October 12, 2016
Polynesian Panthers mark 45 years of tautoko
The Polynesian Panthers marked their 45th anniversary today with a gathering at the Grey Lynn library.
Social worker Vince Tuisamoa, who was a member of the Panther’s youth arm, says it formed in central Auckland to give practical support to Pasifika families and also to address the structures of society creating those problems.
He says while politicians and governments claim the credit for change, it doesn’t happen without pressure from people on the ground.
The Panthers also supported Maori struggles such as the Land March and the Bastion Point Occupation.
"If Maori were having a struggle, then Polynesians were having a struggle. We had seen how Maori had been ripped off, how Maori had been persecuted. It's no different. You can't tell the difference between a Maori and a PI because we've both got the same coloured skin," Mr Tuisamoa says.
Copyright © 2016, UMA Broadcasting Ltd: www.waateanews.com