Places

Date: 5 Feb 1996-6 Oct 1996 - 05 Feb 1996 - 06 Oct 1996

By: Walsh, Michael Wehi Mailetonga, active 1989

Reference: OHColl-0610

Description: Examines the links between Nga Rauru of Patea and Ngati Wehiwehi of Otaki which are the result of family connections. The project includes interviews David Marino, Grace Moffatt, Raynor Gibb, Wallace (Wally) O'Conner, Margaret Walsh and Rona Broughton. The interviewees also discuss Te Reo Maori, family and adoption and give a picture of Maori life from about 1915 to the 1950s. Access Contact - See Oral History Librarian Awards/funding - Project received an Award in Oral History Interviewer(s) - Michael Walsh Quantity: 11 C60 cassette(s). 6 printed abstract(s). 6 interview(s). Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete. Provenance: Donor/Lender/Vendor - Donated by Michael Walsh, Wellington, 1996

Date: 26 Apr 2001 - 30 Jul 2001

By: Abigail, Jill, 1939?-

Reference: OHColl-0579

Description: Volunteers of the Otaki Citizens Advice Bureau talk about its role in the community and its management. Includes recollections of their training, colleagues and experiences. Includes some history of Otaki area. Other - Copies also held by the Otaki Citizens Advice Bureau and the National Association of Citizens Advice Bureaux Arrangement: Files arranged as OHDL-000990 - OHDL-000997 Quantity: 15 C60 cassette(s). 8 Electronic document(s) - digital abstracts. 8 printed abstract(s). 8 interview(s). Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete.

Date: 1999-2000 - 29 Oct 1999 - 20 May 2002

By: Selby, Rachael Ann, 1949-; Richmond, Joanna Mary, 1946-; Thorpe, Agnes Anne, 1939-

Reference: OHColl-0673

Description: Maori and Pakeha were interviewed for this project, which looks at the history of Otaki and the lives of ten of its community. Language - mainly English but possibly some Maori within interviews by Rachael Selby Interviewer(s) - Anne Thorpe Interviewer(s) - Rachael Selby Interviewer(s) - Jan Richmond Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC-011052 - 011064 Quantity: 8 C60 cassette(s). 5 C90 cassette(s). 10 printed abstract(s) and accompanying photos and material. 10 interview(s). Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete. Several photocopies of photos accompany documentation Search dates: 1930 - 2000

Date: 02 May 2004 to 19 Jan 2006 - 02 May 2004 - 19 Jan 2006

By: Thorpe, Agnes Anne, 1939-; Bisdee, Margaret, active 2007; Otaki District Commercial Gardeners Society

Reference: OHColl-0819

Description: Interviews with committee members of the Otaki District Commercial Gardeners Society to preserve the memory and history of this historic yet declining society which was formed in 1942 with a bi-cultural constitution between the Chinese and European market gardeners of the Otaki district. Interviewees are Dow Kwan Chung, Bruce Corlett, David Foster, Jim Gow, John Griffin, Charman Moy, Peter Thorpe, Kee Sun Young, Andrew Yew Dick Yung and Jack Mun Yung and Jack Koon Yung. Abstracted by - Anne Thorpe Interviewer(s) - Anne Thorpe Interviewer(s) - Margaret Bisdee Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC-015207 to OHC-015224 Quantity: 18 C60 cassette(s). 10 interview(s) (1 is a joint interview). Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete Abstract Available - transcript(s) available.

Date: 1978-1992

By: Te Wānanga o Raukawa

Reference: OHColl-0296

Description: Recordings of waiata, whakapapa, hui and other material recorded at Te Wānanga o Raukawa from 1978 to 1992. Quantity: 18 7" reel(s). 18 event(s). Finding Aids: Abstract Available - no abstract(s) available.

