In 1971, Dr Nicholson was an 18-year-old Victoria University student when he became the media publicist for the Māori Language Petition, which over 30,000 people signed in support of te reo Māori being taught in schools.

RNZ

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Photo of In 1971, Dr Nicholson was an 18-year-old Victoria University student when he became the media publicist for the Māori Language Petition, which over 30,000 people signed in support of te reo Māori being taught in schools.

In 1971, Dr Nicholson was an 18-year-old Victoria University student when he became the media publicist for the Māori Language Petition, which over 30,000 people signed in support of te reo Māori being taught in schools.

In 1972, the petition was presented to parliament and from the mid-'70s a number of initiatives were launched.

“I had to contact local newspapers and yes, RNZ or what was known then as the NZBC… I was there to make sure the media were present to capture all that… I was usually behind the photographers making sure the photo was taken.”

Dr Nicholson was born in Levin with links to Ngāti Toa Rangatira, and Ngāti Raukawa ki te au o te Tonga and Ngāi Tahu.

 

Source: RNZ

Te Whanganui-a-Tara | Wellington | Wellington City | 1970-79 | Māori language petition (1970-79) | Story is by tangata whenua