Places

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: 14 Oct 1993

From: Kilbirnie-Lyall Bay Community Centre oral history project

By: Bruce, Robin Athol, 1932-

Reference: OHInt-0403-05

Description: Robin Bruce was born in Kilbirnie, Wellington in 1932. Gives details of his family background - the Bruce family on his paternal side and the Hobman family on his maternal side. Recalls growing up at 24 Wexford Road, a house which no longer exists because of the Wellington airport construction. Describes how his father, a builder, built 24 Wexford Road and 22 Wexford Road which was moved to its current location in Tacy Street about 1958 when the Rongotai airport was constructed. Describes the house and outhouses in detail. Discusses the importance of sport to his father John Bruce, an ex All Black, and the involvement of his mother, Beatrice Bruce, in organisations including the Methodist Women's Union and Prisoners' Aid Society. Notes that she was a pianist and there was a lot of music around the house. Discusses the effect of the Depression on his father's building firm. Describes childhood routines including meals, table manners, listening to the radio, Monday washday, frequent visitors to the house and many relatives living nearby. Recalls his brothers Donald and Neil and the death by accidental shooting of Neil. Describes the effect on the family. Describes neighbours, neighbouring properties, the power station, Miramar Wharf, childhood friends and schooling at Miramar South Primary School and Rongotai College. Comments on the effect of World War II, the Japanese threat, his father's involvement in the Home Guard and the Emergency Precaution Scheme (EPS), drills and air raid shelters. Recalls spending time at the airport during the War. Describes his jobs as a delivery boy and social life including pictures, dances, rugby at Athletic Park and fishing. Recalls the Centennial Exhibition and the destruction of the exhibition buildings by fire. Describes the use of trams and other public transport and no telephone till 1951. Recalls the planning of the Rongotai airport and the shift of housing and its effect on his family. Talks about leaving school with School Certificate and work poisoning rabbits, as a clerk and as a sales representative with Automobile Supplies. Describes marrying Alice MacInnes in 1962, moving to Wainuiomata, having a family and returning to Kilbirnie in 1985. Talks about establishing his own firm, Spares and Accessories in 1983. Gives reasons for staying in Kilbirnie. Abstracted by - Hugo Manson Interviewer(s) - Hugo Manson Venue - 3 Tacy Street Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC-006615 Tape numbers - OHC-006616 Tape numbers - OHC-006617 Quantity: 3 C60 cassette(s). 1 printed abstract(s). 1 interview(s). 2.15 Hours and minutes Duration. Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete OHA-1522. 17 photocopies of photographs of house being moved from Wexford Road. 3 photocopies of photographs of Robin Bruce with others Search dates: 1932 - 1993

Date: 12 Mar 2010

From: MOTAT Telecommunications oral history project

By: Kingston, Donald James, 1933-

Reference: OHInt-1004-05

Description: Interview with Don Kingston, born in Perth, Western Australia, in 1933. Refers to his parents moving back to Gisborne and later buying a farm at Matakana. Comments that his parents found him a job as a telephone exchange operator in the Matakana post office. Talks about his training, shift work and the number of staff. Mentions the exchange was closed after midnight and the postmaster would put emergency calls through to Auckland. Refers to party lines, using Morse signals to ring each number, and how calls were connected. Discusses putting toll calls through to Warkworth and recording details on toll cards. Comments on clearing the lines for urgent calls. Talks about transferring to the Paparoa post office and the operation of its telephone exchange. Comments that it was a 24-hour exchange and he often worked the night shift. Discusses leaving the post office in the mid 1950s and working at a variety of jobs in Warkworth, Auckland and Kerikeri. Talks about working at the Kerikeri telephone exchange in the early 1970s while the exchange was still manual. Refers to the interconnecting lines between neighbouring switchboards. Accompanying material - Track 4 contains recordings of Don Kingston simulating answering calls through a telephone exchange. It was recorded for use by the MOTAT Telecommunications section. Interviewer(s) - Megan Hutching Quantity: 1 digital sound recording(s). 2 Electronic document(s) (abstract). 1 printed abstract(s). 1 interview(s). 1.08 Hours and minutes Duration. Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete OHDL-001715, OHA-7522. Search dates: 1933 - 2010

