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Hero image for Syd Jackson: Life and Times of a Fully Fledged Activist

Syd Jackson: Life and Times of a Fully Fledged Activist

Television (Full Length) – 2003

As Syd Jackson’s daughter Ramari puts it, there are some who sit on the couch and moan, and others who get up and take action. Winner of Best Māori Programme at the 2003 NZ TV Awards, this episode of Ngā Reo profiles the late fighter for Māori, women's and homosexual rights. The "warrior" intellectual helped put Treaty debate on the agenda, and led Māori activist group Ngā Tamatoa and the Clerical Workers Union. His nephew, broadcaster Willie Jackson, credits his uncle with rousing "the sleeping giant" of Māori activism in the 70s. Jackson would die in September 2007.

'Good luck Jackson, you'll make a good freezing worker.'
– The acting principal of Nelson College's words to the departing Syd Jackson

Produced by

Tawera Productions

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