Willie Jackson is one of the most outspoken and fascinating figures in New Zealand politics.
From freezing works to nightclub bouncer to broadcasting to politics, Willie has done it all. And it’s been a life defined by advocacy, resilience, and a refusal to be silenced.
In this conversation, I bring in 13-year-old Henry Blakeman in to cover some political stuff.
Then we get deeply personal:
+ Willie opens-up about his mum’s journey from cleaner to Dame.
+ What it’s really like working with Winston Peters, David Seymour, and Jacinda Ardern
+ The values that shaped him from a kid who “failed at school” to a union leader at 21 and a voice for Māori representation across media and government.
+ His very public controversies, the so called “train-wreck” interview with Jack Tame and his relationship with ZB stars Mike Hosking and Heather Duplessis Allen.
+ We discuss aging, heart surgery, and why resilience and compassion have become the guiding forces in his life.
This is a conversation about mistakes, redemption, and legacy… and a rare glimpse into the heart and mind of one of New Zealand’s most polarizing, passionate, and human political voices.
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