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George Forsyth: The Unionist Who Took on Auckland’s Mayor

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Episode notes

From the Battle of Jutland to the chaotic chambers of the Auckland City Council, George Forsyth was never afraid of a fight. In this episode of pplpod, we dive into the life of this uncompromising New Zealand trade unionist and politician.

We trace Forsyth’s journey from a Royal Navy Petty Officer in WWI—where he once met T.E. Lawrence—to his 44-year tenure as a union leader, eventually becoming President of the Auckland Caretakers, Cleaners, Lift Attendants and Watchmen's Union.

But the real story lies in his tumultuous political career. We break down his on-again, off-again relationship with the Labour Party, his principled resignations over housing policies, and his bitter, years-long feud with popular Auckland Mayor Dove-Myer Robinson.

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Keywords
Vietnam WarRobinsonGeorgeRoyal NavyNew ZealandForrest GumpAucklandPacificLawrenceCouncilLabor PartyForsythForsytheJutlandLabourBus TerminalFirst World WarChamber of CommerceLift AttendantsParty Machine