‘We did our best’: The Panthers producers respond to criticisms

The producers of the TV miniseries, The Panthers, have responded to criticisms from the founding members of the Polynesian Panther Party, who claimed that the show inaccurately portrayed their history.

In a statement released to PMN News by Tavake, a production company co-founded by showrunners Halaifonua Finau and Tom Hern, the producers acknowledged the concerns voiced by Panthers members during a recent panel discussion at Auckland Museum.

“From the outset, The Panthers was created with reverence and deep respect for the Panther movement and its legacy,” the statement read.

“One of the founding members of the Panthers brought the story to us, asking that it be adapted for the screen.

“That individual and his associated Panthers remained closely involved throughout the project.”

The mini-series was produced by Tavake and Four Knights Film for TVNZ and funded by NZ on Air.

It was noted that at the beginning of preproduction, a talanoa (informal discussion) was hosted, with many Panthers members in attendance.

The producers say they were upfront that the show would be a dramatisation, not a documentary and that those who wished to be involved were welcomed to stay engaged.

"Their insights throughout the consultation process that followed meaningfully shaped the final work," the statement says.

But founding members of the Polynesian Panthers, including Lupematasila Melani Anae, Reverend Alec Toleafoa, and Tigilau Ness, argued that the series misrepresented their movement, reinforcing stereotypes and failing to capture the true spirit and depth of their activism.

From left: PMN News political reporter ‘Alakihihifo Vailala hosts Polynesian Panthers Lupematasila Melani Anae, Tigilau Ness, and Rev Alec Toleafoa at the Ngā Kākano talanoa, held at Tāmaki Paenga Hira Auckland Museum. Photo/Auckland Museum

The producers stated that they conducted extensive consultations with surviving Panthers and their families, incorporating feedback wherever possible.

However, they acknowledged that not all suggested changes could be implemented exactly as requested. This limitation was attributed to the narrative demands of dramatic adaptation.

"Where possible, their suggestions were incorporated. In one instance, we rewrote a major sequence the night before shooting to reflect a late-stage concern because we were committed to getting the portrayal right.

“But, other notes were not addressed in the prescriptive manner suggested. Such is the nature of a dramatic adaptation.”

From left: The Panthers producer, Halaifonua Finau, musician Choice Vaughan and The Panthers producer, Tom Hern. Finau and Hern are co-founders of Tavake. Photo/Tavake Instagram

The producers emphasised their intention was to dramatise significant historical moments while remaining true to the essence of the Panthers' struggle against systemic racism.

They cited Spike Lee’s Malcolm X as an example of a film that received criticism for overemphasising unity while downplaying its critiques of systemic racism and American imperialism.

“Scripted projects such as these were never intended to be documentaries. They’re dramatisations - informed by truth, but shaped by the demands of that very specific particular storytelling medium.”

The producers proudly highlighted the series' successes, including record-breaking streaming numbers, international recognition, and significant achievements by its predominantly Pacific cast and crew.

The Panthers received a record 18 nominations at the 2022 NZTV Awards, winning eight awards including Best Drama Series, Best Director (Miki Magasiva), and Best Pasifika Programme. Photo/Supplied

The series received 18 nominations and eight awards at the 2022 NZTV Awards, including Best Drama Series and Best Director.

"We had always hoped the whole Panther group would feel proud of the final work,” their statement read.

“Looking back, though, we also know, hands on hearts, that we gave everything creatively, ethically, and personally to try and make something beautiful that honoured this story and the people behind it. But also cut through and spoke powerfully to a new generation.”

Watch a snippet from the Panthers' panel session at Auckland Museum

The producers suggest that no creative adaptation of such a significant and sensitive story could satisfy everyone involved.

"In hindsight, perhaps no creative adaptation of such a significant and sensitive story, with so many important figures, could have satisfied everyone involved.

“Perhaps, we were naive in that quest. A respected mutual friend of ours and The Panthers warned us when we were taking it on: ‘This will be a very bony fish.’ They were right.

“We did our best. But not everyone agrees that we succeeded, and we have to accept that.”

The statement concluded with a message of love and gratitude from the producers to the Polynesian Panthers.

Tom Hern and Beulah Koale on set, in The Panthers 2021. Photo/Supplied

“We did want to share our side of the experience, for what it’s worth.

“And, to make it clear that any area in which we may have fallen short certainly isn't due to a lack of trying.

“It was an honour and a privilege, even amid the boniness and complexity. Thank you.”