Yugoslavs - New Zealand

Date: 04 Aug 1968

From: Open Country Sound Recordings

Reference: OHInt-0002/222

Description: The land of sacks by Amelia Batistich from Te Hapua, the most northerly settlement. Access Contact - see oral history librarian Venue - Wellington Interviewer(s) - Jim Henderson, presenter Interviewer(s) - Selwyn Muru, reader Venue - NZBC Studios, Wellington. Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHT5-0227 Quantity: 1 5" reel(s). 1 event(s). 14 Minutes Duration. Finding Aids: Abstract Available - other no script available.

Date: 22 May 1999

From: `Back to the drawing board' - Hamilton architects oral history project

By: Mrkusic, Stephen Victor, 1928-2021; Kellaway, Laura Liane, 1965-

Reference: OHInt-0483-12

Description: Steve Mrkusic was born at Aratapu, near Dargaville in 1928. Describes growing up with his mother and two siblings at Oratia in West Auckland. Recalls his schooling, the end of the war and working on a farm before travelling to Yugoslavia and spending two years there. Describes studying architecture at Zagreb University and life in Yugoslavia at the time under a dictator. Mentions food rationing and difficulty leaving the country. Discusses enrolling at Auckland University to finish studying architecture part-time and working for the Auckland Education Board and Auckland Harbour Board. Mentions working for Sargent, Smith and Partners. Describes becoming Project Architect and then Chief Architect for the South Auckland Education Board. Discusses the effects of the post World War II baby boom on school buildings and the pressure to build schools in the 1950s and 1960s. Comments that his job was more administrative than architectural. Describes court cases as the result of builders going bankrupt and the involvement of the Department of Education. Recalls responsibility for forty six staff in Hamilton and Auckland. Comments that architectural work for schools is now done with Boards of Trustees as clients rather than the Department of Education as a result of educational reform. Discusses a concept plan for Rakumanga, Kura Kaupapa school in Huntly and the widespread public consultation. Talks about going into practice with Warwick Kellaway, Victor Procuta, John Sexton and Paul Trenwith as Five Plus One architects after his redundancy in 1989. Comments on enjoying design and private practice. Discusses the architecture of early Hamilton and the failure to use the river as a feature. Describes being on the Civic Trust, arguments about cutting down trees and the proactivity of some of the architects' wives. Mentions his wife Kerry Mrkusic. Describes a lifestyle change which involves growing olives and lemons at Karaka near Auckland. Mentions his Dalmatian heritage. Interviewer(s) - Laura Kellaway Quantity: 1 C60 cassette(s). 1 printed abstract(s). 1 interview(s). 1 Hours Duration. Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete OHA-3103.

Date: 1884-1968

By: Northwood, Arthur James, 1880-1949; Martin, Josiah, 1843-1916; New Zealand Graphic and Ladies' Journal; Sefton, William John, -1951; Auckland weekly news (Newspaper); Messenger, Derek, active 1968; Hutchings, Frank, active 1914

Reference: PAColl-2144

Description: Includes gum industry operations in Northland and Auckland; New Year festival, 1911; a wedding group, 1913; Queen Carnival at Dargaville, 1915; picnic in Dargaville, ca 1935; Dargaville Yugoslav Social Club group, ca 1936. Some photos in this collection are copied from holdings in Auckland Public Library and Auckland Institute and Museum. Many of the people in the photos are identified by name. Collection may be associated with John Mark Totich Title supplied by Library. Quantity: 15 b&w original photographic print(s). 51 b&w copy photographic print(s). 2 colour copy photographic print(s).

Date: 1 October 1996

From: Dominion Post (Newspaper): Photographic negatives and prints of the Evening Post and Dominion newspapers

By: Simcox, Craig, active 1983

Reference: EP/1996/0797-F

Description: Croatian Cultural Society president Mirijan Kostovic (left) and secretary Drago Krzanic (right), dance in front of their premises in Hania street, Mount Victoria, Wellington, with the Society's new sign. Photograph taken on 18 March 1996 by Evening Post staff photographer Craig Simcox. Original newspaper caption reads: "Laughter and tears mingled when Wellington's Croatian community finally got the chance to put their country's name over the door of their clubrooms. The Croatian Culture [sic] Society has had a few name changes in the past six years, as their countrymen have been fighting for independence. It started as the Yugo-Slav Club in 1938 and remained that way for 55 years. 'In 1993, due to the changes in our homeland, we decided to change it,' club president Marijan Kostovic said. 'A lot of people had sentimental memories of Yugoslavia and did not want to accept the changes happening there, but we could no longer call ourselves the Yugo-Slav Club. We chose the Dalmatian Club because most members were from that area". (Evening Post, 18 March 1996) Quantity: 1 colour original negative(s) negative strip with 3 images. Physical Description: Dye coupler negative, 35mm

