Places

Date: 4, 8, 15 July and 1 and 30 August 2011 - 04 Jul 2011 - 30 Aug 2011

By: Ngan Kwok Guy, 1926-2017; Oldham, Philippa Jane, 1957-

Reference: OHColl-1053-01

Description: Interview with New Zealand artist and former director of the New Zealand Academy of Fine Arts, Guy Ngan, conducted from July - August 2011. 'Guy Ngan was born in Wellington in 1926, the son of a Chinese New Zealand businessman and his second wife who herself became a successful businesswoman and family matriarch. Guy was taken back to China as a 2 year old and would likely have stayed in the Guangzhou area there had it not been for the Japanese invasion in 1938. When Guangzhou was bombed Guy's father made hasty arrangements for Guy and his elder brother Albert to leave. The two boys travelled unaccompanied to New Zealand by ship. They lived initially in Newtown but Guy, unhappy at Newtown School, quickly struck out on his own arranging to stay with relatives in Miramar. This was the beginning of an independent way of life and thinking that Guy has continued to pursue.' (information provided by interviewer). The interview discusses his early life, education, experiences abroad, and his art career in New Zealand. Abstracted by - Pip Oldham Interviewer(s) - Pip Oldham Quantity: 1 digital sound recording(s) digital sound recording(s). 1 printed abstract(s) OHA-7665. 1 interview(s). 13.31 Hours and minutes Duration. Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete. Provenance: Donor/Lender/Vendor - Donated by Liz Ngan, Wellington, May 2012 Search dates: 1872 - 2011

Date: 28 Apr 1998

From: I am a dark river (Bob Lowry Oral History Project)

By: Churton, Meme, active 1955-1998

Reference: OHInt-0589/09

Description: Meme Churton talks of her background in Italy and China and opening the first coffee shop and gallery in Auckland. Recalls settling into New Zealand society and gives her impressions of the lifestyles of intellectuals with whom she met. Talks of the freedoms of the time including parties and drinking. Mentions Bob and Irene Lowry and family, recalling his personality and death. Interviewer(s) - Tessa Mitchell Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHA-009023 Quantity: 1 C90 cassette(s). 1 printed abstract(s) summary notes. 1.17 Hours and minutes Duration. Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete OHA-2834. Search dates: 1950 - 1963

Date: 02 Jan 2004

From: Tung Jung oral history project

By: Moon, Harry, 1931-

Reference: OHInt-0747-05

Description: Interview with Harry Moon, born in Jung Seng district of Guangzhou, China, in 1931. At the start of WWII, Harry, aged 8, was taken on a refugee's permit from Hong Kong to his father in New Zealand. Mother returned to China. Harry taught Confucist morals and philosophy. Father and 3 uncles had market garden in Wairoa. Went to Wairoa school - learned English easily. Later moved to Gisborne and stayed with uncle. Then moved to Nelson and stayed with uncle Mr Ng King Ming who had a fruit shop. Harry went to Nelson College. He expected to return to China after the war but the Labour government granted refugees permanent residency so Harry stayed in NZ. In 1948 (age 17) sent back by father to China for 2 years to experience Chinese culture. Advised to return to NZ when the Communists took control in 1949. Mother also came to NZ at that time. 1949-50 worked in Gisborne for his uncle Mr Ng Norman Yew Luen. Moved to Wellington and worked for Ken and Jessie Wong She in Molesworth Street and then for Jack Young in Cuba Street. Lent money by father to buy a fruit shop in Johnsonville in 1952. Bought another shop in Johnsonville Mall in 1961 and worked there until he retired in 1996. Discusses new business practices and auction system - business 'snowballed.' Freedom to spend time with children and grandchildren. Feels he is a mixture of 50% Chinese and 50% New Zealander - adapts well to both worlds. Reflects on the importance and emphasis on Chinese language and culture in NZ in the early days. Discusses wider horizons for the young ones. Reflects on need to make next generation financially secure after coming from an impoverished country. Harry feels accepted in NZ, has not experienced racial prejudice. Reflects on changes in attitudes towards 'foreigners' over time - today more tolerance and understanding. Interviewer(s) - Kitty Chang Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC-014096 Quantity: 1 C90 cassette(s). 1 printed abstract(s). 1 interview(s). 1.20 Hours and minutes Duration. Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete OHA-5052. 2 Photocopies of a photograph of Harry Moon aged about 8, with his father in Wairoa. Colour photograph of Harry Moon at the time of the interview Search dates: 1931 - 2004

