Interview with Robert Temple Stevens

The language of the interview is Te Reo and English. Robert Temple Stevens (Ropata Temepara Tipene) describes his family background, being born at Mangawhariki, growing up at Taipiiria near Te Puia Springs, his father being from Ngapuhi, mothers' relations, 16 brothers and sisters, relationship to Jensen family and to Houkamau on his mother's side.

Talks about going to Te Puia School, teachers who taught him at different schools, including Mr Trimmer at Hicks bay, the close community of Mangawhariki and Wharekahika where the family moved when he was nine. Comments on the meaning of his name from the opening of Ratana Church in 1929 and the derivation of the name Ropata. Talks about how fighting in the community between friends was common, horses outside the pub, his nannies, moko and the very old age at which his immediate tipuna died.

Describes going to work packing horse on Ihungia station when he finished school, the sports and entertainment between the stations, the Tawhiti rugby team and his rugby playing. Details deciding to join the army as a artillery gunner, his experiences in Korea, returning to New Zealand and doing other work before deciding to join the army again. Recounts his service in Malaya where he was a Lance Corporal and his employment since he retired from the army, including mention of driving trucks and buses. Talks about his children and his aspirations for the future.

Language - and English

Venue - Palmerston North

Interviewer(s) - Monty Soutar

Venue - In a car travelling from Palmerston North to Napier

Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC-005821-005822; OHLC-008868-008869

Quantity: 2 C60 cassette(s). 1 printed abstract(s). 1.30 Hours and minutes Duration.

Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete OHA-1224.

Search dates: 1993

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

Alternative form available: Listening copies are available from OHLC-008868 to OHLC-008869