Date: 14 Jun 2010

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

By: Spencer, Shona, 1937-2017

Reference: OHInt-0984-17

Description: Interview with Shona Spencer (nee Dalglish, formerly Brown), born in Lower Hutt in 1937. Interviewer's summary: Shona Spencer born 1937, lived in Lower Hutt until she left home, aged 17, to go to Canterbury University where she studied arts and music, graduating BA 1957. She qualified as a teacher and taught music at Marsden School, Wellington before marrying. Material recorded includes family background and domestic life of the Dalglish family in Lower Hutt. She had little cooking experience until she went flatting as her mother had actively kept her and her sister out of the kitchen. Her domestic life started in her early twenties when she married a farmer in 1960 and lived on a farm 'Waihi' fourteen miles out of Masterton. She prepared meals for the family (three children) as well as farm employees for over twenty years before the marriage ended and she moved to live in Wellington. She re-married in the 1990s and continues to hold a number of voluntary positions particularly with music groups. Interviewer(s) - Judith Fyfe Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHDL-001501 Quantity: 1 digital sound recording(s) digital sound recording(s). 1 Electronic document(s) (abstract). 1 printed abstract(s). 2 digital photograph(s). 1 electronic scan(s) of original black and white photographic print(s). 1 interview(s). 3.01 Hours and minutes Duration. Physical Description: Sound files - wave files; Textual file - Microsoft word; Image files - Jpeg Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete OHDL-001477, OHA-7397. Colour photographs of: Shona in her kitchen; recipes in her recipe book (2010). Scanned B&W photograph of Shona as child (OHDL-001478) Search dates: 1937 - 2010

Date: 3 Aug 2010 - 03 Aug 2010

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

By: Prangnell, Irihapeti, 1932-

Reference: OHInt-0984-14

Description: Interview with Irihapeti (Betty) Prangnell (nee Te Moana), born in Waihau Bay in 1932. Talks about her family background, being raised initially by her grandparents and then by her aunt Hariata Turei in a predominanly Maori community at Cape Runaway. Describes food and meals, daily life, and social activities. Refers to her schooling, and to the impact of the young men leaving in World War II. Talks about her aunt's decision that she become a nurse and training in Hamilton. Refers to meeting and marrying her pakeha husband Alfred Prangnell, a mechanic, and continuing working. Discusses her first recipe book (Aunt Daisy Cookbook), shopping and food preparation with her husband. Refers to adopting a daughter, having a son, and the family returning to Cape Runaway for a year. Mentions moving to Christchurch, returning to nursing, and her husband dying suddenly in 1965. Comments on food preparation and meals for the children. Refers to meeting her biological parents and sisters. Talks about leaving nursing, training as a teacher, and teaching Maori in Christchurch schools. Mentions being matron at Hukarere Maori Girls College in Hawkes Bay for several years. Discusses living with her son, caring for grandchildren, doing home care nursing, and activities at the Waikanae Senior Citizens' Centre. Reflects on the different stages of her life. Interviewer(s) - Judith Fyfe Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHDL-001498 Quantity: 1 digital sound recording(s) digital sound recording(s). 1 Electronic document(s) (abstract). 1 printed abstract(s). 9 digital photograph(s). 1 electronic scan(s) of original colour photographic print(s). 4 electronic scan(s) of original black and white photographic print(s). 1 interview(s). 2.52 Hours and minutes Duration. Physical Description: Sound files - wave files; Textual file - Microsoft word; Image files - Jpeg Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete OHDL-001471, OHA-7394. Colour photographs of: Betty Pragnell; recipe book and recipes; B&W photograph of two young children with Maori man. Scanned colour photograph of Betty and a class at Hukarere (1992). Scanned B&W photographs of: Betty after qualifying as a nurse; a Maori couple; Betty and husband Alfred on their wedding day (OHDL-001472) Search dates: 1932 - 2010

Date: 8 May 2004 - 08 May 2004

From: Tung Jung oral history project

By: Wong Hong Yiel, 1931-

Reference: OHInt-0747-07

Description: Interview with Frederick Wong, born in Sar Tou village, Canton, China, in 1931. Came to New Zealand when Japan invaded China, his father who was already in New Zealand made arrangements for the family to come. Recalls the village in Sar Tou and the journey from China to New Zealand via Australia. Attended school in Taihape then left to work in the family shop. He was interested in becoming a mechanic but felt he was needed in the shop. He took over after his father died in 1953, credits his father with teaching him everything he knows about business. Discusses his success in business and how he was able to quickly change with the times and take advantage of opportunities. Describes marrying Yvonne in 1960 and talks about his own family. He is very modest about his profile in the community. Reflects on being Chinese and living in New Zealand. Interviewer(s) - Kitty Chang Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC-014098 Quantity: 1 C90 cassette(s). 1 printed abstract(s). 1 interview(s). 36 Minutes Duration. Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete OHA-5054. Colour photograph of Fred Wong on the day of interview Search dates: 1931 - 2004

