Constant Radical The Life and Times of Sue Bradford

Discover the compelling journey of Sue Bradford in 'Constant Radical: The Life and Times of Sue Bradford', authored by Jenny Chamberlain. This engaging biography explores the life of a remarkable activist and politician who has been at the forefront of social justice in New Zealand. With rich narratives, Chamberlain dives into Bradford's upbringing as a half-American, sixth-generation Kiwi, and her formative years in Auckland, shaped by a middle-class, bohemian family. The book captures the essence of her activism during pivotal events such as the Vietnam War protests and the 1981 Springbok Tour. It also chronicles her unexpected political career as a Green MP, where she championed critical legislation, including the controversial amendment to section 59 of the Crimes Act. Readers will appreciate how Bradford's experiences and challenges molded her into an effective voice for the marginalized in society. By the end, Bradford's transformation into Dr. Sue Bradford, a respected academic and thinker, is highlighted, showcasing her continuous evolution while remaining steadfast to her core social justice principles. This biography is perfect for anyone interested in New Zealand history, social activism, and the political landscape shaped by passionate individuals like Sue Bradford. Dive deep into this inspiring story and explore how one woman's relentless pursuit of justice has influenced a nation.

Author: Jenny Chamberlain Publisher: Fraser Books
Bind: paperback
Dimensions: 170 x 240 x 25 mm
Pages: 400
Publication Date: 03-07-2017

Sue Bradford is half American and sixth generation Kiwi on her father’s side -- her European missionary genes date from 1820s Northland. Despite her grassroots New Zild twang, she was raised in Auckland by middle class, bohemian intellectuals and survived a childhood made difficult by her brilliant but domineering father. Fast forward through the tumultuous Vietnam War protest era, the 1981 Springbok Tour and 16 years in the invisible community sector where she became, with husband Bill, a loud voice and a highly effective organiser for society’s marginalised, and Sue suddenly and unexpectedly found herself in Parliament. From December 1999, as a hardworking, and much admired Green MP she managed a hefty portfolio and succeeded in getting three member’s bills into legislation, including her contentious bill to amend section 59 of the Crimes Act. Her mainstream political career ended, abruptly and disappointingly, five months after she lost the May 2009 Green Party co-leadership contest. Subsequently she achieved a PhD and transformed herself into Dr Sue Bradford -- activist and academic. Her readable thesis on the need for a major left wing think tank in Aotearoa has been downloaded in full almost 3,000 times and Economic and Social Research Aotearoa (ESRA), the infant left think tank she set up as a result, is growing lustily. Sue Bradford is still evolving but in terms of what matters most, her core social justice principles, she remains constant. -----------------Quotes from Review by Bronwyn Elsmore, Flaxroots Productions - "Jenny Chamberlain’s writing is fluent, polished, and definitely not dry to read.... It needed all those pages to give a full appreciation. Having read them, it leaves me wondering how one woman has fitted so much into her life. My respects to both the subject and the author".