A New Dawn

Book Author & Illustrator Emeli Sione & Darcy Solia
Rights Available World

Emeli Sione shares her Dawn Raid story to help us understand the real impact of this dark time in our history. With valuable lessons for all New Zealanders, A New Dawn provides us with hope on our journeys of equality, justice and healing as Pasifika in New Zealand. A New Dawn is an educational resource that explores the history and impact of the Dawn Raids in New Zealand, focusing on the experiences of Pacific communities during the 1970s and 1980s. The book includes personal accounts, historical context, and the only inclusion of Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern’s 2021 apology speech for the raids. It also carries the blessing of the Polynesian Panther Party Legacy Trust, honouring the activism of the time. Aimed at students, educators, and school leaders, the resource highlights the importance of sharing Pasifika stories to foster healing and greater understanding of this painful chapter in New Zealand’s history.

Awards New Zealand Young Adult & Children Book Awards – Non Fiction Finalist
Ngaio Marsh Awards – Non Fiction Finalist

About the Author

Emeli Sione was a proud Tongan and Niuean storyteller, whose passion for Pasifika narratives shaped her career as an author and Pasifika Consultant Editor. Residing in Wellington with her husband George and their three children—Alei, and twins Brooke and Jackson—Emeli dedicated her life to creating stories that reflected the richness of Pacific cultures and experiences.

As an author, she was committed to ensuring Pasifika voices were heard and celebrated in both educational and trade publishing. Through her work, she inspired countless readers, educators, and young people, leaving behind a literary legacy that continues to empower and uplift Pasifika communities.