Date: 1860-1980

By: Mathews, Peter Clifford William, 1941-1980

Reference: MS-Group-0046

Description: This is the material that Mathews collected on the many subjects he was interested in. Apart from the genealogical material, little of the written material is original, much being photocopied articles. Most of the oral history tapes are original. They consist of interviews with bushmen and gum diggers in Northland. The collection also provided three boxes of photographs, again reflecting his interest in Northland. Some are prints from various collections held throughout the country, others record his trips into Kauri forests with the photographer Olaf Pederson. Source of title - Supplied title Quantity: 25 folder(s). Finding Aids: Inventory available. Provenance: The donor, Mrs Strange, is Peter Mathews' twin sister. Transfers: To Photographic Archive - 3 boxes, mostly relating to Northland (PAColl-0036) - To Oral History Collection - 49 cassette tapes (see inventory for details) - To New Zealand Film Archive - Four films - David Goldie Ltd.

Date: 1990

From: New Zealand Society of Genealogists : 1990 Sesquicentennial Family Biography Competition collection

Reference: MS-Papers-4280-030

Description: The story of four generations of a family, connected in each case by a daughter marrying a new arrival into the country. The Munros arrived in Auckland's first fleet in 1842. The essay is a summary of the principal known events of their lives and includes very brief mention of all children of each family Quantity: 1 folder(s). Finding Aids: Published inventory available. Includes photographs of family members

Date: 1984

By: Radich, Angela Jean, 1920-1999

Reference: MS-Papers-5327

Description: Mrs Radich begins the story of her family before they came to New Zealand from Dalmatia. Her father, Jure, arrived here in 1909 and went to Northern Wairoa returning to Dalmatia in 1912 to marry. His plans were delayed until 1923 when he came back to New Zealand, his wife and child following the next year. They settled first in the Kaipara at Aranga, then moved to Poroti in 1930. From 1931 to 1934 they lived at Maungakaramea and in 1939 Radich moved to Taumarunui. She describes their way of life, schooling, the difficulties and isolation and presents interesting social commentary of the times. Quantity: 1 folder(s) (35 leaves). 0.01 Linear Metres. Physical Description: Typescript with illustrations Two family photographs and an illustration of a cottage like one the family lived in at Aranga

Date: 15 May 1984 - 16 May 1984

From: NZOHA New Zealand Computer Society Silver Jubilee Oral History Project

By: Peko, Lorin Matthew, 1922-2003; Peko, Edvige Anne, 1923-

Reference: OHInt-0093/01

Description: Lorin Peko was born 16 Oct 1922 at Dargaville. Describes in detail his family background - the son of a Dalmatian (Yugoslav) gumdigger and buyer father and a mother from an early settler family near Makara. Discusses life in the Dalmatian community in Dargaville in the 1920s and 1930s, education, WWII service as Paymaster with NZ Army in Egypt and with J Force. Recalls work with the Audit Department, Treasury, Wellington City Council, beginnings of electronic data processing, Power Samas, early electro-mechanical tabulating machines. Describes introduction and use of various IBM models, including 626, 650, 1401, 360. Talks about the reliability of punch card machines, prejudice against computers, women and computers, attitudes to computer programmers, developments in the computer industry, COBOL, training of programmers, cooperation and competition in the industry, own views on computers. Mentions Roy Clark, Jack Wills, Paul Walker, Databank. Edvige Peko describes Italian background, coping with husband's work, children, own involvement with computers. Venue - Wellington Interviewer(s) - Judith Fyfe Venue - Mr Peko's home in Wellington Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC-001538/001539/001540/001541 Quantity: 4 C60 cassette(s). 1 printed abstract(s). 4 Hours Duration. Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete OHA-0235.

Date: 22 Nov 1970

From: Open Country Sound Recordings

Reference: OHInt-0002/332

Description: Amelia Batistich describes the loneliness felt by the first Dalmatian women to come to the Northern Wairoa. Access Contact - see oral history librarian Venue - Wellington Interviewer(s) - Jim Henderson, presenter Venue - NZBC Studios, Wellington Accompanying material - Script at MS-Papers-1239, folder Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHT5-0340 Quantity: 1 5" reel(s). 1 event(s). 11 Minutes Duration.