Date: 29 Dec 1999

From: Otaki oral history project

By: Moffatt, Raymond Rodney, 1925-; Thorpe, Agnes Anne, 1939-

Reference: OHInt-0673-05

Description: Raymond Moffatt, known as Ray, was born at home in Otaki in 1925. Mentions great grandfather Moffatt, a missionary, settling in Otaki in 1868, and family living there ever since. Worked with Dr Livingstone. Recalls that family farmed beside the Waitohu Stream from 1925 until ca 1990. Mentions family butcher shop, pig farming, dairy farming, milking, Rahui Dairy Factory, hay press, Otaki Railway Station, local shops, food, school, school boys helping to build a classroom, entertainment. Mentions mother, related to Ngati Raukawa, dying in the flu epidemic after World War I. Talks about father helping restore Rangiatea Church, build wall at Raukawa Marae, and do work for Catholic Church. Mentions his father's concrete making process. Mentions dances, married life, farming. Mentions buying two acres of land for 180 pounds sterling and a cow, and building home. Refers to rectifying purina moth problem, local families, involvement in clubs, including Lions, Citizens Advice Bureau and the Friendship Force. Interviewer(s) - Anne Thorpe Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC-11061 Quantity: 1 C60 cassette(s). 1 printed abstract(s). 1 Hours Duration. Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete OHA-3869. Photos include Ray & Joan's 50th wedding anniversary; Moffatt family; Rita and Edwin Moffatt (Ray's parents). Search dates: 1868 - 1974

Date: 14 October 1989 - 14 Oct 1989

From: Massey University History Department. Students' Oral History Projects.

By: Walsh, Margaret Te Ruihi, active 1940s-1996

Reference: OHInt-0151/05

Description: Mrs Margaret Te Ruihi Walsh gives details of family background, growing up at Pukerua Bay and Te Horo with grandparents, schooling at Te Horo and Otaki. Refers to Ratana faith and the reopening of the Raukawa marae. Describes husband's career as a teacher in New Zealand, Tonga and Fiji with reference to Queen Salote and Minerva Reef survivors. Interviewer(s) - Michael Walsh Venue - 39 Pahiatua Street, Palmerston North Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC-002145 Quantity: 1 C60 cassette(s). 1 printed abstract(s). 50 Minutes Duration. Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete AB-0350.

Date: 2007-2008

Reference: OHColl-1018

Description: Interviewer(s) - Pataka Moore Quantity: 15 interview(s). Number of interviews/events: 15

Date: 23 Jan 2001

From: Upper Hutt Uniting Parish Millennium Project

By: Bielawski, Lynnette Flora, 1948-

Reference: OHInt-0593/09

Description: Lynne Bielawski talks about her Methodist and Brethren upbringing. Describes religious summer camps in Otaki. Recalls ministers, especially Rev. Ormond Burton, mentioning anecdotes about each one, and their influence on her. Relates family connections with Rangiatea Church. Talks of her faith journeys, Girls' Brigade leadership and support of church people. Discusses parenting and adoption. Relates changes, both in and out of church, in the role of women, of freedom for children, young people's responsibilties. Mentions drug abuse and skinheads. Recalls church picnics, near drownings. Describes suitable clothing and head coverings for church attendance. Interviewer(s) - Elaine Bolitho Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC-009243: OHC-009244 Quantity: 2 C60 cassette(s). 1 transcript(s) - printed. 1 Electronic document(s) - transcript. 1 interview(s). 1.15 Hours and minutes Duration. Finding Aids: Abstract Available - transcript(s) available OHA-2972, OHDL-000930. Portrait photograph of Lynnette Bielawski

