The Way We Were - Melting Pot

Ten years ago, 98 percent of the students at Northcote Primary were Pākehā. Today, a quarter of the students are migrants whose first language is not English, and in classes like this, Northcote Primary ensures that all cultures are recognised and accepted.

– Presenter Paul Holmes introduces this documentary

I think back in those days, when people came to New Zealand, Pacific Island people, they immediately tried to become palangis, or New Zealanders. They had to try and assimilate themselves into the Neww Zealand way of life. So we were basically discouraged, I think, from learning our culture, which obviously now at this stage of my life is a great regret.

– Samoan New Zealander and ex All Black Bryan Williams 

Anti-english sentiment began to appear in less than subtle ways, and new migrants were discovering that New Zealand was not an idyllic little England at all, and many complained.

– Presenter Paul Holmes summarises the local response to England joining the EEC in 1973, and the 'whinging Pom' stereotype