Interview with Hone Apiti

Interview with Hone Apiti (Aged 89) born 1915 in Aotea. Sixth child of Te Whatu a Apiti and Raiha Paki, he was brought up by his grandparents. Refers to his grandmother being blind and knowledgeable in Maori herbal medicine. Mentions his original name Hone Paki, the ferntree house he grew up in, and the subsistance lifestyle of collecting seafood, growing vegetables and milking cows. Discusses his grandparents not speaking English and teaching them as he learnt the language at school. Describes his education including gaining a proficiency certificate and attending Maori Agricultural College. Recalls the Napier and Hastings earthquake and how it destroyed his school. Describes working in a flax mill in the Hauraki Plains. Mentions first meeting his first wife when she was 8 years old, and his second wife who was Pakeha. Discusses his disbelief in the supernatural world and taniwha and his religious beliefs. Talks about a serious accident, the operations he underwent, and his desire to complete certain jobs.

Quantity: 2 videocassette(s). 1 transcript(s).

Finding Aids: Abstract Available - transcript(s) available in English OHA-5102.

Original recordings not available for playback. Surrogate copies will be provided.

Alternative form available:

Listening copies are available at OHLV-0409 and OHLV-0410