Date: Feb-Jun 1995 - 01 Feb 1995 - 01 Jun 1995

By: Brajkovich, Nada, active 1995

Reference: OHColl-0369

Description: Interviewer(s) - Nada Brajkovich Quantity: 6 C60 cassette(s). 2 printed abstract(s). 2 interview(s). Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete OHA-1308 and OHA-1309.

Date: 14 September 1989 - 14 Sep 1989

From: Winstone Group of Companies Oral History Project

By: Barbarich, Anthony Mathew, 1936-

Reference: OHInt-0152/02

Description: Anthony Mathew Barbarich born Paparoa, New Zealand. Outlines family background - father came to New Zealand from Yugoslavia in 1898 and was naturalised in 1905. Mother came in 1934. Refers to marriage which was arranged by post. Recalls childhood in Mangawhai, where father was a gum digger, until the age of 10 when family moved to Auckland and established a fish and chip shop, `New Zealandia' in Hobson Street; Memories of World War II - American convoy coming through Mangawhai, sinking of ship, Niagara off the Mangawhai coast, and army blowing up mines. Outlines his career with Winstone Limited, Auckland, starting as an apprentice motor mechanic / vehicle maintenance in 1952, with reference to Les Waygood, manager of Winstones garage; Planning Officer 1966; Garage engineer 1970; Distribution manager, 1974; Corporate Distribution manager, 1979; General Manager, Dimond Industries 1983 and Deputy General manager, Fletcher Diamond, Auckland 1988- . Gives details of Winstones large Road Transport Company and competitor, New Zealand Express Co and J J Craig; Truck fleet in 1950s - Chevrolet (1948 and 1942 models), `S' Model Bedford; Motor car fleet - 1946, 1948 Vauxhalls, 1946 Morris 10s, Chrysler, Studebaker, De Soto and Dodge. Mentions Engineers Union - not actively involved but had no choice. Recalls lack of female workers in garage and compares with the present day - lady motor mechanics. Discusses Corporatisation of Winstone Ltd; Diamond Industries, bought by Winstones in the early 1970s; Brierley Investments Limited and sale of Winstone Ltd to Fletcher Challenge in 1988. Access Contact - see oral history librarian Venue - Auckland Interviewer(s) - Judith Fyfe Venue - Fletcher Dimond, 119 Carbine Road, Mount Wellington, Auckland Accompanying material - Papers relating to Fletcher Challenge Senior Executive Basic Review - Basic data (photocopies); Garage newsletter and copies of letters. Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC-002836-002838 Quantity: 3 C60 cassette(s). 1 printed abstract(s). 3 Hours Duration. Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete AB-0528.

Date: 08 Oct 1972

From: Open Country Sound Recordings

Reference: OHInt-0002/415

Description: Access Contact - see oral history librarian Venue - Wellington Interviewer(s) - Jim Henderson, presenter Venue - NZBC Studios, Wellington. Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHT5-0425 Quantity: 1 5" reel(s). 1 event(s). 12 Minutes Duration. Finding Aids: Abstract Available - other no script available.

Date: 4 December 1991 - 04 Dec 1991

From: Labour Movement Oral History Project

By: Marinkovich, Brenda, 1936-

Reference: OHInt-0056/34

Description: Brenda Marinkovich born Albany, Auckland. Gives a little family background - father of Yugoslav descent - mother English background. Recalls: schooldays; involvement with New Zealand Labour Party while very young ; Waitemata Electorate; Backbone Club; dislike of canvassing; Homosexual Law Reform Bill; Abortion; working life with Ministry of Transport; Red Cross; SPCA; and Feminism. Mentions: Norman King, Judith Keall, Michael Bassett, Neville Crighton, Roger Douglas, Richard Prebble, Bill Rowling, Norman Kirk, Jim Anderton, David and Naomi Lange. Venue - Auckland Interviewer(s) - Robert Paton Venue - Albany, Auckland Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC-004935 Quantity: 1 C60 cassette(s). 1 printed abstract(s) (not online). 1 interview(s). 1 Hours Duration. Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete AB-0930 (not online).

