Places

Date: 19 Feb 2010

From: Mrs Schumacher's gems oral history project - domestic life in New Zealand from the 1940s to the 1960s

By: McBride, Alison Mary, 1955-

Reference: OHInt-0984-11

Description: Interview with Alison (Ally) McBride (nee Coxhead), born in Napier in 1955. Interviewer's summary: Ally was born in Napier, one of six children. She spent her childhood in Taradale and Dunedin where her family moved in 1961. This interview was recorded to complete the interview recorded with her mother, Marian Coxhead (OHInt-0984-03). It focuses on Ally's childhood and teenage years and Marian's domestic life from 1955-70. Topics explored include: grandparent's domestic lives; parents' relationship and roles in home; kitchen and laundry facilities and upgrades; kitchen equipment; daily domestic routine; domestic help; meals, mealtimes and table manners; impact of week of television (hired for Landing on the Moon); chores, learning to cook, baking; food supplies, shopping and food storage; sources of recipes and core menu; food for celebrations, social occasions and picnics; food trends and signature dish; preserving and home brewing; mother's attitudes to money, housework and role; Other aspects of mothers life: work, volunteer and business activities, interests. Recipes from Marian's handwritten recipe book are referred to during interview. Interviewer(s) - Helen Frizzell Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHDL-001495 Quantity: 1 digital sound recording(s) digital sound recording(s). 3 Electronic document(s) (abstract, form, image captions). 3 digital photograph(s). 1 electronic scan(s) of original black and white photographic print(s). 1 interview(s). 3.09 Hours and minutes Duration. Physical Description: Sound files - wave files; Textual files - Microsoft word; Image files - Jpeg, Tiff Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete OHDL-001465, OHA-7391. Colour photographs of: Ally McBride (19 Feb 2010); Marion Coxhead's recipe book cover and facing pages of handwritten recipes. Scanned B&W photograph of Gillian, Ally and Rachel Coxhead as young children cleaning the family car (OHDL-001466) Search dates: 1955 - 2010

Date: 25 Jan 2008

From: Native Forest Action oral history project

By: McNamara, Patrick John, 1955-

Reference: OHInt-0966-06

Description: Interview with Pat (Patrick) McNamara, born in Whangarei in 1955. Talks about growing up in Whangarei in a poor but happy Catholic family where he gained a sense of social justice. Discusses leaving catholicism, travelling overseas and finding he did not fit in any more with his friends when he returned. Comments on his connection with forest and land, his shock at finding forest cleared for farms, and gradually becoming an activist. Refers to the demonstration in Whangarei during the 1981 Springbok tour. Discusses searching for an alternative lifestyle and his transient life, moving to Buller and settling in Denniston. Describes the formation of the Buller Conservation Group (BCG) and the dependence of the West Coast on extractive industries. Mentions the main aims of the Group were creation of Paparoa National Park and stopping native logging on crown land. Talks about forest devastation by the Forest Service and the local attitude to logging. Discusses the need for public education, raising debate in the newspaper, and persuading many Buller residents to support Paparoa National Park. Describes how Guy Salmon from the Native Forest Action Council (NFAC) and Forest and Bird ended up creating the West Coast Accord with local mayors and government, a move that was considered "a sellout" by other environmental activists. Discusses how the forest campaign was restarted in 1996 with planning for the Charleston occupation by Nicky Hager and others, visiting the forest with Terry Sumner and later with a Native Forest Action (NFA) group. Talks about the start of the occupation in February 1997, setting up camps at night, logistics, and communications using radio. Refers to tree climbing, building platforms in trees, but only using them when visitors were coming. Describes day to day life of the occupation, visits by politicians, the enthusiasm of younger protesters, and the experienced older campaigners. Refers to activists being arrested, Timberlands stating it would stop logging "until the government sorted it out", but just moving their operations up the gorge. Mentions activists being arrested when they went to check out the new logging area. Discusses incidents with helicopters, hostile actions by Westport police, and the media interest whenever protesters were arrested. Comments that he was able to participate because his wife worked, but reflects on the difficulty of being part of the Westport community and a protester. Mentions the NFA celebration in Charleston in 2002, and the hostile actions of locals who tried to disrupt it. Reflects on how he had trouble finding work in Westport for a time because of his environmental activism. Interviewer(s) - Mary-Lou Harris Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHDL-001046 Quantity: 1 digital sound recording(s). 1 Electronic document(s) (abstract). 1 printed abstract(s). 1 digital photograph(s). 1 interview(s). 2.04 Hours and minutes Duration. Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete OHDL-001047, OHA-7265. Search dates: 1955 - 2008

