Interview with Rev Harding Leaf

Harding Leaf, born 1926 in Waikara, South Hokianga. Talks about his parents Taui Riwhi (Leaf) and Kauaeriria Moetara, also refers to grandfather Rawiri Hapakuku Moetara the son of Hapakuku Moetara. Refers to Whirinaki as being the Leaf whanau birthplace. Talks about midshipman John Leaf's descendents and discusses his father's death and burial in 1934. Talks about his name.

Recalls experiences at Katui School and Waimamaku Native School. Talks about pupils and teachers and being forbidden to speak Maori. Describes travelling from Katui to Waimamaku along the beach. Recalls his grandmother Tohuora Moetara fostering children and talks about great uncle Iehu Moetara, a noted rangatira. Describes household and farming duties required of him as a child.

Recalls trying to enlist when 14 or 15, then enlisting in 1944, serving in J Force and being discharged in 1948. Talks about going to Japan on the ship 'Denera' and returning on the 'Westralia'. Describes his experiences after the Japanese surrender and mentions seeing Emperor Hirohito. Comments on New Zealanders' relationships with Australian, American and British soldiers.

Describes visiting his mother at Kapehu kainga after the war and also visiting his grandmother at Waimamaku. Recalls Dargaville after World War II, seasonal work and sharemilking. Talks about Daisy Rewa and his uncle Ruki Leaf arranging a 'firing the shot' or whakaputapu meeting for them and their marriage in 1949. Mentions Daisy Rewa's relationship to King Tawhiao. Lists children's names and birthplaces. Talks about work at Topunui Saw Mill then returning to Ruawai to work on father-in-law's farm. Mentions Te Kowhai marae and Arapakiaka urupa. Refers to kaumatua in the Ruawai area, retaining te reo Maori and his bi-cultural approach to language.

Talks about his vocation in the Anglican Church, becoming a minister and mentions influence of uncle Ned Leaf, Bishop Simpkins, Rev Herepo Harawira and Bishop Ben Te Haara.

Interviewer(s) - Garry Hooker

Accompanying material - Ngapuhi, Te Hikutu ki Whirinaki whakapapa, Ngati Ruanui, Tai Tokerau whakapapa, Ngapuhi, Ngati Korokoro hapu ki Pakanae whakapapa of Rev Harding Leaf are included with the abstract

Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC-008437 - OHC-008438

Quantity: 1 C120 cassette(s). 1 C60 cassette(s). 1 printed abstract(s). 2.30 Hours and minutes Duration.

Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete OHA-2619.

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

Alternative form available: Listening copies are available at OHLC-0995824 to OHLC-005926 and OHLCD-0826 to OHLCD-0828