Syd Jackson: A Leader in Maori Politics
1. Syd Jackson in Maori Politics of New Zealand
Syd Jackson was one of the most important leaders in Maori politics of New Zealand. He was born in 1939 and passed away in 2007. He was a true warrior of Maori politics and fought for Maori rights throughout his life.
2. Jackson’s fights for Maori rights
Jackson was a firm believer in the Treaty of Waitangi and fought for the equal rights of all Maori people. He was one of the founders of the Ngati Whatua o Orakei Maori Trust Board, which fought for the return of ancestral lands to the Ngati Whatua people. He also worked tirelessly to improve conditions for workers in New Zealand, both Maori and non-Maori.
3. Jackson’s militia training in South Africa
In the 1970s, Jackson travelled to South Africa to train with the Umkhonto we Sizwe, the military wing of the African National Congress (ANC). This experience would later prove invaluable when he returned to New Zealand and founded the Maori Liberation Front (MLF), a militant group that fought for Maori rights. The MLF quickly became one of the most feared terrorist organizations in New Zealand, carrying out a series of bombings and bank robberies.
4. Jackson’s work with the Maori Liberation Front
Although he later disavowed violence, Jackson continued to work with the MLF until it was dissolved in 1980. He then turned his attention to working within the Labour Party to improve conditions for Maori people. In 1985, he was appointed as a Ministerial Advisor on Treaty of Waitangi Affairs, a position he held until 1987.
5. Jackson’s thoughts on Maori capitalism and identity politics
In recent years, there has been a revival of interest in Jackson’s thoughts on Maori capitalism and identity politics. In an interview with Radio New Zealand in 2006, Jackson stated that he believed that manyMaori people had lost their way due to “the success of capitalism”. He went on to say that “the West has taken over our minds”, and that “we have to get back to our roots”.
6. Jackson’s legacy
Syd Jackson was an outstanding leader who dedicated his life to fighting for the rights of all Maori people. His legacy continues to inspire those who follow in his footsteps today.