Date: 15-16 Jun 2009 - 15 Jun 2009 - 16 Jun 2009

From: The founding of landscape architecture in New Zealand oral history project

By: Scheltus, Hermanus Willem, 1951-

Reference: OHInt-0857-10

Description: Interview with Herwi (Hermanus Willem) Scheltus, born in Napier in 1951. Talks about his father having been born in China, educated in Holland, and managed a tea plantation in Indonesia. Comments that his parents met and married in Indonesia, spent the war in Japanese concentration camps, and never talked to their children about their experiences. Talks about his parents coming to New Zealand from Holland as sponsored immigrants after the war, speaking Dutch at home when he was a child and not knowing much English when he started school. Refers to his parents buying a small farm near Tauranga after a few years, having poultry, and living very simply. Outlines his schooling, being rebellious, and not having a sense of nationality. Talks about studying horticulture at Massey University and starting a nursery on his parent's property. Comments on going to California State University, Pomona, for a postgraduate landscape architecture course but finding the culture change too much, dropping out and travelling in Canada, the United States and Europe. Discusses studying landscape architecture at Lincoln College, and finding that the course was largely focused on urban parks rather than designing with nature. Describes joining the Department of Lands and Survey in 1979 as a landscape architect based in Taupo to work with engineers from the Electricity Department and Ministry of Works on power projects in the central North Island. Comments on efforts to try to minimise the impacts of engineering works on the environment such as finding a way to handle tunnel spoil that was acceptable to the engineers and had a low environmental impact. Refers to the Lands and Survey native plant nursery and sourcing seeds locally. Talks about his investigations on revegetation in the harsh environment, learning to mimic nature, and having to gain the confidence of a succession of engineers. Comments on work to improve rooting of nursery-reared plants when they were planted out in the harsh environment. Refers to the importance of maintenance and weed control in revegetation projects, but the electricity projects not having a budget for continuing this work after construction ceased. Talks about the land development section of Lands and Survey which developed marginal land into farm settlement blocks, and doing site planning and house design to improve outcomes. Refers to retaining some vegetation for shelter and erosion control, and being involved with the Woodstock Farm Forest project. Comments on giving advice on the conversion of a central North Island pine forest to pastoral land, and the revegetation of Tiritiri Matangi Island to convert it to an island sanctuary. Discusses the roles of Robin Gay and Boyden Evans at Lands and Survey Head Office in instigating landscaping and revegetation projects. Talks about being assigned to the Department of Conservation (DOC) when Lands and Survey was abolished in the 1987 restructuing of government departments. Mentions being based in Taupo in a national role, controversy over a mining project in the Coromandel, and the new Landcorp not wanting any landscape input in their land development projects. Discusses various projects he has worked on including road and rail realignments in national parks, explaining his aim is to reduce impacts rather than stop projects, and that urban designs and engineering practices can be inappropriate in national parks. Describes his role in overseeing upgrades to the skifield facilities at Ruapehu and being "hassled" by colleagues who did not want any skifields in a national park. Describes filming for 'Lord of the Rings' in Tongariro National Park, ministerial pressure to allow it to go ahead, and convincing the film makers to accept working within the Park management plan. Describes some of the creative solutions found to minimise environmental impacts of the filming. Refers to management plans for DOC land now requiring consultation with Maori, the time it has taken to build relationships, and some uncomfortable encounters on marae. Talks about his positive experiences working with iwi on the Tongariro National Park world heritage committee as well as with Ngai Tahi and others. Reflects on being the last landscape architect in DOC, current landscape architecture students not being taught "the basics", and the Resource Management Act having affected the profession both positively and negatively as landscape assessments are often what the client wants rather than what is best for the land. Reflects on why he settled in Taupo, his work in the Farm Forestry Association, and his admiration of Gordon Stephenson. Interviewer(s) - Shona McCahon Quantity: 1 digital sound recording(s). 1 printed abstract(s). 3 Electronic document(s) (abstract, form). 2 digital photograph(s) (Jpeg files). 1 interview(s) over 2 days. 7 Hours Duration. Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete OHDL-001336, OHA-7356. Search dates: 1951 - 2009