Date: 6, 7 July 1995 - 06 Jul 1995 - 07 Jul 1995

By: Owen, Alwyn, 1926-; Jackson-Thomas, Fiametta Cecilia, 1903-2003

Reference: OHColl-0312/1

Description: Fiametta Cecily Jackson-Thomas born Roslyn, Dunedin. Gives parents background and talks about father's life as a Punch and Judy expert, trapeze artist and snake handler until the age of 35 when he became a cabinet maker. Describes own school days, clothing worn, discipline in school, cadet uniform, chanting of tables, pole drill, description of games played, explaining how boys and girls played games differently. Recalls outbreak of World War I, its effects on women, friends receiving telegrams and comforting each other, white feather incident and attitutes to conscientious objectors. Talks about brother's involvement in World War II. Refers to 6 o'clock closing as a war measure. Recalls being only family in street not contacting flu during epidemic. Refers to garlic as used in Corsica. Describes work experience, working in art department of photographic firm and going to School of Art 1/2 day per week. Talks about Ngaio Marsh who was in class. Refers to Ronald McKenzie, also in class. Recalls learning cabinetmaking which was considered radical for the period - 3rd woman in New Zealand to do so. Talks about social hierarchy of Christchurch. Mentions visit of Prince of Wales. Backgrounds meeting and marrying husband, Arthur, and his brief involvement with the Communist Party. Describes helping watersiders during 1951 Waterfront Dispute and at end of dispute Arthur being made honorary Life Member of Seamen's Union. Talks about Walter Nash. Also refers to Bastion Point occupation and reads poem about Maori sweeper. Gives background to poem. Mentions husband's position of manager of Auckland's Progressive Book shop and invitation to publishing house in China to help Chinese writers in English. Describes time in China, cultural revolution and immense relief on leaving China. Describes her poetry writing and refers to poem `Idle time'. Interviewer(s) - Alwyn Owen Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC-011607-011609 Quantity: 2 C70 cassette(s). 1 printed abstract(s). 1 C90 cassette(s). 1 interview(s). Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete OHA-4004.

