Pasifika Peoples and the Law explores the complex socio-legal issues facing Pasifika peoples in Aotearoa New Zealand, offering an interdisciplinary perspective that incorporates law, history, sociology, politics and cultural studies. This course critically examines the historic, systemic and cultural dimensions of the experiences of Pasifika peoples and the intersections of identity, race, colonialism and justice.
Key themes include:
1. Historical and Cultural Contexts: Understanding Pasifika identities in Aotearoa New Zealand within the broader context of settler-colonialism, the relationship of Tangata Whenua and Pasifika peoples and Aotearoa New Zealand’s role in Te Moana Nui a Kiwa;
2. Race, Representation and Resistance: Exploring how race and law intersect through Critical Race Theory, counter-storytelling and intersectionality and analysing media portrayals of Pasifika peoples, the terror of the Dawn Raids and the Polynesian Panthers.
3. Justice and Inequality: Examining justice issues, such as the overrepresentation of Pasifika peoples in the criminal justice system, the use of section 27 cultural reports, the Pasifika Youth Court, and abuses in State Care and Oranga Tamariki.
4. Systemic and Environmental Challenges: Understanding inequities in housing, health, education, and the economy and exploring environmental racism and climate change-induced migration from the Pacific.
5. Migration and Labour: Critically analysing modern labour practices such as the Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) scheme, through the lens of exploitation and historical comparisons to blackbirding.
6. Empowerment and Community: Highlighting community resilience, outreach initiatives and the ongoing pursuit of equity in education and broader societal systems.
Note: Specific topics are subject to change.