Today the Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern made a formal apology on behalf of the Government for the 1970’s “Dawn Raids” conducted as part of a policy of immigration enforcement.  The government has acknowledged these raids were disproportionately targeted to immigrants from the Pacific and that the tactics employed were routinely severe and often demeaning.

This was an exceedingly difficult time for our Pacific peoples and today’s apology will no doubt have raised a range of conflicting emotions.  Some will have found a level of closure through the announcement; others may have relived memories they would prefer to forget; many will live in the tension of justice and sorrow.

I want those in our wider Pacific community to know that your Wesleyan Methodist family stands with you as you mourn the past and as you reflect on a future less encumbered by the injustices of the past.  We pray for the ongoing flourishing of our Pacific families and communities.  May the words of Amos 5:24 be on our hearts and lips:

“But let justice roll on like a river, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream!”

Every blessing,

Rev. Brett Jones

National Superintendent