Date: 2-27 Apr 2009 - 5 May 2009 - 02 Apr 2009 - 05 May 2009

From: The founding of landscape architecture in New Zealand oral history project

By: Chalmers, Barry Lionel, 1950-2009

Reference: OHInt-0857-07

Description: Interview with Barry Chalmers, born in Bluff in 1950. Talks about his family background, being the youngest of eleven children, his birth mother dying when he was very young, and being brought up by an uncle and aunt who interested him in tramping, nature study and environmental activism. Talks about working for stock and station agents Donald Reid Ltd for three years after he left school, then as a bar manager, a labourer with a landscape gardening company, and as a groundsman at Lincoln College. Talks about deciding to become a landscape gardener, completing a Diploma in Horticulture at Lincoln College and then the new Diploma of Landscape Technology course. Discusses the course content and teachers, and compares it with the Landscape Architecture course. Describes his career in local government 1975-1998, in parks and recreation departments in Dunedin, Whakatane and Wellington Region. Comments that he worked in management from the mid 1980s and saw the need to establish landscape principles at a political and senior management level. Reflects on the relationship between parks and recreation and landscape, early parks people having trained at Kew, and the increasing use of New Zealand native plants in landscape design. Talks about working in Whakatane 1983-1986 where the practice of landscape architecture was new and having difficulty getting his design ideas implemented. Comments that under the Reserves Act 1977 management plans were required for all parks and reserves but councils were reluctant. Discusses his position with the Wellington Regional Council where he set up and managed the Recreation Department and implemented the strategic plan for the regional parks network. Comments on the different types of landscape in each park as well as their histories and their uses including recreation, farming, forestry and water collection. Mentions land acquisitions, and refers to conflicts between the local and regional councils over recreational land. Refers to having to educate councillors about the landscape approach to managing regional parks. Comments on parks being considered discretionary in difficult economic times and having to use volunteers. Discusses introducing park rangers, and establishing "Friends of" to get community involvement. Talks about the development of the summer treks programme to promote the regional parks, developing picnic areas and simple structures, and protecting heritage structures and sites. Refers to leaving the Regional Council in 1998, setting up a consultancy and working with councils in the lower North Island on parks and reserves strategies. Mentions the conflict between developing amenities and retaining natural character and the need to involve the community, citing Te Raekaihau Point on Wellington's south coast as an example. Reflects on the need for a new approach to open space and built environment management, and comments that he regards landscape as infrastructure. Accompanying material - Abstracts accompanied by two appendices: Citation from the New Zealand Institute of Landscape Architects (2006); Citation from the New Zealand Recreation Association for outstanding contribution award to parks and open spaces (2007) Interviewer(s) - Shona McCahon Quantity: 1 digital sound recording(s). 5 Electronic document(s) (abstract, appendices, form). 1 printed abstract(s). 1 digital photograph(s) (Jpeg file). 1 interview(s) over 8 days. 8.12 Hours and minutes Duration. Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete OHDL-001330, OHA-7353. Search dates: 1950 - 2009