Date: 17 May 1998

From: 1998 New Zealand citizenship oral history project

By: Alic, Halid, 1962-

Reference: OHInt-0421/04

Description: Halid Alic born Yugoslavia 1962. Discusses family background, education at Belgrade University, gaining a veterinary degree, and decision to come to New Zealand. Recalls arrival in Wellington on 4 June 1993; English classes at Petone Polytechnic and requirements to pass veterinary registration examinations in New Zealand. Mentions advice from Veterinarian Council and studying in Wallaceville library. On completion of registration requirements recalls getting job with Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries in Hastings. Mentions contact with New Zealand families and refers to help from the Salvation Army. Describes differences in food between Yugoslavia and New Zealand and differences in architecture, with reference to wooden buildings. Recalls applying for citizenship and describes process of application and citizenship ceremony. Access Contact - see oral history librarian Interviewer(s) - Megan Hutching Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC-007650-007651 Quantity: 2 C60 cassette(s). 1 printed abstract(s) (plus one copy). 2 Hours Duration. Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete OHA-1986.

Date: 17 Jun 1998

From: 1998 New Zealand citizenship oral history project

By: Krzanic, Drago Peter, 1932-

Reference: OHInt-0421/08

Description: Drago Peter Krzanic born Croatia, then Yugoslavia. Gives family background and reason why father immigrated to New Zealand (a number of times), while mother remained in Croatia. Recalls occupation of Yugoslavia by Italians during World War II and partisans based in Podgora. Describes how land was farmed in Podgora; role of women; emigration from Podgora; schooling in Padgora and later attendance at Makarska College (boarding) and teachers' training college in Dubrovnik. Recalls that Dubrovnik teachers' college was established 1947 and gives reasons why he did not enjoy it. Mentions Communist Party influence in training college and talks generally about communist system in Croatia. Recalls being conscripted into Yugoslav Navy. Recalls arriving in New Zealand 8 March 1958; involvement with sister's fish and chip shop in Courtenay Place; Yugoslav Club in Hania Street and the role it played in helping immigrants; contribution of Croatian immigrants to New Zealand; work at Ngauranga Freezing Works and buying own fish and chip shop in Newtown. Briefly describes fiance's arrival in New Zealand and wedding day. Talks about life in Newtown and trip with children back to Yugoslavia (1973), with reference to visit from Secret Service. Gives reasons for decision to become New Zealand citizen in 1973 and reason for non attendance at citizenship ceremony. Mentions effect of experiences as a youth; medal received from Croatian government and effect of fall of Communism on Croatia. Access Contact - see oral history librarian Interviewer(s) - Megan Hutching Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC-007659-007660 Quantity: 2 C60 cassette(s). 1 printed abstract(s) (plus one copy). 2 Hours Duration. Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete OHA-1990.

Date: 14 Sep 1997, 6 April 1998 - 14 Sep 1997

From: Birkenhead Transport oral history project

By: Jakich, Leo John, 1923-

Reference: OHInt-0436-07

Description: Leo John Jakich born Birkdale, Auckland. Outlines family background - father grew up in Yugoslavia and went to America before coming to New Zealand, working on farm and in relief scheme during Depression. Mother immigrated from England. Recalls: leisure time activities; first job, delivering Auckland Star in Birkdale; schools; mechanic apprenticeship at Alder and Company, Ponsonby, 1936/1937 and completing it with Army. Recalls moving from compulsory military training to permanent Army as motor mechanic and discusses danger of working on mobile workshop, front line in Italy. Refers to American jeeps. Mentions UNRRA (United Nations Relief and Rehabilitation Administration) after the war. Refers to attitude towards returned servicemen. Joined Birkenhead Transport Ltd (BTL) ca 1948 and mentions formation of separate Service Station with Frank Reid as manager. Discusses pre-war Morris Commercial, Ford, International, Stewart and Diamond T, and compares mileage capacity with todays buses. Refers to wooden bodied buses built by Ralph Shepherd and wooden framed buses built by George McGhie. Mentions opening of Harbour Bridge; Brynderwyn accident and work philosophy. Access Contact - see oral history librarian Abstracted by - Elayne Robertson Interviewer(s) - Ian Robertson Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC-007767-007768; OHLC-003872-003873 Quantity: 2 C60 cassette(s). 1 printed abstract(s). 1 interview(s) over 2 days. 2 Hours Duration. Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete OHA-2051. Search dates: 1923 - 1998

Date: 17 Mar 1999

From: Past champions oral history project - The Shear History Trust Golden Shears Open Champions