Date: 30 Jul 2001

From: Otaki Citizens Advice Bureau oral history project

By: Lipscombe, Shirley Elizabeth, 1924-2014

Reference: OHInt-0579-08

Description: Shirley Elizabeth Lipscombe born Cromwell, Otago, 1924. Outlines family background. Recalls: family move to Wellington; attending Kilbirnie School; boarding at Nelson Girls College (1938-1941) and work for Wellington Public Library in 1942 before commencing training as a nurse at Wellington Hospital in 1943. Talks about marriage to Dean Perrett Lipscombe in 1947, move to Otaki, birth of children and becoming a full time housewife. Recalls return to the workforce in 1968 as District nurse. Explains difference between public health nurse and district nurse. Recalls TB (tuberculosis) being quite prevalent in Otaki and mentions TB clinics and Sanatorium which had beautiful gardens. After retirement recalls being manager of Kimberley Training School shop and was on-call Hospice nurse in 1987. Backgrounds the setting up of the Food Bank in Otaki and her involvement. Recalls joining CAB (Citizens Advice Bureau) early 1990s and mentions the various roles, including being roster secretary. Mentions Jean Chamberlain, Joan Black, May Mitchell and Velda Harrison. Access Contact - see oral history librarian Interviewer(s) - Jill Abigail Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC-08836-008837 ; OHLC-004479-004480 Quantity: 2 C60 cassette(s). 1 printed abstract(s). 1 Electronic document(s) - abstract. 1 interview(s). 2 Hours Duration. Physical Description: Textual files - Microsoft word Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete OHA-2734, OHDL-000997.

Date: 2 Mar 2002 - 02 Mar 2003

From: Otaki oral history project

By: Te Aomarere, Kiripuai Ngahiraka Te Otiana, 1916-2007; Selby, Rachael Ann, 1949-

Reference: OHInt-0673-08

Description: Georgina Kiripuai Te Aomarere was born in Katihiku, Otaki in 1916. Mentions two years of schooling at Saint Josephs Maori Girls College in Taradale, which ended because of the Great Depression. Recalls they were poor, living off seafood and vegetable gardens. Mentions Mr Pike allowing them into the picture theatre without paying. Talks about her first job working for Miss Grant as a housekeeper, and amount paid. Describes working for Mrs Ossian Death for five years. Refers to a trip to Napier for a camping holiday with the Death family, and the food she prepared. Mentions getting drivers licence, and working at the Otaki Sanatorium. Describes her four years of war work in the Petone cigarette factory, WD & HO Wills, working in the steamery and processing tobacco. Notes that she was called up for the army twice but her employer argued to keep her. Mentions returning to Otaki when she became hapu (pregnant). Describes working for the Amos Softgoods Ltd factory, preparing teas, lunches and baking. Refers to taking her baby to work after her mother died. Describes the factory manager Mr Hager, an alcohol-free Christmas party, benefits for longstanding workers, baking for special occasions, birthday presents, a Scottish factory worker, Maori employment in the factory, working in a factory for 33 years, smoking and work, and the impact of a zip replacing boiling water in pots. Talks about being the only Maori in Otaki who gave blood, explains why others didn't. Mentions having to retire from the factory at age 65, and working in a volunteer capacity for her iwi. Mentions her Uncle Karaha, a tohunga, and her father, Whiti Te Aomarere. Interviewer(s) - Rachael Selby Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC-11052/3 Quantity: 2 C60 cassette(s). 1 printed abstract(s). 1 interview(s). 1 Hours Duration. Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete OHA-3863. Photo of Kiripuai at Te Wananga-o-Raukawa graduation 2001 beside Margaret Davis. Search dates: 1930 - 1990

