Fightback members and supporters were saddened to hear of the death of Roger Fowler last weekend, following a long struggle with cancer. Roger was an activist from a young age; to mention all of the campaigns and organisations he was involved in over his adult life would fill a book, but the highlights include the founding of the Ponsonby People’s Union in the 1970’s; the movement against the Vietnam war; the Bastion Point Occupation (and Ihumatao more recently) and support for Palestinian liberation. In 2010 Roger founded Kia Ora Gaza, which organised an overland convoy bringing aid to Gaza and later co-ordinated Aotearoa New Zealand participation in the aid flotillas to Palestine. Roger was a committed socialist who combined solidarity with international struggles with building grassroots community networks, in particular the Māngere East Community Centre which became a centre for education and local campaigning. 

Roger was also an accomplished musician and songwriter, from his days with the Frank E Evans Lunchtime Entertainment Band which performed at the legendary Albert Park “Jumping Sundays” to collaboration with performers such as Tigi Ness and many solo performances at rallies. His song “We Are All Palestinians” became an unofficial anthem for the NZ movement in solidarity with Gaza. Roger released a record, Songs of Struggle and Solidarity, in November last year. Roger was also a committed supporter of the Socialist Library project now being set up at Auckland Trades Hall, and without his many hours of volunteer labour and moral support, that project would have been stillborn.

The last time I saw Roger, he was obviously very unwell, but his cheerful and resilient spirit was still evident. He expressed how the increasing support for the Palestinian struggle, particularly among young people, was inspiring him. Following his death, family, friends and supporters gathered at the Māngere East Community Centre, where people from many backgrounds and campaigns shared their memories of Roger’s commitment, service and generosity. Fightback joins them in extending our deep condolences to Roger’s whanau and our determination to follow his example of standing against all forms of injustice.