Date: 1959 or 1960

From: Westra, Ans, 1936-2023: Photographs

Reference: AWM-0085-F

Description: Close-up images of young Maori girls (Miriama Daymond, Piri Te Paki, Wikitoria Luke, Elizabeth and Parekura Winitana), at Waiwhetu Stream. Photographed between in 1959 or 1960 by Ans Westra. Source of descriptive information - Notes written by Westra and filed with proof sheets. Quantity: 3 b&w original negative(s) 120 strips containing 7 images. Processing information: Digitisation details - Original negatives digitised by Suite Tirohanga.

Date: 1959

From: Westra, Ans, 1936-2023: Photographs

Reference: AWM-0100-F

Description: Includes 7 images of young Maori boys at Porirua in 1959; 2 images of the ship `Sansei Maru' at Wellington wharf; 3 images of the ship `Holmwood'. Source of descriptive information - Notes written by Westra and filed with proof sheets. Quantity: 4 b&w original negative(s) 120 strips containing 12 images. Processing information: Digitisation details - Original negatives were digitised by Suite Tirohanga.

Date: 1959

From: Westra, Ans, 1936-2023: Photographs

Reference: AWM-0062-F

Description: Scenes at Paremata and at Trentham Racecourse, photographed by Ans Westra in 1959. Shows a Maori family outside a house in Paremata. Also shows scenes at the Trentham races, including 2 photographs of Chinese men. Source of descriptive information - Notes written by Westra and filed with proof sheets. Quantity: 4 b&w original negative(s) 120 strips containing 11 images.

Date: 1959-1960

From: Westra, Ans, 1936-2023: Photographs

Reference: AWM-0003-F

Description: First frame shows group at Waiwhetu Marae. Rest of frames show Maori school children in upper Cuba Street, Wellington, photographed in 1959-1960 by Ans Westra. Source of descriptive information - Notes written by Westra and filed with proof sheets. Quantity: 4 b&w original negative(s) 120 strips containing 12 images.

Date: between 1959-1960

From: Westra, Ans, 1936-2023: Photographs

Reference: AWM-0058-F

Description: Maori children at Waiwhetu Marae. Photographed between 1959-1960 by Ans Westra. M1 to M720 Source of descriptive information - Notes written by Westra and filed with proof sheets. Quantity: 4 b&w original negative(s) 120 strips containing 12 images.

Date: 1959 to 1960

From: Westra, Ans, 1936-2023: Photographs

Reference: AWM-0022-F

Description: Maori at Waiwhetu. Shows apartments in the White's Line East area and children at Waiwhetu marae. Photographed between 1959 and 1960 by Ans Westra. Source of descriptive information - Individuals were identified by family members Source of descriptive information - Notes written by Westra and filed with proof sheets. Quantity: 4 b&w original negative(s) 120 strips containing 12 images.

Date: 1959 or 1960

From: Westra, Ans, 1936-2023: Photographs

Reference: AWM-0083-F

Description: Maori at Waiwhetu, either 1959 or 1960. Includes 5 images of Gilbert children (Piri, Hono, Ra and Susan); 7 images of a group of Maori children. Photographed by Ans Westra. Source of descriptive information - Notes written by Westra and filed with proof sheets. Quantity: 4 b&w original negative(s) 120 strips containing 12 images. Processing information: Digitisation details - Original negatives digitised by Suite Tirohanga.

Date: 1959 or 1960

From: Westra, Ans, 1936-2023: Photographs

Reference: AWM-0057-F

Description: Maori children playing in the Waiwhetu Stream area. Photographed in 1959 or 1960 by Ans Westra. Source of descriptive information - Notes written by Westra and filed with proof sheets. Quantity: 4 b&w original negative(s) 120 strips containing 12 images. Processing information: Digitisation details - Original negatives digitised by Suite Tirohanga.