By: O'Shaughnessy, Phil, active 1999; Rosandich, Ivan, 1945?-

Reference: OHInt-0509/15

Description: Ivan Rosandich was born in Auckland. Describes his Dalmatian father who was a fisherman and owned the Victory Cafe in Auckland. Mentions his mother grew up in Te Atatu and cycled to Auckland for work. Describes his schooling at Roman Catholic schools, visiting Yugoslavia with his mother and grandparents and returning to New Zealand to help rebuild the family restaurant. Recalls other labouring jobs before travelling to Ohakune and becoming a shedhand with Wally Scorrar. Discusses shed life, tallies, dagging, pressing and shearing his first one hundred sheep. Mentions working for Brian Waterson and shearing near Invercargill for a season. Describes fishing in the off season. Talks about enjoying competing in shows and competing in the first Golden Shears in the early 1970s. Discusses shearing with Norm Blackwell and his influence. Recalls atmosphere of Golden Shears in 1981, the judges, going through the heats, semi-finals and finals. Comments on the assistance of his wife Lynne. Talks about giving up on competition shearing, becoming a judge and instigating the Northern Shears, Kauri Shearing Circle. Discusses owning land at Puhoi and fishing as an occupation. Talks about his family. Interviewer(s) - Phil O'Shaughnessy Quantity: 2 C60 cassette(s). 1 printed abstract(s). 1 interview(s). 2 Hours Duration. Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete OHA-2525. Photo of Ivan Rosandich, Golden Shears champion 1981

Date: 18 Jan 2001

From: Vintage years - the wine industry in New Zealand

By: Fistonich, George Vjeceslav (Sir), 1939-

Reference: OHInt-0535/5

Description: George Fistonich was born in Auckland in 1939. Describes how his father emigrated from Yugoslavia in the 1920s, was a gum digger and worked in the freezing works. Talks about his mother's emigration two years later. Mentions they were both from winemaking families and had a small block of land in Mangere growing vegetables and grapes for wine. Recalls the family's strong work ethic. Describes racism towards Dalmatians. Recalls schooling at Mangere Bridge Primary, Onehunga Convent, St Peters College and De la Salle. Talks about his two mile walk to school and some of the punishments at the convent schools. Describes the pro and anti Tito factions in the two Yugoslav clubs in Auckland. Mentions his wife is not a Yugoslav. Describes becoming a carpenter and joiner and also buying equipment to make wine. Gives details of setting up this business and naming it Villa Maria. Describes his ambition to make top quality wine. Discusses winning some prizes at wine shows, industry developments, buying grapes from Gisborne, wine-making techniques and building a new winery in 1969. Mentions Joe Babich, Jim Delegat, Ivan Selak and Alex and Joe Corban. Describes buying Vidals, becoming one of the big wine companies and employing qualified wine makers and horticulturists. Recalls the explosion in the wine industry. Discusses some boutique wineries including Matua Valley, C J Pask and Te Awa Farm. Discusses the establishment of public companies Seddon Land and Terra Vitae to enable land purchase to plant grapes. Mentions the Wairau and Awatere Valleys and Hawkes Bay. Talks about the involvement of Brierleys in the industry and the creation of a wine surplus. Describes how Villa Maria went into voluntary receivership, the issue became public and the publicity resulted in Villa Maria's sale and recovery. Mentions David Lange, Sir Robert Muldoon and Jim McLay. Talks about the stress prior to the receivership and staff loyalty and commitment. Describes price wars, the grape pull and the effect on companies including Nobilos. Discusses the purchase of the Esk Valley vineyard. Discusses the marketing of Villa Maria wine, wine and cheese parties and competitions. Discusses wines including sauvignon blanc, chardonnay, gewurtztraminer, sauterne and botrytis. Talks about the opening of a restaurant at Vidals and the subsequent opening of lots of vineyard bar restaurants. Mentions lobbying for a new type of licence. Interviewer(s) - Janice Aplin Quantity: 4 C60 cassette(s). 1 printed abstract(s). 1 interview(s). 4 Hours Duration. Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete OHA-3118.

Date: 1952-1995

By: Batistich, Amelia, 1915-2004

Reference: MS-Group-0351

Description: Correspondence with publishers, other writers and well wishers, both in New Zealand and in Croatia, and `Landscape with figures' from `Here & Now' Nov 1952; correspondence with Richard and Lilli Sharell Source of title - Supplied Other Titles - An olive tree in Dalmatia Other Titles - Landscape with figures Quantity: 5 folder(s). 0.05 Linear Metres. Physical Description: Holograph, mss, typescript and printed matter Provenance: Donor/Lender/Vendor - Donated by Mrs A Batistich, Auckland, 1993 and 1995; and per Dr N Nola, Auckland, Apr 2004

Date: [1960-1980]

From: O'Connor, Peter Selwyn, 1926-1994 : Papers

Reference: MS-Papers-5981-1

Description: Paper, `Seddon and the Yugoslavs' discussing Seddon's attempts to limit immigration of Dalmatians to the North Auckland gumfields Quantity: 1 folder(s).