(Picture caption: Signature Choir, along with the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra perform at Mana Moana. PHOTO CREDIT: Live Nation.)
The Niu Dawn Raids Fund is set to shed light on experiences of a poignant time in New Zealand history, told from the perspective of Pacific creatives.
Twenty-eight recipients of the $1.9 million Creative New Zealand initiative were announced recently, including individual artists and arts organisations from across the country.
Niu Dawn Raids Funding will help to showcase and deliver projects spanning a variety of artforms including performing arts, music, documentary, digital storytelling, and exhibition development.
The initiative is an opportunity for Pacific artists to capture and reflect on lived experiences of the Dawn Raids.
It looks to increase historical resources for future generations and enable a deeper public understanding from the perspective of the communities most impacted.
Nina Nawalowalo ONZM is a recipient of the fund, and an award-winning Director, Producer and Co-Founder of the contemporary Pacific theatre company, The Conch.
Nina’s had recent international success with her directorial film debut – A Boy Called Piano: The Story of Fa’amoana John Luafutu.
With the support of this initiative, The Conch will develop a new documentary focusing on the Melanesian experience of the Dawn Raids in Wellington - particularly the hard-fought legal battles in the courts.
“This subject has been close to my family’s heart for a very long time,” Nina says.
“My father, the late Ratu Noa Nawalowalo was the first Fijian Lawyer and Barrister in Aotearoa, graduating from Victoria University, Wellington.
“Throughout my childhood, he represented many families affected by the Dawn Raids.
“I vividly remember those who visited our home to consult with him; and it has long been my family's hope to reveal some of these stories.”
Other recipients include Neil Ieremia ONZM, Founder, Artistic Director and Chief Executive of the award-winning contemporary dance company, Black Grace, and Signature Choir.
Choir Music Director and Composer Jadrah Tupai says this funding will support a new choral album, merging profound narratives of the Dawn Raids with orchestral music, and songs composed by Pacific songwriters.
“We are excited at the opportunity to create new works that acknowledge such a pivotal time in our Pacific peoples’ history here in Aotearoa,” Jadrah says.
“This project will be our most fulfilling work to date, and we cannot wait to use our voices to shine a further light on the Dawn Raids.”
Makerita Urale – Senior Manager, Pacific Arts, at Creative New Zealand – says she was thrilled to see such a high level of interest in this special funding initiative.
The Niu Dawn Raids Funding initiative has been made possible by a one-off fund from Manatū Taonga Ministry of Culture and Heritage and delivered by Creative New Zealand, with support partner NZ On Air.
It was designed alongside Manatū Taonga and delivered through a Mana Pasifika kaupapa process in line with the Pacific Arts Strategy 2023-2028.