Career
Ness is a political activist and first generation Pacific Island New Zealander. After being expelled from Mountain Albert Grammar in 1971 for refusing to cut his afro, he was involved in founding the Polynesian Panthers, a Polynesian rights group modelled after the Black Panthers. He was active in opposing apartheid and the 1981 Springbok Tour.
He was arrested during a protest march and spent nine months in Mount Eden Prison.
Ness also took part in Māori land protests including the occupation of Bastion Point. He also worked with the band Herbs.
His struggles against injustice and problems faced growing up in New Zealand, featured on his album From Street to Sky. A documentary of the same name about Ness was released in 2008.
Ness has featured in documentaries.
From Street to Sky is a one-hour documentary on his life directed and produced by Bryn Evans. Named after Ness" long-awaited first album, From Street to Sky screened on Māori Television in August 2007 and at the New Zealand Film Festival in 2008. "From Street To Sky is an interesting and touching look at a caring rebel, a formidable protester, and talented musician whose songs reflect a life devoted to unity and compassion." New Zealand Herald, July 2008
Also in 2008, Ness was the subject of a half-hour art documentary Tigilau Ness on The Gravy Art Series made by Sticky Pictures and screened on TVNZ6.