Date: 14 September 1999 - 14 Sep 1999

From: Race Relations Conciliators Oral History Project

By: Tauroa, Hiwi, 1927-2018

Reference: OHInt-0751-07

Description: New Zealand Race Relations Conciliator from 1980 to 1986. Born in Okaiawa, Taranaki, in 1927. Talks about his family background - gives reasons for being called Hiwi rather than his given name Edward. Mentions that his father spoke Maori - talks about the Latin-speaking Kaumatua at Kawhia and his father's important friends. Recalls attending primary school in Waima, Okaiawa and Kawhia - mentions the teachers, other students and travelling to school. Talks about learning Latin at Wesley College and his reasons for continuing his studies at Hawera Technical College - mentions working on a Jersey stud farm at Oeo during the school holidays. Discusses why he did choral work when he became a teacher - mentions singing at Runanga O Whaingaroa in Kaeo. Mentions Pakeha attitudes towards the establishment of Runanga and the reasons for his involvement in Whangaroa College. Recalls how he met his wife Pat. Discusses attending Auckland Teachers Training College and the reasons he agreed to teach at Wellington College. Tallks about accepting a position at Okato District High School in Taranaki. Mentions the students. Mentions principal Lloyd Tregoweth at Okaihau District High School. Recalls how he coached All Black Grant Fox's father. Also mentions the school's rugby team winning the Moascar Cup. Talks about accepting the position of principal at Tuakau College - mentions some of the parents' reaction to his appointment, his involvement with the Education Department, and the Maori students at Tuakau College. Discusses his later appointment as principal of Whangaroa College. Mentions how he was approached to become Race Relations Conciliator - mentions Sir James Henare, Piripi Mokena, Harry Dansey and Jim McLay. Talks about Human Rights Commissioner Pat Downey's reaction to the appointment. Talks about the staff of the Office of the Race Relations Conciliator - mentions Pita Sharples. Describes the changing nature of cases brought to the Office during his time as Conciliator. Discusses gangs and how the Office remedied the lack of outreach programmes - recalls playing rugby at Mt Eden prison and Office's contact with gangs. Defines race relations - describes race relation networks and how they were set up. Discusses the lack of understanding about race relations. Talks about New Zealand's record of race relations - discusses the Treaty of Waitangi negotiations and a possible land dispute in Kaeo. Discusses the future of race relations in New Zealand and the importance of the media in reporting race relations. Talks about local schools and the importance of having local input into local issues - recalls the reason for establishing youth forums. Discusses the importance of the education initiatives undertaken by the Office. Discusses his appointment to the Committee of Youth and Law in Our Municipal Society in 1981 - mentions Tau Henare. Talks about the establishment of the Ethical Affairs councils. Discusses biculturalism and multiculturalism. Mentions a trip to China with the China Friendship Society and the establishment of the China New Zealand Maori (CHINZMA) - mentions Rewi Alley. Discusses the concept of whanaungatanga and family - gives comparisons between Tikanga Maori and Pakeha customs. Talks about the 1981 Springbok Tour to New Zealand - recalls a visit to South Africa around the same time. Talks about Pacific Island rugby players and the All Blacks. Discusses the use of the haka by the All Blacks. Discusses overseas trips while Race Relations Conciliator - recalls trip to the United Nations in Geneva and a trip to Wales and Ireland. Mentions Draft Declarations on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and relations with American Indian groups at the United Nations. Recalls the building of the Whare Tipuna room in the New Zealand Embassy in Beijing in 1986 - elaborates on how the room was given the name 'He Pakeaka' (Pakiaka). Mentions the Totara wood panels that were carved by different iwi and the role of the carver Paki Harrison. Access Contact - See Oral History Librarian Interviewer(s) - Megan Hutching Accompanying material - Copy of 'He Pakiaka' by Patricia Tauroa, a booklet on the Whare Tipuna room at the New Zealand Embassy, Beijing, China; copies of published articles from magazines and newspapers Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC-012719, OHC-012720, OHC-012721, OHC-012722 Quantity: 4 C60 cassette(s). 1 printed abstract(s). 3.30 Hours and minutes Duration. Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete OHA-5447 Abstract Available - transcript(s) available. Photocopied articles include copies of photographs of Hiwi Tauroa Search dates: 1927 - 1999 Processing information: Record updated 28 October 2022 to clarify posiiton of Lloyd Tregoweth at Okaihau District High School.

Date: 6 October 2005 - 06 Oct 2005

From: Oral history of Chinese women in New Zealand

By: Gee, Dorothy, 1921-2013

Reference: OHInt-0804-03

Description: Oral history interview with Dorothy Gee (nee Bing), born in 1921 in Patea. Talks about her family background. Details schooling in Auckland - mentions Parnell School. Discusses the fruit shop her mother opened in Parnell - decribes their house above the shop. Talks about her family's visit to China - mentions the voyage to Sydney on the 'Wanganella'. Describes her parents village in China - details the length of their stay. Talks about her schooling in China. Discusses their return to New Zealand - talks about settling in Blenheim. Details the family business they started there. Recalls meeting her husband George - discusses their marriage in 1940, the birth of their children, and the shop they managed in Wellington. Talks about George's involvement in municipal affairs - refers to him becoming the first Chinese mayor in New Zealand. Details the various places she has visited around the world. Mentions her meetings with various Governors General, the Queen, Princess Ann, Princess Alexandra, and the Ambassadors of China and America. Talks about starting the Women's Guild at the Chinese Anglican Church - mentions running the Anglican Church bazaar. Mentions her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Talks about the growth in opportunities for Chinese women in New Zealand. Access Contact - See Oral History Librarian Interviewer(s) - Kitty Chang Accompanying material - 1 colour photograph, 9 x 11.5 cm, October 2005, and 1 black and white copy of a photograph, 1940; biographical information relating to Dorothy Gee. Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC-014736 Quantity: 1 C90 cassette(s). 1 printed abstract(s). 0.56 Hours and minutes Duration. Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete OHA-5333. 1 colour photograph, 9 x 11.5 cm, of Dorothy Gee, October, 2005; 1 black and white copy of of a wedding photograph of Dorothy and George Gee, 1940. Search dates: 1921 - 2005