Date: 19 Apr 2010

From: MOTAT 1950s life oral history project

By: White, Shirley Catherine Blanche, 1935-

Reference: OHInt-1005-04

Description: Interview with Shirley White (nee Black), born in Christchurch in 1935. Talks about growing up in Herne Bay, Auckland from the age of five, their neighbours, having a vegetable garden at the back of their section, and playing in the street and in a local park. Recalls her mother worked outside the home until she was 70 as well as cooking and tending the vegetable garden. Discusses her family's artistic and musical talents, learning to play the piano, and having opera playing 'all the time'. Comments on her mother bringing her up as a Catholic but rebelling when she was 12. Mentions spending holidays with relations in Taranaki. Talks about her schooling at Ponsonby Primary School and Auckland Girls' Grammar School, mentioning teachers, discipline and class sizes. Refers to her memories of the War and the fears of a Japanese invasion. Comments on her father leaving home and the attitude of others to her parents' divorce. Talks about leaving school at 15 after her father left home, and buying a bicycle on time payment once she started working. Comments that her father arranged a job for her at the Chief Post Office in Auckland, where she hated the routine working in the telephone exchange. Discusses getting a live-in job at a private boarding school in Albany, working as matron for kindergarten age children and helping in classes. Mentions that the school was run on Quaker principles and served vegetarian meals of food grown organically on site. Refers to being trained as a preschool teacher in the job and getting her driver's license to drive the school van. Talks about meeting her husband Bruce White at the Leys Institute library while she was working in Auckland and he was still at school, how their friendship developed, and communicating by telephone and mail while she was living at Albany. Mentions attending balls together including the royal ball during the 1953-1954 royal tour. Comments on his family and how he helped her mother with her finances. Refers to marrying in 1959 after a long engagement while Bruce attended university and trained as a teacher. Describes their wedding in an Anglican church, the reception, and honeymoon in a hired Morris Minor car. Talks about living in rented accommodation and housekeeping. Recalls the opening of the Auckland Harbour Bridge and walking across it on opening day. Mentions moving to Rotorua later for her husband's work. Interviewer(s) - Megan Wishart Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC-023042 - OHC-023044 Quantity: 3 C60 cassette(s). 1 printed abstract(s). 2 Electronic document(s) (abstract). 1 digital photograph(s). 1 interview(s). 3.03 Hours and minutes Duration. Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete OHA-7528, OHDL-001734. Search dates: 1935 - 2010

Date: 5, 6 Aug 2010 - 05 Aug 2010 - 06 Aug 2010

From: New Zealand Ice Cream Manufacturers' Association: Oral history project

By: Norton, Owen Nicholson, 1931-

Reference: OHInt-0990-02

Description: Interview with Owen Norton, born in Greymouth in 1931. Has lived whole life at Coal Creek, West Coast, next door to the Norton family's Westland Snowflake Ice Cream Company factory. Left school to work in the factory aged 15. Took over and ran the business from 1955 until it was sold in 2008. Interview covers career in the ice cream industry and allied refrigeration and transport activities, and recollections of life on the West Coast from the 1930s. (Interviewer's summary) Interviewer(s) - Shona McCahon Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHDL-001596 Quantity: 1 digital sound recording(s). 4 Electronic document(s) (word, Adobe pdf). 1 printed abstract(s). 2 digital photograph(s). 9 electronic scan(s) of original black and white photographic print(s). 5 electronic scan(s) of original colour photographic print(s). 1 interview(s). 4.43 Hours and minutes Duration. Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete OHA-7446, OHDL-001598. 2 digital photographs of Owen Norton; 9 scanned B&W photographs and 5 scanned colour photographs of Owen Norton and the ice cream factory. Accompanied by 2 appendices (pdf files) with information about the photographs (OHDL-001599) Search dates: 1931 - 2010

Date: 11 Feb 2010

From: MOTAT Telecommunications oral history project

By: Challinor, Maurice Jack, 1932-

Reference: OHInt-1004-02

Description: Interview with Maurice Challinor, born in Kohimarama in 1932. Outlines growing up in St Heliers and Panmure, and the effect of the polio epidemic at the end of 1947 on his schooling. Comments on beginning work at the St Heliers Post Office in 1948 delivering telegrams. Explains that all male staff were taught to be telegraph operators, having a Morse set to practice on at home, and attending a training school in Auckland four nights a week. Refers to being sent to a training school in Trentham, the instructors, and the speed and accuracy required. Discusses returning to Trentham to train as a radio telegraph operator, and explains Q codes which were designed to save time when sending telegrams. Talks about transferring to Auckland Radio at Musick Point where staff monitored the distress frequency for ships at sea, took ship to shore radio traffic, and did 'point to point' radio operating with aircraft. Comments on getting an amateur radio licence in 1968. Discusses moving to the Telegraph Branch at the Chief Post office in Auckland and training as a teleprinter and telegraph operator. Explains that messages could be sent point to point by teleprinters but standard telegrams were sometimes sent to the wrong station. Refers to promotion, marriage, and transferring from the Post & Telegraph Department to a suburban post office. Refers to working as senior clerk at Onehunga, then becoming postmaster at Remuera East, Avondale and finally Blockhouse Bay. Recalls the change to decimal currency. Discusses working as posmaster at Scott Base 1978-1979, training before going there, transport to and from Antarctica, and the equipment for radio telephone and telegraph. Refers to the radio aerials at Scott Base, the dogs at the base, over wintering, and contact with McMurdo Base. Mentions currently sending Morse over the internet, and using the American Morse system to correspond with others. Accompanying material - Two tracks of Morse sent by Maurice Challinor recorded; transcript of one with abstracts Accompanying material - List of Q-Code signals (3 p., with printed abstract) Interviewer(s) - Megan Hutching Quantity: 2 compact disc(s). 3 Electronic document(s) (abstract). 1 printed abstract(s). 1 interview(s). 2 Hours Duration. Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete OHDL-001712, OHA-7519. Search dates: 1932 - 1948 - 2010 - 1985