Date: 11 Apr 2002

From: Otaki oral history project

By: Royal, Manihira Te Ra Purewa, 1932-; Selby, Rachael Ann, 1949-

Reference: OHInt-0673-09

Description: Manihira Te Ra Purewa Royal, known as Hira, was born in Otaki in 1932, and has lived there all her life, except when at boarding school. Recalls belonging to the Takarore whanau, which includes the families Hohipuha, Raika, Te Waiata, and Nikora (Nicholls). Mentions the Te Horo cheese factory, the Rahui dairy factory, milk at school, and milk delivered in cans. Talks about school and boarding at Hukarere in Napier, her teachers, the principal, Miss Hunter, prayers, strictness, duties, other pupils. Mentions her 11 children, her whangai (foster) daughter and her brothers and sisters. Recalls leaving school in 1949, marrying in 1950, living on the marae, then on Miss Lochore's property. Mentions using a copper washer and an outside hand wringer. Talks about their home in Otaki, built using a Maori Affairs Loan in 1954, and later extended. Talks about the family benefit. Mentions her mother-in-law, Whakarato Royal, who lived with them for 26 years. Refers to the Otaki Maternity Home, where mothers rested for 14 days after birth. Refers to Playcentre involvement. Talks about working for Koha Ora, at Kimberley Hospital and the Otaki Children's Health Camp. Describes association with Rangiatea Church and the Anglican mission, mentioning Grace Bargrove, a Pakeha deaconess buried at Rangiatea, and Olive Morgan. Mentions church at Ngatokowaru Marae. Recalls the influence of church ministers, including her uncle, Paul Temuera, and Hohepa Taepa. Describes involvement in the Anglican Church, as Kaikaraka, Deacon, and being ordained as a priest by Bishop Muru Walters in 1996. Reflects that she had a 'calling' to the church. Talks about whitebaiting and the importance of fishing. Recounts story of catching seafood and giving thanks to Tangaroa, the sea god. Mentions camping and a flood. Recounts living at the marae on retirement, and being on the Raukawa Marae Committee. Interviewer(s) - Rachael Selby Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC-11056/7 Quantity: 2 C60 cassette(s). 1 printed abstract(s). 2 Hours Duration. Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete OHA-3865. Photo of Hira and husband Wehi Royal at Raukawa Marae on their 50th wedding anniversary, 2000. Search dates: 1930 - 1990

Date: 20 June 2000 - 20 Jun 2000

From: Otaki oral history project

By: Moffatt, Joan Catherine, 1924-; Thorpe, Agnes Anne, 1939-

Reference: OHInt-0673-04

Description: Joan Moffatt, nee Walker, was born in Wellington in 1924. Her parents moved to a soldier's farm in Te Horo in 1923, where she lived until marriage in 1948. Mentions walking three miles to Te Horo Primary School, segregated playgrounds, games, tennis, and boys tending headmaster's garden. Talks about being left handed. Recalls children's chores, ironing, mother's household tasks, living without electricity, and family pets. Talks about Graeme Walker and his poultry farm which was a major employer, his siblings, and farming being in the blood. Mentions family vegetable gardens, birthday parties, Christmas, attending Wellington Centennial Fair, Te Horo dances. Recalls the Trembarths, Grants, Thorntons and Spiers, the blacksmith and shoemaker, Sunday school, her grandfather. Refers to mother having children at St Helen's Maternity Hospital, Wellington. Talks about meeting husband, Ray Moffatt, a dairy farmer, and farming in the Otaki Gorge. Mentions four brothers in Home Guard, her father's response to brother enlisting for World War II, serving in Italy and developing a love of opera. Mentions self and mother knitting socks and baking for Merchant Navy, making Hussifs (needle cases), the Patriotic Society's farewell dances for soldiers, hosting English Merchant Navy sailors, and young women writing to servicemen. Mentions her brother serving in Italy and developing a love of opera. Mentions her father belonging to the Wellington Mounted Rifles, being badly wounded at Gallipoli and in France, being sent back to Britain, and evacuation orders. Interviewer(s) - Anne Thorpe Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC-11060 Quantity: 1 C90 cassette(s). 1 printed abstract(s). 1 interview(s). 49 Minutes Duration. Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete OHA-3871. Photo of Joan in garden; the Walker family; Ray & Joan's wedding photo 1948 Search dates: 1930 - 1950

