John Waiko discusses his attitude to independence on 16 September 1975 and the importance of the event. He describes Australia and PNG walking side-by-side towards independence together in a peaceful manner.
John Waiko reflects on the term independence, stating that Papua New Guineans have been independent for thousands of years, growing their own food, hunting and living a self-sustained and self-reliant lifestyle that encompassed a broader view of the nation.
Ethel Arek recalls that after the 1968 meeting Paulus Arek was sent to Africa with John Maneke to study independence and make recommendations, but he still considered PNG was not ready for independence due to language and other differences.
Ethel Arek describes the time in 1968 that her husband was summoned by the District Commissioner David Marsh to go to a meeting to discuss joining New Guinea and Papua where John Maneke represented New Guinea and Paulus Arek represented Papua. On the agenda was Independence which Paulus thought PNG was not yet ready for.
Stephen Pokawin discusses the role of visiting Australians and administrators in encouraging independence. He emphasises the importance of collaboration between the international community, Australian administrators, the political leadership in PNG's independence.
Stephen Pokawin reflects on the role of the university in presenting and debating contrasting views on independence, and the general acceptance of independence.
Stephen Pokawin reflects on the period 1972-1974 and the work of the Constitutional Planning Committee and senior public servants in preparing the country for independence. He discusses the importance of managing the different groupings in PNG.
Stephen Pokawin reflects on the importance in retrospect of PNG not fighting and winning independence, as the administration was supportive and helped create the foundation for independence. He speculates on whether PNGs should have fought and died for independence.
Stephen Pokawin reflects on his identity as someone from Manus Island or from PNG. He discusses provincialism at the university and the test to mix and build relationships with those you studied with, and the push from independence to do this.
Stephen Pokawin describes how he got involved with independence, the association of the Pangu Pati with the independence, and his switch at university from studying English and Anthropology to studying politics due to the excitement of the period after the 1972 elections. He recalled a visit to the university by Michael Somare to a packed lecture theatre and the freedom of the academics to engage in politics.
