Never Forget: October 15th solidarity tour

Press release

“Never Forget: October 15th solidarity tour”

A day of discussion and a night of hip hop, spoken word and inspired sounds, mark the sixth anniversary of the October 15 raids. Police arrested 20 people in connection with the Operation 8 raids, initiated in response to suspected “terrorist threats” from Māori activists.  Although most of the charges were eventually dropped, and the four who were convicted are either on parole or nearing the end of home detention, the raid’s effects continue.

This Saturday’s solidarity event brings together tangata whenua and tauiwi in support of those affected. 

“We wanted to acknowledge the damage and pain the raids had on people and communities,” says one of the organisers, Rouge. “At the same time we wanted to explore some of the wider issues, like how the raids fit into the colonial history of Aotearoa, and the experiences of indigenous people around the world.”

The group, also saw the event as a forum to continue the dialogue between tauiwi ethnic minorities and tangata whenua.

“A lot of the time this type of debate is framed as being a Pākehā / Māori debate. We wanted to turn that around, as tauiwi or ethnic minorities, and ask how we can actively support Māori in the struggle for tino rangatiratanga, and how we can encourage dialogue and alliances.”

“Never Forget: October 15th solidarity tour” starts with speakers and discussion from 2pm at 19 Tory St. From 7pm there is live music at the Fringe Bar 26/32 Allen St. Artists include Te Aka, Masala, Te Kupu and Matiu Te Huki.

ENDS

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