Date: 11 Oct 2000 - 11 Oct 2002

From: Otaki oral history project

By: Sharp, Cyril Mattias Wilder, 1907-2001; Thorpe, Agnes Anne, 1939-

Reference: OHInt-0673-03

Description: Cyril Sharp, known at Pat Sharp, was born in 1907 in Linton. Talks about grandparents who ran a hotel where there was always music. Talks about father who worked for Rangitikei Milk Company in Bulls for 30 years. Mentions schooling at Levin High School. Mentions briefly working at the Post Office, the Otaki ambulance, the Otaki Maori College. Talks about the Sanitorium, which had 80 patients. Mentions studying to be a plumber at night school in Wellington, but returning to Otaki during the Great Depression. Refers to government housing loans stopping, people doing any work for money, stores having two prices for all goods, sharing jobs. Mentions the importance of the horse stables in early Otaki. Mentions the local Chinese Pakapoo Den and its location. Talks about being a member of fire brigade for 38 years. Talks about being a piano player in a band, and playing at dances, where he met his wife. Mentions playing at the Tobacco Factory Hall during the Second World War. Refers to the Tahiwi sisters who sang. Mentions Inia Te Waiata, the Rikihana family, and Jimmy Sievers the undertaker. Talks about being in a car accident and hospitalised. Talks about working for Laidlaw Leeds. Talks about Otaki personalities, such as Murray Scott who as mayor introduced a sewerage scheme, and retailers Jim Bill, George Gimblett, the Edhouses and the Bakers. Mentions working in Wellington. Talks about his major interests as the fire brigade, rotary and dance clubs. Refers to his children moving away from Otaki, and talks about the old age pension. Interviewer(s) - Anne Thorpe Accompanying material - Photocopy of letter dated 1936 inviting a woman to a dance Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC-11064 Quantity: 1 C90 cassette(s). 1.37 Hours and minutes Duration. Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete OHA-3872. Search dates: 1900 - 1950

Date: 17 Mar 2000 - 17 Mar 2002

From: Otaki oral history project

By: Davis, Margaret Rangimakaora, 1934-; Selby, Rachael Ann, 1949-

Reference: OHInt-0673-10

Description: Margaret Rangimakaora Davis was born on the Ngatokowaru Marae, Hokio, Levin, in 1934. Mentions her six brothers, attending Horowhenua College, moving to Otaki in 1948, life on the Marae, the Jacob family, and the value placed on education. Notes that te reo Maori was not taught. Recalls her mother, Alma Winiata, delivering babies on the Marae. Mentions her father, Tamihana Winiata, was secretary of the Otaki Maori Racing Club. Mentions co-workers at the Pop Inn Dairy. Describes working in the office at Edhouses Drapery Store from 1949-1986. Recalls her mother minded her children while she worked. Mentions Mr Edhouse lending money to Maori pensioners. Talks about changes in shops in Main Street, and several shop owners. Describes courting Whatakaraka Davis, attending dances, motion pictures, basketball and rugby together. Recalls their formal engagement and marriage in 1948. Talks about borrowing money from the bank, recalls learning to drive a car. Talks about being in a marching team, touring, uniforms, and painting her legs uniform white for competitions. Mentions playing netball. Recalls that Lucy Jacob was a key organiser on the Ngatokowaru Marae, and church service on the Marae, led by Paora (Paul) Temuera. Talks about confirmation at All Saints Church, her husband's being christened so he could marry, and the midnight service. Talks about the impact of Te Wananga o Raukawa on the community. Refers to the revival of the Maori language. Describes changes to the town and in transport. Interviewer(s) - Rachael Selby Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC-11062 Quantity: 1 C90 cassette(s). 1 printed abstract(s). 1.30 Hours and minutes Duration. Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete OHA-3870. Photo of Whakakaraka and Margaret at the Otaki Maori Racing Club (no date). Photocopy of photo of Margaret at her 21st birthday Search dates: 1934 - 1990

