Ngā Kākano: Mana

Mana and the Polynesian Panther RAPP newspaper provide the seeds for a forward-facing discussion about activism, media and print. On Tuesday 29 April 2025 we hosted an evening of talanoa as part of the Ngā Kākano series.

With thanks to the CocoNet for allowing us to screen and share 'The Niu Dawn - lessons of the Dawn Raids | Ep 3 - Pacific Activism in a new Era'

Mana, Media and the Polynesian Panther Party Legacy of Protest

PAST EVENT - WATCH THE RECORDING BELOW

In June 1977, the multilingual Pacific newspaper, Mana, launched its first issue in Tāmaki Makaurau. The newspaper became a meeting place for activists engaged in political, linguistic, cultural and social causes. One of the Mana associate editors was Tigilau Ness, who was also a contributor to the Polynesian Panther RAPP newspaper.

Tāmaki Paenga Hira welcomed Lupematasila Melani Anae, Tigilau Ness and Rev Alec Toleafoa in a Ngā Kākano talanoa on Mana, Media and the Polynesian Panther Party Legacy of protest.

Hosted by ‘Alakihihifo Vailala, who is working at the intersections of activism, media and print as a political reporter, the talanoa was an opportunity to ‘walk backwards into the future’, embrace Matafatafa Aho (a new dawn rising) and ask, “Where to from here?”

Joint Nga Tamatoa/Polynesian Panther protest about the closing of a near-by dance hall, popular with local youth. L-R seated: Hana Jackson; Morehu McDonald; Andre Rahman; unknown; Bruce Parr. 1972. ©

‘Alakihihifo Vailala - Facilitator

‘Alakihihifo Vailala is a political reporter for Pacific Media Network, based in the New Zealand Parliament Press Gallery. She has traveled extensively across the Pacific, covering major political events.

She is honored to serve as the youth representative on Auckland Museum’s Pacific Advisory Group. 'Alakihihifo's passion for advocacy is deeply personal, her grandparents were survivors of the Dawn Raids. Their resilience continues to shape her commitment to storytelling that challenges injustice and uplifts Pacific communities.

A proud Tongan, 'Alakihihifo hails from the villages of Haveluloto, Fo'ui, Kolomotu'a, Koulo in Ha'apai and Houma in 'Eua.

Lupematasila Misatauveve Dr Melani Anae QSO

Polynesian Panther Party (PPP) member and member of the university intelligentsia, now Chair of PPPLT - Polynesian Panther Party Legacy Trust – she is the Co-ordinator of the Educate to Liberate Programme in schools since 2011, and the Our Living Room Professional Development Programme for teachers/corporates since 2020.

She is Hon. Associate Professor in Pacific Studies, at the University of Auckland. Dr Anae has been a recipient of the Fulbright New Zealand Senior Scholar Award (2007) and was awarded the Companion to the Queen’s Service Order for services to Pacific communities in New Zealand (2008). Focussing on issues of ethnic identity for 1st/2nd-generation Pacific peoples born in the diaspora, her transformational work has successfully developed strategies for improving research outcomes for Pacific peoples/families and communities across the sectors of education, health and wellbeing to improve well-being for Pacific peoples, families and communities in New Zealand. She has published extensively in her specialty areas of ethnicity, health, education, and Pacific research methodologies, including several books and articles on the Polynesian Panthers. She is author of The Platform: The radical legacy of the Polynesian Panthers 2020 – which is all about her journey with the Polynesian Panthers. Her academic career over the last 20 years has focused on the PPP platform – peaceful resistance against racism, Pacific empowerment and a liberating education.

Tigilau Ness

Tigilau is the PPP Minister of culture and fine arts and member of the military wing, now member of PPPLT - Polynesian Panther Party Legacy Trust and is of Niuean ancestry. He became a Panther member in the early 1970’s and has been a consistently active voice in issues of justice, freedom and equity. This has often been reflected through his music. In his award-winning music career he was presented in 2009 with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the fifth Pacific Music Awards in New Zealand in recognition of more than 30 years in the music industry. In 2016 he won the Vodafone NZ Music Awards roots reggae award. He continues to give back to the community with his lead role in the Mellow Dads programme, and his former role as an assessor for Creative New Zealand grants. He is also part of the Educate to Liberate Programme in schools, and Our Living Room Professional Development Programme team.

Reverend Alec Toleafoa

Reverend Toleafoa is a PPP member and member of the military wing, now member of PPPLT - Polynesian Panther Party Legacy Trust - is of Samoan ancestry. Having completed training at Knox Theological College University of Otago he was ordained in 1986 to ministry in the Presbyterian Church of Aotearoa New Zealand. During the course of ministry he has been involved in the care of people in urban street communities, youth and adult custodial and residential settings, developing youth leadership and personal development skills learning. His interest in this work has its roots in his experience as a member of The Polynesian Panther Party during his youth with its emphasis on working for justice, among other important issues.

He is a member of the Educate to Liberate Programme in schools, and Our Living Room Professional Development Programme team. The response to an evolution of interest in Pacific People’s history in Aotearoa New Zealand and in particular the pivotal role played by The Polynesian Panther Party. It is now part of the New Zealand history curriculum in schools.

The Ngā Kākano series

E kore au e ngaro, he kākano i ruia mai i Rangiātea.
I will never be lost for the seed was sown in Rangiātea.

The Ngā Kākano wānanga series takes its name from this whakataukī. Ngā Kākano provides an opportunity for our whānau and wider audiences to attend special events held at Tāmaki Paenga Hira and learn from respected Māori and Pasifika leaders and experts who share their unique experience, perspectives, expertise and insights - laying seeds of knowledge at Tāmaki Makaurau, Aotearoa and across Te Moana nui a Kiwa.

Ngā Kākano is a mixed online and onsite programme. Here, you can explore the online kōrero, and see our upcoming live events.

^{2020 Ngā Kākano, Decolonising and Indigenising Museums}

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Ngā Kākano: Mana, Media
and the Polynesian Panther Party Legacy of Protest