AUDIO
Interview with Myrtle Rangiihu
- Date
- 30 Jun 1992
- By
- Rangiihu, Myrtle Tahiti, 1918-2003
- Reference
- OHInt-0064/20
- Description
Myrtle (Bundy) Rangiihu was born at Kohupatiki, Hastings on 29 June 1918. Gives details of her family background and growing up on the farm at Kohupatiki. Describes being selected to learn kowhaiwhai and tukutuku when she left school and being taught these in Wellington by Apirana Ngata. Recalls also learning waiata from him. Discusses his influence and also that of Kingi Tahiwi and Bishop Bennett, the first Bishop of Aotearoa. Notes that Bishop Bennett introduced her to future husband Sam Rangiihu while he was becoming a curate.
Talks about the consecration of Bishop Bennett. Recalls the Napier earthquake in 1931 and the incidence of tuberculosis amongst Maori in the 1920s and 1930s.
Talks about marrying and living in the Mission House and also working with her husband in the Opotiki and Hicks Bay area. Describes adopting her son Gary, and three other children, and explains the process of whangai (adoption). Talks about the outbreak of war and Sam Rangiihu becoming chaplain to the forces with Wi Huata. Mentions that he was also chaplain to K-Force (in Korea). Comments on the quality of the Maori (28) Battalion and the deaths of Maori soldiers. Discusses American servicemen, sexuality and Maori attitudes to illegitimacy.
Describes how her father contracted to grow vegetables for Watties during World War II to feed American soldiers. Talks about the growth of Watties. Describes the importance of land to Maori. Details the Government Rehabilitation Schemes and land bought for soldiers in Wairoa after the war.
Reflects on her husband's death. Talks about the importance of the marae. Describes her involvement with the Chadwick Family Trust who run orchards in Hastings and a project growing everlasting flowers.
Venue - Napier . 1992
Interviewer(s) - Queenie Rikihana-Hyland
Venue - Napier
Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC-004786; OHC-004787; OHC-004788
Quantity: 3 C60 cassette(s). 1 printed abstract(s). 2.30 Hours and minutes Duration.
Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete AB 857.
photograph of Kingi Ihaka, Bundy (Myrtle) Rangiihu, Manu Ihaka and Samuel Rangiihu about the 1950s; Myrtle and Samuel Rangiihu and family about World War II; Bundy (Myrtle) Rangiihu in 1992
- Use/Reproduction
- Public use requires the written permission of the donor Copyright: Gaylene Preston Productions
- Access restrictions
- Restricted - Content cannot be accessed without permission - Access requires written permission of the donor
- Part of
- Women in World War II Part II
- Format
- 3 C60 cassette(s), 1 printed abstract(s), 2.30 Hours and minutes Duration, Oral histories, Illustration: photograph of Kingi Ihaka, Bundy (Myrtle) Rangiihu, Manu Ihaka and Samuel Rangiihu about the 1950s; Myrtle and Samuel Rangiihu and family about World War II; Bundy (Myrtle) Rangiihu in 1992, Equipment used: Marantz cassette recorder
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Interview with Myrtle Rangiihu, printed abstract
From: Women in World War II Part II
Reference: OHA-0857
Description: Interviewer(s) - Queenie Rikihana Hyland Quantity: 1 printed abstract(s). Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete AB 857.
Interview with Myrtle Rangiihu, tape three
Date: 29-30 Jun 1992 - 29 Jun 1992 - 30 Jun 1992
From: Women in World War II Part II
Reference: OHC-004788
Description: Interviewer(s) - Queenie Rikihana Hyland Arrangement: Tape sequence - 3 of 3 Quantity: 1 C60 cassette(s).
Interview with Myrtle Rangiihu, tape two
Date: 29-30 Jun 1992 - 29 Jun 1992 - 30 Jun 1992
From: Women in World War II Part II
Reference: OHC-004787
Description: Interviewer(s) - Queenie Rikihana Hyland Arrangement: Tape sequence - 2 of 3 Quantity: 1 C60 cassette(s).
Interview with Myrtle Rangiihu, tape one
Date: 29-30 Jun 1992 - 29 Jun 1992 - 30 Jun 1992
From: Women in World War II Part II
Reference: OHC-004786
Description: Interviewer(s) - Queenie Rikihana Hyland Arrangement: Tape sequence - 1 of 3 Quantity: 1 C60 cassette(s).