Date: 23 Jun, 16 Aug 2010 - 23 Jun 2010 - 16 Aug 2010

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

By: Ngan, Jeanette, 1933-

Reference: OHInt-0984-13

Description: Interview with Jean (Jeanette) Ngan (nee Wong), born in Taihape in 1933. Interviewer's summary: Talks about being one of 5 children of New Zealand Chinese parents who ran the General Store at Utiku near Taihape and were actively involved in the local community. When Jean's older brother drowned the family moved away to the Hutt Valley and established a new business in which Jean worked until she was released by her father to pursue her ambition to become a nurse. Discusses her marriage to Guy Ngan, then an architect but for the greater part of their married life a self employed artist and sculptor, the couple moving to Stokes Valley where over a period of years Guy built their home. Talks about raising 2 children there and, during her years at home with the children, doing a considerable amount of weaving, exhibiting and selling her work, and was a member of Port Nicholson Weavers. Discusses in detail domestic life, housekeeping and food in her parents' and her own home. Describes family photographs. Interviewer(s) - Pip Oldham Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHDL-001497 Quantity: 1 digital sound recording(s) digital sound recording(s). 1 Electronic document(s) (abstract). 1 printed abstract(s). 3 digital photograph(s). 25 electronic scan(s) of original black and white photographic print(s). 1 interview(s) over 2 days. 4 Hours Duration. Physical Description: Sound files - wave files; Textual file - Microsoft word; Image files - Jpeg, Tiff Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete OHDL-001469, OHA-7393. Colour photographs of: Jean Ngan (June 2010); recipe book and recipes. Scanned B&W photographs of: Chinese names; Wong children (ca.1940); montages of Wong family photographs; Jean aged about 11; Wong family shop; other photographs of Jean; nurse trainees; wedding photographs (June 1959); Nicholas Ngan; home in Raukawa Street; Jean and Guy in kitchen; Jean and children; weaving made by Jean; Ting Chin garden (OHDL-001470) Search dates: 1933 - 2010

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: 01 Aug 2011-02 Aug 2011 - 23 Sept 2011-24 Sept 2011 - 01 Aug 2011 - 23 Sep 2011

