Celebrating Artists & Activists

An afternoon of film, talanoa, music and connection to acknowledge the fifth anniversary of the Dawn Raids apology, and to gather in celebration of Mere Meanata Montgomery a significant Aotearoa kaumātua, leader and activist who resides in Ōtepoti.

I May Choose To Be Who I Am Not (2024) is a short film about Mere Meanata Montgomery produced by ŌPAC. This film highlights her motivations as a social justice activist and her aspirations as a Polynesian Panther.

Five years ago, on 1 August 2021, the New Zealand Government issued a formal apology to Pacific communities for the Dawn Raids, a period during the 1970s of targeted discrimination by New Zealand Police and Immigration Officials towards Pacific peoples. The Polynesian Panthers organised community protests in response to racism and discrimination, operated legal aid to help those that had been unfairly targeted, and delivered community programs such as homework programs for youth.

Following the short film screening, Mere will present reflections themed on ‘freedom, and having a voice’ and experiences through her life. A talanoa panel session and Tongan music performance will round out the afternoon, in celebration of ‘staying power,’ and our Pacific Communities—a memorable transition into Tongan Language Week 2026 (Sunday 16 – Saturday 22 August).  

This event is an opportunity to gather as a community, to celebrate and elevate our activists, our artists, their stories and life experiences.

All are welcome, nau mai!

An event offered in support of the collaborative project by ŌPAC within the exhibition Staying Power.

FREE 1pm – 3.30pm Saturday 15 August
Craigs Investment Partners Auditorium

[Image: Mere Montgomery in front of her house, photo by Nikolao Cockerell]