Date: 1959-1960

From: Westra, Ans, 1936-2023: Photographs

Reference: AWM-0011-F

Description: Maori children playing, doing handstands etc, in the area around Waiwhetu Marae, Lower Hutt. Photographed 1959-1960 by Ans Westra. Source of descriptive information - Notes written by Westra and filed with proof sheets. Quantity: 4 b&w original negative(s) 120 strips containing 12 images. Processing information: Digitisation details - Original negatives digitised by Suite Tirohanga.

Date: 1959

From: Westra, Ans, 1936-2023: Photographs

Reference: AWM-0097-F

Description: 11 images of Maori men removing the tram rails on Manners Street, Wellington, photographed by Ans Westra in 1959. Also includes 1 image looking over Oriental Bay. Source of descriptive information - Notes written by Westra and filed with proof sheets. Quantity: 4 b&w original negative(s) 120 strips containing 12 images. Processing information: Digitisation details - Original negtives were digitised by Suite Tirohanga.

Date: 1959

From: Westra, Ans, 1936-2023: Photographs

Reference: AWM-0065-F

Description: 7 photographs of Maori at Eastbourne, in a boat, on the back of a truck etc. 5 photographs taken at Trentham racecourse, including 3 of elderly Pakeha women and 1 of a Maori woman seated alongside a young Maori girl. Photographs taken by Ans Westra in 1959. Source of descriptive information - Notes written by Westra and filed with proof sheets. Quantity: 4 b&w original negative(s) 120 strips containing 12 images. Processing information: Digitisation details - Original negatives digitised by Suite Tirohanga.

Date: Summer 1959-1960

From: Westra, Ans, 1936-2023: Photographs

Reference: AWM-0008-F

Description: Scenes at Carterton A&P show, photographed in the summer of 1959-1960 by Ans Westra. Also first two frames show a group performing a Maori action song, possibly at a wedding in Otaki. Source of descriptive information - Notes written by Westra and filed with proof sheets. Quantity: 4 b&w original negative(s) 120 strips containing 12 images. Processing information: Digitisation details - Original negatives digitised by Suite Tirohanga.

Date: 1959

From: Westra, Ans, 1936-2023: Photographs

Reference: AWM-0101-F

Description: Group of Maori children, Porirua, 1959. Shows them sitting on logs, playing on trees etc. Photographs taken by Ans Westra. Source of descriptive information - Notes written by Westra and filed with proof sheets. Quantity: 4 b&w original negative(s) 120 strips containing 12 images. Processing information: Digitisation details - Original negatives were digitised by Suite Tirohanga.

Date: 1959 or 1960

From: Westra, Ans, 1936-2023: Photographs

Reference: AWM-0085-2-F

Description: A collection of photographs from different films including: 5 images of Cardinal Peter McKeefry and priests during a church convention in Wellington in 1960; 1 of Huka Falls, date unknown; 1 of a Maori boy, possibly in Huntly, 1961; 1 of a young Maori boy, possibly at the Carterton A & P show in 1960; 3 images of an Indian family taken in the Rembrandt Studios in Upper Cuba Street, Wellington, 1960. Photographs by Ans Westra. Source of descriptive information - Notes written by Westra and filed with proof sheets. Quantity: 4 b&w original negative(s) 120 strips containing 11 images. Processing information: Digitisation details - Original negatives digitised by Suite Tirohanga.

Date: 1959

From: Westra, Ans, 1936-2023: Photographs

Reference: AWM-0045-F

Description: Kuia (elderly Maori woman) gardening and Pakeha man shearing sheep, possibly in the Wairarapa. Photographs taken by Ans Westra in 1959. Source of descriptive information - Notes written by Westra and filed with proof sheets. Quantity: 4 b&w original negative(s) 120 strips containing 12 images. Processing information: Digitisation details - Original negatives digitised by Suite Tirohanga.