From: Wanaka Station oral history project

By: Blennerhassett, Jill Stewart, 1933-

Reference: OHInt-1011-01

Description: Interview with Jill Stewart Blennerhassett, born at Prospect House, Dunedin in 1933, younger of two daughters of Stewart Dalrymple MacPherson and Gulielma (Billy) MacPherson, nee Sargood. Backgrounds paternal grandparents Jeannie Sinclair MacPherson, nee Trotter, and John MacPherson, Surveyor and manager of Totara Estate, and their children Bill, Sheila and Eva. Talks about maternal family background in Melbourne, Australia, and her great grandfather Sir Frederick Thomas Sargood, Mayor of Prahran 1856-1858, and her great great grandfather Frederick James Sargood, Chairman Prahran Municipal Council 1856-1858. Talks about her close knit family childhood in Dunedin with older half brother Rolfe Sargood Mills at their home Piccadilly, Maori Hill, and at Marinoto, home of maternal grandparents philanthropists Sir Percy Sargood and Lady Lucy Sargood, nee Ormond, who bought Wanaka Station in 1912. Talks about growing up as a boy, gardening, horse riding, shooting. Refers to parties, fetes and dances held at Piccadilly, Marinoto and Wanaka Station. Talks about Ukrainian immigrant workers at home and on Wanaka Station farm, and the family relationships with the nanny and house staff. Talks about her mother's first marriage to Lesley Pilkington Mills, her strong character, artistic abilities, being a socialite and a crack shot. Discusses her father's service in World War One, her own relationship with him, cleaning tools together and visiting the Dunedin Club and Dunedin factories with him as director of Sargood Son and Ewen business. Refers to her parents' service in World War Two in the Home Guard and Women's Army Auxiliary Corp, her brother Rolfe Mills being in the Navy, and hosting their British cousins and nanny at home during wartime. Discusses school holidays at Kartitane crib. Details her holidays on Wanaka Station in mid 1940s to 1950s, doing farmwork and attending local dances, Upper Clutha A&P shows, and going water-skiing. Talks about the Station homesteads which burnt down in 1913 and 1931, and living in the renovated stables. Talks about contact with relatives the MacKillops and MacPhersons. Refers to Sir Percy Sargood and uncle Bill MacPherson, who became farm manager in 1946, generating their own power supply and establishing farm and flood irrigation systems near Ripponvale, Cromwell Flats and Kawarau River. Mentions Wanaka Station shifting from running mainly cattle to sheep. Says her parents and Bill MacPherson managed the farm well together. Details life on the farm, food preservation, accidents, haymaking, horse riding, the farm managers and farm workers, the rabbit problems, shearing, the fruit orchards, crop growing. Mentions that James K Baxter worked on the farm. Talks about small town life of Wanaka in 1940s to 1950s. Says after her father died in 1965, her mother took responsibility for the farm, selling land blocks to the Gordons family. Talks about attending St Hilda's Collegiate, Dunedin and Nga Tawa Diocesan boarding school, being keen on sports and later studying physical education at University of Otago. Refers to socialising at university and meeting her husband Doctor John Blennerhassett whom she married in 1956. Discusses raising a family of four, including twins, in Wellington. Talks about John Blennerhassett winning a BNZ Bank scholarship to train and study medicine in United States where they had two more children. Discusses making networks and raising her family in Boston and in Montreal, Canada during the forment of the 1960s. Talks about a 9000 mile camping trip with her children in North America before they returned to Dunedin, so John Blennerhassett could take up his appointment as Head of Pathology at Otago University School of Medicine. Discusses formation of Wanaka Station Trust in 1970s to look after the farm and development of Rippon Lea subdivision. Refers to splitting the Station land with Rolfe Mills after Bill MacPherson died in 1970s, donating land to the community in 1977, and site of original homestead to be Wanaka Station Park in 1997, and giving farmland to be the lakefront and golf course. Refers to development of Rippon Vineyard by Rolfe Mills. Mentions subdividing her farmland between her children. Talks about retiring in 2003 to Barn Pinch Farm, part of the Station, and her interest in photography, 70th birthday present of a tractor, and her involvement with tennis and rowing clubs. Refers to putting land into QEII Trust as Blennerhassett Kanuka Reserve. Refers to land inheritance going down female line, mentioning maternal great great grandmother Emma Rippon who married Frederick James Sargood, and her paternal great aunt suffragette Learmonth White Dalrymple. Talks about her ten years chairing the Sargood Bequest, growth of its charitable work, wise investments and sponsoring Te Kakano Aotearoa Trust, and her continuing interest in the management of Wanaka Station Park. Interviewer(s) - Helen Frizzell Accompanying material - Three printouts of website biographies of Sir Percy Sargood and John MacPherson, scanned photographs with captions, scanned letter by John MacPherson from 1918 about Stewart MacPherson and Bill (Willy) MacPherson's service in World War One, and newspapers clippings on Wanaka Station and Barn Pinch Farm. Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHDL-001810 Quantity: 1 interview(s). 1 digital sound recording(s) digital sound recording(s). 3 Electronic document(s) (abstract and forms). 2 digital photograph(s). 27 electronic scan(s) of original black and white photographic print(s) (incl. scanned letter). 6 electronic scan(s) of original colour photographic print(s). 13.23 Hours and minutes Duration. Physical Description: Sound files - wave files; Textual files - Microsoft Word; Image files - Jpeg, Tiff Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete OHA-7626, OHDL-001808. Printed scans of black and white photographs of family, friends and the second Wanaka Station homestead, scan of homestead floor plan, scans of colour photographs of the Station woolshed and Jill Blennerhassett at Barn Pinch Farm. Search dates: 1933 - 2011 Number of interviews/events: 1

