Interview with Te Kahurangi Whiley

Te Kahurangi Whiley was born on 27 June 1907 at Poroutawhao. Talks about her family and the origins of some of their Christian names. Describes education at Levin Central School where children were strapped for speaking Maori. Talks about missing out on Maoritanga when she worked locally as a domestic.

Recalls meeting Lloyd Whiley, marrying in 1936 and living at Kuku Beach. Describes her husband's work at the Kimberly air base till the end of the war and after the war leasing land and growing flowers for the Wellington market. Talks in detail about living at Ohau for thirty two years, the family's daily routine there, family values, involvement with St. John's Anglican Church at Ohau and Rangiatea. Recalls the absence of hot water and coping with war rationing by conserving coupons. Talks about her brother Te Wireti in the Maori Battalion, fundraising for the troops, dances at Levin and the American troops around the Ohau area.

Notes that her husband was not interested in tikanga Maori. Talks about her involvement at the marae since his death including beginning to karanga as a kuia aged seventy. Describes the occupations of her children and granchildren.

Language - English and Maori

Venue - Levin : 1991

Interviewer(s) - Queenie Rikihana Hyland

Venue - Levin

Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC-004699; OHC-004700; OHC-004701

Quantity: 3 C60 cassette(s). 1 printed abstract(s).

Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete AB 829.

photograph of Rangi Whiley aged about 13; photograph of Whiley family in 1940