Pasifika communities in New Zealand are relieved the dark days of the 1970s Dawn Raids have at last being formally acknowledged.
Pasifika families originally flocked to Aotearoa to fill a labour shortage, until an economic downturn pitted them as the scapegoat.
They were deported and forced out of what they had come to know as home.
Nearly 50 years on Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern yesterday delivered an unreserved sorry to those who were left traumatised for life.
Mariner Fagaiava-Muller was there.
A mat is draped over Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern as part of the Samoan Ifoga ceremonial apology. Photo: RNZ / Marika Khabazi