Date: 7 Nov 2009 - 07 Nov 2009

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

By: Hunter, Gretchen Mary de Visme, 1937-

Reference: OHInt-0984-07

Description: Interview with Gretchen Hunter (nee Blathwayt), born in Gisborne in 1937. Interviewer's summary: Born Gisborne 1937. Family moved to the Wairarapa late 1930s. Father a barrister & solicitor. Except for 5 years primary school educated single sex girls school (boarder at Woodford House). Completed nursing training at Christchurch and married soon after qualifying NZRN. Married John Hunter, farmer, Porongahau, Central Hawkes Bay, aged 22. Raised 4 children on the coastal farm Rangitoto (nearest town Waipukurau). Early years of married life and while raising her children she provided meals for all the farm requirements as well as the family. She was actively involved with all activities in the district and on occasion relied on by the community for her nursing skills. Material recorded covers family background, domestic life in Martinborough and Masterton, nursing training in Christchurch, experiences as a Hawkes Bay farmer's wife, raising children in the country, and years of cooking for a wide range of employees, family and community. Personal recipe books were used as references during the interview. Interviewer(s) - Judith Fyfe Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHDL-001491 Quantity: 1 digital sound recording(s). 1 Electronic document(s) (abstract). 1 printed abstract(s). 9 digital photograph(s). 1 electronic scan(s) of original black and white photographic print(s). 1 electronic scan(s) of original colour photographic print(s). 1 interview(s). 3.25 Hours and minutes Duration. Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete OHDL-001457, OHA-7387. Colour photographs of: Gretchen Hunter in her kitchen (Nov 2009); colour portrait of Gretchen Hunter; page in a handwritten recipe book (2006); covers of three old recipe books. Photographs of B&W photographs of: Gretchen Hunter (1950s); Gretchen and John Hunter on their wedding day; Gretchen with three young children (1964); Rangitoto Station (1950s). Scanned colour photograph of Gretchen and John Hunter with their 4 young children. Scanned B&W photograph of Gretchen with two young children (OHDL-001458) Search dates: 1937 - 2009

Date: 17 Feb 2008

From: Methven Heritage Project - RSA and Arable oral history project

By: Coppard, Edward John, 1930-

Reference: OHInt-0920-01

Description: Interview with Ted Coppard, born in 1930 in Leeston, one of six children to Ernest Coppard and Bessie Dorothy Coppard (nee Taylor). Educated at Yaldhurst primary school and Christchurch Boys High School. Talks about his childhood, his toys, rabbit shooting at Aylesbury, trips to New Brighton and Sumner beaches, West Coast and Lake Ida. Describes house lived in from 1936, using a meat safe and coal range. Talks about growing vegetables, baking bread, and home kill of pigs. Mentions they had no telephone at Yaldhurst until 1940s. Talks about his home- made wireless crystal set, and listening to radio serials. Refers to working on Yaldhurst farm from 15 years old to 1996. Describes using Clydesdale horses to work the machines, the reaper binder, stooking machine, thrashing mill, and traction engine. Talks about socialising at Yaldhurst and Kirwee dances, and the Young Farmers Club activities in Methven. Talks about annual Methodist Church bible camps at Amberley, bible studies and bible class dances in the Methven St Johns Presbyterian Church, and playing organ at Yaldhurst and Methven Methodist churches. Talks about converting implements for the Fordson tractor. Talks about working for his father who bought Methven farm in 1951, and contracting. Describes taking over his father's farm in 1958 with his brother Bruce Robert Coppard. Mentions he raised a mortgage with Pyne Gould Guinness in Ashburton. Details farming wheat, barley, potatoes, rye grass, and ewe flock and Romney sheep. Describes harvesting using 'pull behind engine function header' method, the wheat silos and bulk heading of wheat and grass seed. Mentions danger of fire when using Massey headers. Describes changes in his farming practices, silo storage and transport of grain. Mentions closure of Rakaia to Methven railway line in 1976, the mill and the Sanitarium cornflake factory in Papanui, Christchurch. Details methods of drying grass seed, short rotation (moata ryegrass) and perennial rye grass and effects of weather. Talks about the Methven seed dresser (owned by Cavils, then McCaw Seeds), and how son Trevor Coppard built his own seed dresser. Says his brother Bruce Coppard bought a farm in Hororata in 1966. Talks about later years of farming, growing white clover, selling the ewe flock, farming lambs and growing radishes for the Japanese market and farming pigs. Says Trevor Coppard took over farm in 1996, which he still visits once a week. Talks about his faith and family, mentioning his granddaughters, and feeling he has achieved what he wanted to achieve. Interviewer(s) - Kathryn McKendry Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC-016728 - OHC-016729 Quantity: 2 C60 cassette(s). 1 printed abstract(s). 2 Electronic document(s) (Abstract). 1 interview(s). 1.32 Hours and minutes Duration. Physical Description: Textual files - Adobe PDF Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete OHA-6023, OHDL-001818. Search dates: 1930 - 2008

Date: 1, 8, 21, 29 June and 13 July 2011 - 01 Jun 2011 - 13 Jul 2011

By: Oldham, Philippa Jane, 1957-; Macaskill, Stuart Alisdair, 1931-2012; Local Government New Zealand

Reference: OHColl-1055-01

Description: Interview with Stuart Macaskill, born 1931 in Lower Hutt. Macaskill discusses his family history and Scottish heritage, childhood and education, business life, engagement with local and regional politics, and his role on national representative bodies, including the NZ Catchment Authorities, the Regional Government Association, and Local Government New Zealand (LGNZ). Abstracted by - Pip Oldham Interviewer(s) - Pip Oldham The oral history project was funded by Local Government New Zealand Quantity: 1 printed abstract(s) OHA-7671. 34 Electronic document(s) Adobe PDF. 2 digital photograph(s). 14 electronic scan(s) of original colour photographic print(s). 3 electronic scan(s) of original black and white photographic print(s). 1 digital sound recording(s) digital sound recording(s). 1 interview(s). Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete. Provenance: Donor/Lender/Vendor - Deposited by Wayne Facer, Local Government New Zealand (LGNZ), Wellington, November 2011 Search dates: 1931 - 2011

