NGĀ REO: SYD JACKSON - THE LIFE & TIMES OF A FULLY FLEDGED ACTIVIST

“Each episode of Nga Reo features the story of a Maori person or people and their unique kaupapa: the reason they have been put on this earth, their individual stories and also our national stories. The series reflects our country's hopes and fears through the lives of these people.

A profile of a man who dedicated himself to activism, protest and challenge. This documentary, the final in the Nga Reo Series, examines the influences that shaped one man’s lifetime commitment and takes a glimpse at the impact he has had upon New Zealand’s political landscape. In 1971, Nga Tamatoa shocked a complacent Nation with its inaugural protest at the Waitangi Celebrations, changing the face of Maori protest.

Syd Jackson was its fiery, articulate young leader. As Secretary of the Northern Clerical Workers Union, Jackson set about transforming the mainly white women’s union into a militant force. A trip by Jackson and his wife to Libya had politicians call publicly for Syd to be tried for treason – and split the ranks within the workforce he represented.

Derek Fox, Tame Iti, and Willie Jackson join former colleagues, employees, and family to talk about Syd’s impact on NZ politics - and the impact of Syd’s activism on his own family.” (TVNZ Publicity)