a scholar and a gentle man
Moana Jackson was a quietly spoken intellectual and Māori leader who challenged the Crown with his incisive writing and analysis. But he was also a kind and generous man who cared deeply for his people. Aaron Smale reflects on a life that will go on giving.
When I first got to know Moana Jackson I was drawn to his immense intellect and gentle demeanour. But what I often found strange was that he always wanted to know what I thought. He once sent me a draft of something he was writing and asked for my opinion. I felt like Eric Clapton was asking me for guitar lessons. It seemed absurd.
What was really absurd was how long it took for me to realise that Jackson’s interest in the views of others was one of the things that made him such a great man. He was so interested in everyone else and what they could teach him. It didn’t matter who you were, he valued and elevated your mana.
Link to article: Moana Jackson — a scholar and a gentle man | Stuff.co.nz