Date: 4 February - 19 March 2013 - 04 Feb 2013 - 19 Mar 2013

By: Karaitiana, Robert Leggett Paul, 1930-; Frizzell, Helen Isobel, active 1986-; Clucas, Rosemary, active 2013-

Reference: OHColl-1077-1

Description: Interview with Paul Karaitiana by Helen Frizzell. The interview focuses on Karaitiana's whanau and family land, his blade shearing career, and muttonbirding at Pohowaitai Island. The interview also discusses language and Te Reo Maori, and Karaitiana's thoughts on his cultural identity. Awards/funding - Interview funded by the Ngai Tahu Fund Abstracted by - Helen Frizzell Interviewer(s) - Helen Frizzell Accompanying material - Includes photographs, scans of newspaper clippings, whakapapa information and other materials Arrangement: Digital files arranged as OHDL-002186 to OHDL-002188 Quantity: 1 digital sound recording(s) digital sound recording(s). 1 printed abstract(s). 20 electronic scan(s) of original colour photographic print(s). 2 electronic scan(s) of original black and white photographic print(s). 5 Electronic document(s) Microsoft Word files. 1 interview(s). 9.34 Hours and minutes Duration. Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete OHA-7785, OHDL-002187. Search dates: 1930 - 2013

Date: 19 Oct 1998

From: Shear History Trust life in the sheds oral history project

By: McSkimming, Murray, 1931-2017; Keats, Ian Laurie, active 1948-2000

Reference: OHInt-0943-17

Description: Interview with Murray McSkimming, born in Ranfurly in 1931. Talks about growing up on a farm at Blackstone Hill in Central Otago where they survived by selling rabbit skins. Discusses shearing after World War II, initially with blade shears, shearers he worked with, and off-season work. Refers to compulsory military training in 1950 and then returning to shearing. Mentions an influx of Australian shearers and the contract system. Comments on the changes in sheep farming once rabbit control and aerial topdressing were introduced. Talks about problems with drugs in shearing gangs from the mid 1970s. Refers to shearing in Australia. Discusses shearing competitions in New Zealand and Australia including the Golden Shears, which set the standard for quality of work. Refers to Godfrey Bowen touring to demonstrate his technique. Talks about living conditions for shearers including accommodation, food, the long hours, and the strain on relationships. Refers to retiring in 1984, and talks about notable shearers including Snow Quinn, Ian Rutherford, Ken Pike, David Fagan and Alan Donaldson. Mentions the McSkimming Trophy named after his father Frederick. Reflects on recent changes in sheep farming and shearing. Interviewer(s) - Laurie Keats Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC-012554 - OHC-012555 Quantity: 2 C60 cassette(s). 1 printed abstract(s). 1 Electronic document(s) - abstract. 1 interview(s). 1.22 Hours and minutes Duration. Physical Description: Textual file - Microsoft word Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete OHA-4330, OHDL-000724. Search dates: 1931 - 1998

Date: 24 Jul 2003

From: Shear History Trust life in the sheds oral history project

By: McNab, Winifred Muriel, 1923-2014; King, Colin McDonald, 1949-

Reference: OHInt-0943-15

Description: Interview with Muriel McNab (nee Clarke), who grew up on Gimmerburn station in the Maniototo. Talks about her childhood, education, and meeting her husband Bill McNab. Discusses developing their property Lochindorb, near Owaka, their isolated lives and their children's education. Talks about shearing and shearing gangs. Refers to aerial topdressing. Describes the shearing school established at Lochindorb in the 1970s. Mentions the Women's Division of Federated Farmers. Interviewer(s) - Colin King Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC-012551 - OHC-012552 Quantity: 2 C60 cassette(s). 1 printed abstract(s). 1 Electronic document(s) - abstract. 1 interview(s). 1.11 Hours and minutes Duration. Physical Description: Textual file - Microsoft word Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete OHA-4328, OHDL-000722. Search dates: 1930 - 2003

