Tim Shadbolt
Tim Shadbolt was a key figure in the anti-Vietnam War movement who spurred youth into an active protest approach.
Born in 1947, Shadbolt was a student anti-war activist during the 1960s and 1970s and a leader of AUSAPOCPAH (the Auckland University Society
for the Active Prevention of Cruelty to Politically Apathetic Humans) founded in 1968. While this was a very small group, never counting for more than 8 members, Shadbolt was a leader of the anti-war movement itself. He was described by the AUSA (Auckland University Students’ Association) as “a particularly charismatic speaker and personification of this new student spirit of free expression, energy and rebellion.” Shadbolt was arrested 33 times for his active approach in the anti-war movement, most famously for using the word “bullshit.” Weekly meetings in Albert Park known as the “Jumping Sundays” were organised by Shadbolt. From 1969, these meetings raised awareness of the issues of New Zealand’s involvement in the war, and encouraged protest. Many protest action was undertaken.It is true that at the beginning of the protests hippies like Shadbolt were shunned by most of society, and that many conservatives would
never change their opinion, but as the protest movement went on, people like Shadbolt, with his charismatic leadership, certainly enlarged the protest movement. By the time that the last of the New Zealand troops in Vietnam were withdrawn in 1972, the protest movement had the majority of public support.
Born in 1947, Shadbolt was a student anti-war activist during the 1960s and 1970s and a leader of AUSAPOCPAH (the Auckland University Society
for the Active Prevention of Cruelty to Politically Apathetic Humans) founded in 1968. While this was a very small group, never counting for more than 8 members, Shadbolt was a leader of the anti-war movement itself. He was described by the AUSA (Auckland University Students’ Association) as “a particularly charismatic speaker and personification of this new student spirit of free expression, energy and rebellion.” Shadbolt was arrested 33 times for his active approach in the anti-war movement, most famously for using the word “bullshit.” Weekly meetings in Albert Park known as the “Jumping Sundays” were organised by Shadbolt. From 1969, these meetings raised awareness of the issues of New Zealand’s involvement in the war, and encouraged protest. Many protest action was undertaken.It is true that at the beginning of the protests hippies like Shadbolt were shunned by most of society, and that many conservatives would
never change their opinion, but as the protest movement went on, people like Shadbolt, with his charismatic leadership, certainly enlarged the protest movement. By the time that the last of the New Zealand troops in Vietnam were withdrawn in 1972, the protest movement had the majority of public support.
PYM (progressive youth movement)
The Progressive Youth Movement was an important anti-war group who radicalised youth protest in New Zealand.
It was one of the most active and militant groups to emerge in the counter-culture movement. The PYM, founded in 1964 by three young teachers, advocated for the radicalisation of protest in order to be effective. By 1970 branches of this organisation had infiltrated nationwide. Their main branches were based in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch, but smaller branches had been established in smaller cities including Hamilton, Palmerston North, Rotorua and Napier. While the branches were not completely united, they all were highly liberal in their views, believing that most current demonstrations against the war were “weak and gutless.” With their provocative protest methods the group attracted considerable attention, and upset both the National and Labour Parties. Protest methods which were adopted by the group were demonstrations, the distribution of leaflets and magazines, and the holding of film evenings, vigils and demonstrations. Some even organised hunger strikes.
It was one of the most active and militant groups to emerge in the counter-culture movement. The PYM, founded in 1964 by three young teachers, advocated for the radicalisation of protest in order to be effective. By 1970 branches of this organisation had infiltrated nationwide. Their main branches were based in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch, but smaller branches had been established in smaller cities including Hamilton, Palmerston North, Rotorua and Napier. While the branches were not completely united, they all were highly liberal in their views, believing that most current demonstrations against the war were “weak and gutless.” With their provocative protest methods the group attracted considerable attention, and upset both the National and Labour Parties. Protest methods which were adopted by the group were demonstrations, the distribution of leaflets and magazines, and the holding of film evenings, vigils and demonstrations. Some even organised hunger strikes.