying. The lingering pain is palpable, and the film concludes by reflecting on how this personal story connects with the 2021 government apology to the Pasifika community.
The New Dawn – Lessons of the Dawn Raids
3 episodes, 2025, Coconet TV
This multi‑part Coconet TV series explores the lasting impact of the Dawn Raids through storytelling, performance, and intergenerational reflection. From young Pasifika creatives re‑imagining Oscar Kightley’s Dawn Raids play to personal family histories, community activism, and contemporary youth voices, the series traces how this period of state violence continues to shape identity, resistance, and future‑focused activism today.
More visual media
More curated audio and visual resources, including documentaries, films, television series, and video content in chronological order for you to explore further.
Documentaries
New Streets - Auckland Fa'a-Samoa. Directed by Keith Hunter, TVNZ, 1982
Tagata Tangata 6 - Ngāi Tātou / Family (Episode Six). Directed by Hone Edwards, Pasifika Knowhow Productions, 1993
Living Legends. Directed by PACIFICA Incorporated, 2012
Coco Docos: Tales of Time: Islanders in Ponsonby. Directed by Aaron Taouma, The Coconet TV, 2016
Dawn Raid (New Zealand Film Commission). Directed by Oscar Kightley in 2021
A Boy Called Piano - The Story of Fa'amoana John Luafutu. Directed by Nina Nawalowalo, The Conch, 2022
Coco Docos: Still Here (Series). Directed by Litia Tuiburelevu, A 4&5 Films Production, 2023-2024
Find more documentaries on TheCoconetTV
Films and television series
Tala Pasifika - The Overstayer. Directed and produced by Justine Simei-Barton, 2000, Tala Pasifika Productions
Milk & Honey. Directed by Marina Alofagia McCartney, 2012
The Panthers. Created by Halaifonua Finau and Tom Hern, 2021, TVNZ
The Voyager's Legacy. Directed by Bailey Poching, 2022, Maoriland Productions
Raids. Directed by Jade Jackson, Red Rock Films, 2023
Video resources
The Way We Were Archive - Illegal Immigrants. 1976, TZP239763, Moving image, private viewing only, NZ On Screen
Mau tūmārō: Sharing Stories of Perseverance. Panel facilitated by Migoto Eria, Te Papa Tongarewa Museum of New Zealand, 16 July 2020
Dawn Raids Apology. Stuff footage reproduced by Te Ara The Encyclopaedia of New Zealand, 2021
What is an Ifoga? and the NZ Governments Symbolic Ifoga / Fa'amaualaloga. Edited by Mario Gaoa, The Coconet TV, 2 August 2021
Government sanctioned racism: the origin, impact and legacy of the dawn raids. Webinar by Tiriti-based Futures, 2022.
Reconciliation and the complexity of saying sorry. Tiriti-based futures, 17 March 2024
Panel talk: The impact and legacy of the Dawn Raids. Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa with Oscar Kightley MNZM, Tigilau Ness, Nina Nawalowalo ONZM, Mere (Toroa) Montgomery, and Liana Leiataua, 9 November 2025.