Date: 26 Jun 2000

From: Pacific War Stories oral history project

By: Dunlop, Robert Gordon, 1920-2010

Reference: OHInt-0921-01

Description: Interview with Robert (Bob) Gordon Dunlop, born in Hawera in 1920. Talks about his family's background in Scotland and New Zealand. Comments on his father serving in the mounted rifles in Egypt and the south of France during World War I. Talks about the hardships growing up on a dairy farm in the 1920s, living in a two-bedroom house with a family of nine and milking cows in the early morning. Discusses food, clothing, family holidays, haymaking and his schooling. Comments on Maori land issues, politics and the Depression. Refers to working for stock and station agents after leaving school, first as an office boy, then as an auctioneer's clerk and later a junior agent with a car. Talks about Hawera Aerodrome being built on part of his grandfather's farm. Recalls hearing about war being declared in Europe but not joining the army until he was 21. Talks about being assigned to serve in the Pacific after the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbour, and being sent to Fiji. Comments on doing construction work there, and later being sent to Norfolk Island. Refers to having Jack Marshall as Company commander. Talks about going to New Caledonia and then to Guadalcanal on American destroyers, and the devastation they found at Lunga Beach. Describes the taking of Mono Island by New Zealand troops, being in the first lot ashore, and some New Zealanders being killed by American shells. Refers to their 1914 Enfield rifles, dealing with fear and stress, and how officers dealt with the situation. Comments on the attitudes of veterans from Europe to Pacific theatre veterans after the war, and on the effects of his experiences on his life. Talks about being invalided out of the Army after returning to New Zealand and working on Alec Corrigan's farm for a time. Discusses returning to work for a stock and station agent, meeting and marrying Gladys, and their children. Interviewer(s) - Anna Cottrell Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHDV-0024 - OHDV-0027 Quantity: 4 videocassette(s). 1 printed abstract(s). 1 Electronic document(s) - abstract. 1 interview(s). 3.32 Hours and minutes Duration. Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete OHA-5094, OHDL-000789. Search dates: 1920 - 1939 - 2000 - 1945

Date: 13 Jun 2008

From: MAF Biosecurity New Zealand oral history project

By: Emery, Nicholas Francis, 1937-

Reference: OHInt-0975-10

Description: Interview with Nick (Nicholas) Emery, born in England in 1937. Refers to his family moving to Kenya after World War II, the Kenyan independence uprising, joining the Army when he left school, then doing farm work until he went to England to study at an agricultural college. Mentions returning to Kenya, marrying in 1961, and emigrating to New Zealand where he worked on a farm near Helensville and then in a sawmill. Comments on the quarantine risk of their household goods when they arrived in the country. Discusses joining the Port Agriculture Service in Auckland in 1963, the work manual and tools he was issued with, and on-the-job training. Mentions training courses he attended, and becoming an instructor later. Comments on inspecting mail at the mail centre and the reasons for searching all parcels from some countries. Talks about meeting cargo ships when they arrived in port, checking ship-board animals, sealing meat lockers, dealing with ship garbage, and inspecting cargo. Refers to inspecting Island trader ships and their produce, particularly for insect pests. Explains how goods from passenger ships were inspected. Refers to inspecting ships with ammunition on board at Kawakawa Bay, and to having trouble inspecting Japanese fishing boats. Discusses the introduction of containers for cargo, their quarantine risk and the need for publicity, and the introduction of off-wharf inspection areas. Refers to giant African snails arriving on the underside of containers from Pacific islands. Talks about fumigation work, gases used, and training. Recalls meeting aircraft, goods and baggage inspection, and spraying in aircraft for insects. Mentions the staff rosters for airport duty and the long hours worked after Mangere airport opened in 1966. Talks about changes to the system for meeting passengers as passenger numbers increased, and dealing with VIPs including diplomats, royalty and the Pope. Refers to learning words of welcome in different languages and the availability of interpreters. Mentions the fruit fly outbreak in Mt Roskill in 1996, the role of airlines in publicising quarantine regulations, and the introduction of beagle sniffer dogs and x-ray machines at airports. Talks about the development of residual disinfection of aircraft as passenger objections to direct spraying increased. Describes inspecting air cargo including animals. Refers to inspecting export produce at the city markets and in pack houses. Reflects on the Service having a very low staff turnover, and to the appointment of Mary Middleton as the first woman on staff in Auckland. Comments on moving into a management position, being rotated between the port and airport and the meetings involved. Mentions restructurings within the Department, Ministry and Service during his career. Recalls spending time in Tonga helping set up a training system for quarantine, a visit to Niue, and contact with the Australian Quarantine inspection Service on disinfection of aircraft. Recalls the work of Julian Brown, Sam Jamieson, Travis Flint, Ian Knox, Charlie Cooper, Brian Rose and others. Interviewer(s) - Megan Hutching Accompanying material - leaflet "The history of biosecurity border inspection in New Zealand" which includes a photo of Nick Emery in uniform with a dog (with printed abstract) Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHDL-002007 Quantity: 1 digital sound recording(s) digital sound recording(s). 2 Electronic document(s) (abstract, form). 2 digital photograph(s). 1 interview(s). 2.57 Hours and minutes Duration. Physical Description: Sound files - wave files; Textual files - Microsoft word; Image files - jpeg Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete OHDL-002008, OHA-7305. Photographs of: Nick Emery, his Quarantine Officer's bag containing his tool kit (both 13 June 2008) Search dates: 1937 - 2008