PhD student Josh Reid examines the influence of Christian pacificism and the Māori peace movement on the flax industry’s trade union and its commitment to pacifist ideals. Topics explored include the union's impact on the labour movement and the formation of the first Labour government in 1935; the influence of flax trade unionists on pacifist activities during WW2 and how the government reacted to this rebellion.
See also the guided tours of the Foxton Flax Stripper Museum.
Image: "Flax Worker", by Unknown, c. 1900, Palmerston North City Library via Manawatū Heritage.
