AUDIO

Interview with Mihipeka Edwards

Date

20 Oct 1991

By

Edwards, Mihipeka Anne, 1918-2008; Grace, Patricia Frances, 1937-; Dennis, Jonathan Spencer, 1953-2002; Ramsden, Irihapeti Merenia, 1946-2003

Reference

OHInt-0600-01

Description

Mihipeka Edwards was born in Maketu in 1918. Talks about her childhood in the bush, and later in Manakau with her grandmother. Describes work in the 1930s during the Depression, in Otaki, Palmerston North and Petone. Talks about Ngati Poneke involvement and its Paramount Theatre club rooms. Comments on Ngati Poneke's music and dances, and lessons on social graces. Compares Maori youth then and now, and mentions club mentors Lady Pomare, Uncle Fred Katene and Kingi Tahiwi. Describes the club as a salvation to young Maori, its immaculateness and the privilege of membership. Talks about pretending to be Pakeha to get work, and discrimination when seeking accommodation leading to inventing the name 'Anne Davis'.

Describes poor working conditions at the woollen mill during World War II, making army uniform material for the war effort. Mentions that young women were sent to work in Wellington factories such as Bonds. Talks about putting detonators in bombs and hand granades for Ford. Talks about the Turveys at Hongoeka, living as a Pakeha for thirty years, and keeping her Pakeha and club life separate. Refers to her Pakeha forebears, including Sir William Fitzherbet. Comments on Maori dialects and iwi communication styles. Mentions current work as Family Planning Association kaumatua, and her values concerning wairua and children. Talks about her autobiographical book 'Mihipeka'. Mentions issues concerning publishing whakapapa and the importance of karakia.

Other - Her autobiography 'Mihipeka : early years' / Mihi Edwards. Auckland, N.Z. Penguin, 1990.

Interviewer(s) - Patricia Grace

Interviewer(s) - Jonathan Dennis

Interviewer(s) - Irihapeti Ramsden

Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC-10527-8

Quantity: 2 C60 cassette(s). 2 Hours Duration.

Finding Aids: Abstract Available - transcript(s) available OHA 3644; partial digital transcript at MSDL-0153.

Search dates: 1937 - 1948

Additional description

Alternative form available: Listening copies are available at OHLC-006249 to OHLC-006250

Use/Reproduction

Public use requires the written permission of the copyright holder. Some sections of interview are fully restricted.

Access restrictions

Restricted - Content cannot be accessed without permission - Access requires the written permission of the Curator, Oral History and Sound, some sections of interview restricted

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