Date: 24 Feb 2002

From: Otaki oral history project

By: Richmond, Joanna Mary, 1946-; Richmond, Thomas John Findlay, 1936-

Reference: OHInt-0673-02

Description: Thomas Richmond, known as Jock, was born in Waipawa, Hawkes Bay, in 1936. Mentions his father, a farm manager in Hawkes Bay for Harry Rathbone and the Eaton family. Talks about moving to Otaki aged four years. Refers to being taught by a governess, horse riding to school, teaching conditions at Te Horo School, steam trains, boarding at Wanganui Collegiate, compulsory military training on leaving school, and sports. Talks about working as a wool classer on Happy Valley Station, a McKenzie family farm in Canterbury, at age 18 years. Mentions using horses and poisoning possums. Talks about delivering milk in drums by truck to Otaki Railway Milk Treatment Station, to be processed into cheese, butter or bottled milk at the Rahui Milk Treatment Factory. Mentions events at the factory, some employees, work being replaced by tankers, and moving to Canada. Recalls driving kerosene powered caterpillar tractor at age 10. Mentions learning to drive and getting his heavy traffic licence. Recalls extensive flooding in Pahiko, and flood control contractors, Downer & Co. Describes share milking work, naming several milkers, including Marmaduke Atkinson, Bunny Hawea, and Joe Broughton. Mentions the drain cleaners, harvesters and seasonal workers from Katihiku, and Rangi Hawea and Ta Davis who ran the Hay Press. Mentions the first mobile press owned by his uncle, John Aldworth in 1947, describes his contracting work and accidental death. Recalls why his father didn't go to World War II. Mentions 1930s floods on the Tukituki River, Hawkes Bay. Recalls 1960's overseas trip, returning home to farm, playing representative rugby, and possum hunting and trapping. Interviewer(s) - Jan Richmond Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC-11059 Quantity: 1 C60 cassette(s). 1 printed abstract(s). 1 Hours Duration. Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete OHA-3867. Search dates: 1940 - 1965

Date: 20 Sept 2001 - 20 Sep 2001

From: Otaki oral history project

By: Swabey, Barbara Vernon, 1910-2003; Thorpe, Agnes Anne, 1939-

Reference: OHInt-0673-01

Description: Barbara Swabey was born in Wellington in 1911. Talks about her grandparents. Talks about how her grandmother Frances Simcox, nee Colenso, grew up on a mission station in Hastings, and spoke fluent Maori. Talks about her grandparents moving to Otaki in 1878, farming and building a homestead on leased Maori land at the Forest Lakes, and having a tennis court and a cook. Refers to her grandfather William Simcox, playing the organ at the Rangiatea Church, when Bishop Hadfield ran the Anglican mission. Mentions the missioners, the McWilliams. Refers to her parents settling in Otaki, and her father working at the butter factory. Mentions attending Miss Baber's (later Marsden) School, and boarding to attend Wellington Girls College. Mentions a governess. Describes holidays at the family's camping bach, her mother learning to drive a car, hotels, and shops. Talks about Karitane training in Wanganui, working as a Karitane nurse in Wellington during the Second World War, and returning to Otaki to nurse her mother until she died in 1958. Mentions travel was difficult during the war. Talks about being a life member of the golf club. Talks about writing articles for the Otaki Historical Society journal. Talks about her mother's family, who came from Birmingham. Interviewer(s) - Anne Thorpe Accompanying material - Notes written by Barbara prior to interview in 2001 Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC-11058 Quantity: 1 C60 cassette(s). 1 printed abstract(s). 1 Hours Duration. Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete OHA-3866. Photo of Barbara ca 2000; photo of Lincoln Imp, bought from England by mother; photocopies of family holiday camp built by Barbara's grandmother (Frances Simcox); photocopy of photo of Barbara as child in a boat Search dates: 1870 - 2000

Date: 27 Jul 2000

From: Otaki oral history project

By: Gimblett, Frederick George, 1929-; Thorpe, Agnes Anne, 1939-

Reference: OHInt-0673-06

Description: Frederick George Gimblett, known as Ted, was born in Northcote, Auckland in 1929. Talks about how his family moved to Otaki in 1939, where his father, bought the general store within days of the start of World War II. Mentions his father being rejected for enlisting in the war. Describes in detail the store, and products sold. Talks about a fire that gutted the store in 1942 and getting a government permit to restore it. Talks about the store's conversion to a Four Square shop, which his brother Jack took over in 1968. Talks about taking over his father's hardware store the same year. Talks about his father's involvement in the community, including the Otaki Council, president of the Grocers Association, golf, Masonic Lodge, school committees, and his love of English cars. Describes how his father looked after key townspeople, such as the bank manager, police and stationmaster. Refers to the bank manager as the 'lord of the manor'. Talks about class structures in the town, and to Maori being called 'Natives', and only being allowed to play golf on Wednesday afternoon. Talks about neighbouring families, and describes shopkeepers and shops. Talks about helping in the shop after school, stamp club and boys brigade. Talks about school, teachers, and discipline. Mentions a lack of jobs in Otaki after the war when soldiers returned. Refers to Paraparaumu, and describes Waikanae. Mentions his first car, a Morris 25. Describes Jim Sievers, the local undertaker, and related stories. Talks about the Civic Theatre. Talks about premarriage entertainment, dancing, courting at badminton and tennis, and the rifle club. Describes involvement with golf and rotary. Mentions children and siblings. Accompanying material - Notes on Gimblett family on Main Street, including photocopies of photos of their stores (4) Interviewer(s) - Anne Thorpe Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC-11063 Quantity: 1 C90 cassette(s). 80 Minutes Duration. Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete OHA-3871. Photos of Gimblett's first shop (interior) and Gimblett's Hardware Ltd (exterior) Search dates: 1939 - 1960

