(Picture caption: Round two of the Teu le Va - Dawn Raids History Community Fund is now open.)
The New Zealand Government is significantly boosting its investment in the Teu le Va – Dawn Raids History Community Fund this year to allow for healing while sharing Dawn Raids experiences.
Minister for Pacific Peoples Hon Aupito William Sio says the Teu le Va - Dawn Raids History Community Fund was established following last year’s apology issued by the Government for the way Pacific peoples were treated during the Dawn Raids in the 1970s.
“This is yet another step in continuing the healing process for Pacific peoples,” Minister Sio says.
“A second round of the fund has been launched with significantly more funding secured from Budget 2022, to support initiatives that generate, preserve, raise awareness and pass on knowledge of this time in history.”
The first round of funding was created in November 2021 and a total of $100,000 was allocated and distributed to 23 successful applicants.
A total of $600,000 has been allocated for the second round of this fund, which is open for six months until late February 2023.
Minister Sio adds successful applicants will receive a grant to support initiatives enabling individuals, artists, historians, and community groups to tell their own stories and experiences of the Dawn Raids.
“This gesture is part of the reconciliation process, which will also help us capture a comprehensive historical account of the Dawn Raids.
“When creating the Teu le Va - Dawn Raids History Community Fund, we had several objectives in mind, and significantly, it allows for a healing process to take place, through storytelling, for those impacted by the Dawn Raids.
“It also helps to increase understanding and appreciation of the history of Pacific communities in New Zealand; raises awareness of racism and discrimination; informs educational resources; and ensures Pacific languages, cultures, and identities in New Zealand thrive.”
Applicants may apply by submitting a history initiative proposal for up to $50,000.
Initiatives must generate, preserve, raises awareness, and/or pass on Pacific knowledge, experiences, and histories of the Dawn Raids.
A range of storytelling methods may be used, including written and oral history collection; music, dance or performing arts; visual or graphic arts, including sculptures, paintings, exhibitions, moving image; and other creative art forms.
“All the aims of this wonderful initiative contribute to our Lalanga Fou goals, to establish a prosperous Pacific Aotearoa, aware of its past and focused on its future,” Minister Sio says.
The Ministry for Pacific Peoples (MPP) is now accepting applications for the Teu le Va Dawn Raids History Community Fund Round Two, which closes at 5pm, February 24, 2023.
Email [email protected] for more information about the fund.