New Zealand Prime Minister JacindaArdern on July 31, 2021 formally apologised to Pacific communities affected by the Dawn Raids in the 1970s. Between 1974 and 1976, a series of rigorous immigration policies were carried out that resulted in targeted raids on the homes of Pacific families, reports Xinhua news agency. The raids to find, convict and deport over-stayers often took place very early in the morning or late at night.

“Today I offered, on behalf of the government, a formal and unreserved apology to Pacific communities for the discriminatory implementation of immigration laws that led to the Dawn Raids,” Ardern said at Auckland’s Town Hall.

“Expressing our sorrow, regret and remorse for past actions is the right thing to do and provides an opportunity for closure and reconciliation,” she said. Minister for Pacific Peoples Aupito William Sio said looking back it was clear that the immigration laws were discriminatory.