Date: 20 May 2002

From: Otaki oral history project

By: Manz, Arthur Herbert, 1917-; Thorpe, Agnes Anne, 1939-

Reference: OHInt-0673-07

Description: Arthur Herbert Manz was born in Wellington in 1917, and his family moved to Otaki in 1920. Recalls his German grandfather, a cottage weaver, who after the industrial revolution worked in the railway workshops. Recalls his father, a cabinetmaker, who emigrated to New Zealand, worked on the Manawatu Gorge railway construction, helped build the Hutt Park Grand Stand, and toured overseas with the 1905-6 Wellington Bowling Club. Mentions that his father's ethnicity became an issue during World War I, and that his mother was of English descent. Mentions getting pneumonia walking to school, school life, not being able to play football, movies, stores, dances, music and parties. Mentions the tuberculosis sanatorium. Talks about the Otaki Maori Racing Club. Talks about education and training to be a teacher. Mentions beekeeping and the Hautere Defence Rifle Club. Describes a trip to Mount Ruapehu in 1937 in a Model T truck, mentions the conditions of the roads. Recalls joining Royal New Zealand Air Force in 1940 during World War II, and having to request exemptions from the Provisions of the Alien Control Emergency Regulations because of his German nationality. Mentions that his sister worked as a WAAF for five years. Talks about his postings, including Taieri, Wigram, Hobsonville, Waipapakauri, Suva, Florida Island. Mentions he was trained in being a flying instructor, night flying, and Tiger Moths. Talks about returning to teaching after World War II, at Waitohu School, and being principal of the Otaki Health Camp School. Mentions Rangiatea Church being built. Talks about the Otaki Rotary Club, the railway station, rifle clubs, his wife and children, fishing, and leasing land to Chinese growers. Describes the Otaki Brass Band and the people involved in it. Interviewer(s) - Anne Thorpe Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC-11054 - 5 Quantity: 2 C60 cassette(s). 1 printed abstract(s). 1 interview(s). 2 Hours Duration. Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete OHA-3864. Search dates: 1920 - 1960

Date: 09 Jun 1996

From: Whanaungatanga : Ngati Wehiwehi me Nga Rauru oral history project

By: Moffatt, Grace Terewai, active 1930s-1990s

Reference: OHInt-0610-4

Description: Grace Moffatt talks about her family naming uncle Elkington. Discusses childhood memories of Pukerua Bay including visiting Marino relations in Paekakariki, schooling in Wellington, trains, the 1938 polio epidemic, leisure activities, eeling and local seafood and the family bach. Recounts arrival of American troops during World War II and ambition to be a runner for the Home Guard. Outlines invasion precautions in place. Describes school commercial courses, work in Otaki and marriage to John Moffatt. Relates the difficulties of a mixed religion marriage. Talks about their children. Details contracting and recovering from tuberculosis, the Otaki sanatorium and value of the tribal health committee. Names fellow sanatorium patients. Talks about the tribal committee and its members, changes in Otaki, work in the Kimberley hospital, the Waitangi disaster, Patea freezing works, links with Te Horo, Manakau and Wehiwehi, and relatives including her nanny and sister Margaret. Interviewer(s) - Michael Walsh Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC-013213, OHC-013473 Quantity: 2 C60 cassette(s). 1 printed abstract(s). 1.45 Hours and minutes Duration. Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete OHA-4610.