Date: 27 April 2006 - 27 Apr 2006

From: Oral history of Chinese women in New Zealand

By: Meng Yee, Jean, 1938-

Reference: OHInt-0804-08

Description: Oral history interview with Jean Meng Yee (nee Louie), born 1938 in Taishan, China. Talks about her early life in Hong Kong and Taishan - mentions the Japanese invasion of China. Details her father's life in New Zealand and China. Discusses life in Taishan during and immediately after World War II. Talks about her arrival in New Zealand in 1949 - discusses adjusting to life in New Zealand. Details the Chinese traditions practiced by her family. Refers to her marriage - mentions the Chinese community in Gisborne. Access Contact - See Oral History Librarian Interviewer(s) - Kitty Chang Accompanying material - 2 colour photographs, 10 x 7.5 cm and 9 x 12 cm, 1 copy of a photograph; an extract from the Gisborne Baptist Church Bulletin, Sunday 11th January, 1959, Vol 4/No 2; biographical information relating to Jean Meng Yee. Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC-014744 Quantity: 1 C90 cassette(s). 1 printed abstract(s). 1.27 Hours and minutes Duration. Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete OHA-5338. 2 colour photographs, 10 x 7.5 cm and 9 x 12 cm, of Jean Meng Yee. April 2006; 1 copy of a photograph of Allan and Jean Meng Yee on their wedding day, 3rd January, 1959. Search dates: 1938 - 2006

Date: 23 October 2005 - 23 Oct 2005

From: Oral history of Chinese women in New Zealand

By: Cheung, Judith, 1937-

Reference: OHInt-0804-01

Description: Oral history interview with Judith Cheung (nee Lowe), born on the 8th February 1937 in Goon Fu, China. Talks about her parents - details her father's life in New Zealanad prior to his marriage. Discusse coming to New Zealand as a war refugee - mentions Keith and Doreen Lowe, and Bickky Fong. Recalls her father's grocery shop in Gisborne. Talks about beginning school in New Zealand - mentions attending a Chinese School in Gisborne. Recounts how she recieved her English name. Recalls how she learnt to speak English. Discusses the Chinese community in Gisborne - mentions concerts and festivals organised by the community. Discusses race relation between Maori, Pakeha and Chinese in Gisborne while she was growing up. Mentions her father's objection to her wish to persue tertiary training. Talks about running the grocery shop for her parents. Discusses her trip to Hong Kong with her cousin Betty - talks about travelling into China - mentions seeing Chairman Mao. Discusses feelings about returning to China and seeing her extended family. Details her trip home through Japan - mentions Yering Ching Sing and William Kwok. Mentions meeting her husband Alex in Hong Kong - details their engagement and marriage ceremony. Discusses their decision to live in New Zealand rather than Hong Kong. Talks about the toy manufacturing business they started in Auckland - details the division of work between her and her husband and the production process. Discusses their investment in a market near the Auckland railway station. Mentions the sovernir shops they established in Auckland. Talks about her children and their respective careers. Discusses her position as Foundation Secretary and then President of the Tung Jung Association in Auckland - mentions Peter Chan. Talks about being Charter Member of the Rotary International Club - discusses the joint projects undertaken with the Chinese Association for International Understanding (CAFIU). Discusses her current work with community groups within New Zealand. Talks about the opportunities for Chinese women in New Zealand - discusses the importance of connecting with their Chinese heritage. Access Contact - See Oral History Librarian Interviewer(s) - Kitty Chang Accompanying material - 1 colour photograph, 27 x 20 cm [date unknown]; biographical information relating to Judith Cheung. Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC-014733 Quantity: 1 C90 cassette(s). 1 printed abstract(s). 1 Hours Duration. Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete OHA-5331. 1 colour photograph, 27 x 20 cm, of Judy Cheung [date unknown]. Search dates: 1937 - 2005