Interview with Myrtle Rangiihu

Myrtle (Bundy) Rangiihu was born at Kohupatiki, Hastings on 29 June 1918. Gives details of her family background and growing up on the farm at Kohupatiki. Describes being selected to learn kowhaiwhai and tukutuku when she left school and being taught these in Wellington by Apirana Ngata. Recalls also learning waiata from him. Discusses his influence and also that of Kingi Tahiwi and Bishop Bennett, the first Bishop of Aotearoa. Notes that Bishop Bennett introduced her to future husband Sam Rangiihu while he was becoming a curate.

Talks about the consecration of Bishop Bennett. Recalls the Napier earthquake in 1931 and the incidence of tuberculosis amongst Maori in the 1920s and 1930s.

Talks about marrying and living in the Mission House and also working with her husband in the Opotiki and Hicks Bay area. Describes adopting her son Gary, and three other children, and explains the process of whangai (adoption). Talks about the outbreak of war and Sam Rangiihu becoming chaplain to the forces with Wi Huata. Mentions that he was also chaplain to K-Force (in Korea). Comments on the quality of the Maori (28) Battalion and the deaths of Maori soldiers. Discusses American servicemen, sexuality and Maori attitudes to illegitimacy.

Describes how her father contracted to grow vegetables for Watties during World War II to feed American soldiers. Talks about the growth of Watties. Describes the importance of land to Maori. Details the Government Rehabilitation Schemes and land bought for soldiers in Wairoa after the war.

Reflects on her husband's death. Talks about the importance of the marae. Describes her involvement with the Chadwick Family Trust who run orchards in Hastings and a project growing everlasting flowers.

Venue - Napier . 1992

Interviewer(s) - Queenie Rikihana-Hyland

Venue - Napier

Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC-004786; OHC-004787; OHC-004788

Quantity: 3 C60 cassette(s). 1 printed abstract(s). 2.30 Hours and minutes Duration.

Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete AB 857.

photograph of Kingi Ihaka, Bundy (Myrtle) Rangiihu, Manu Ihaka and Samuel Rangiihu about the 1950s; Myrtle and Samuel Rangiihu and family about World War II; Bundy (Myrtle) Rangiihu in 1992