Interview with Whitiki Mekene Tane

Wally Tane was born 1924 in Waikara, Waipoua, South Hokianga. Talks about his father Mekene Tane Hohaia and his mother Tureiti Iraia. Discusses his father's work as a gumdigger and refers to Nick and Te Miringa Yakas. Describes schooling at Katui and Donnellys Crossing Schools, speaking Maori, racist attitudes and the effect of being educated in English only. Mentions Waikara and Waimamaku kaumatua and discusses land grievances. Talks about joining ATC, enlisting with the Royal New Zealand Air Force, training, resentment towards Americans in New Zealand, overseas service as a gunner in 14 Ventura Squadron, jungle training, being based at American camps in the Philippines and Japanese bombing raids. Gives his impressions of American servicemen, recalls the segregation of black and white servicemen. Talks about events in Auckland. Mentions rape.

Reflects on returning to Wellington and Waikura. Talks abut employment with the New Zealand Forest Service and working at Waipoua Forest. Refers to planting of Te Roroa wahi tapu with pine trees. Describes meeting and eventual marriage to Margaret Yelash, life at the old family home in Waikara and of the problems of moving back to Dargaville.

Talks about employment with the Hobson County Council, post-retirement job as a school bus driver and successfully tendering for the bus run. Explains the significance of the name Waikara given by the tupuna Tohe and lists the hills Tohe named.

Interviewer(s) - Garry Hooker

Accompanying material - Ngati Ruanui, Tai Tokerau whakapapa and Te Roroa whakapapa of Whitiki (Wally) Tane included with the abstract.

Quantity: 3 C60 cassette(s). 1 printed abstract(s). 2.30 Hours and minutes Duration.

Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete OHA-2624.

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

Alternative form available: Listening copies are available at OHLC-005551 to OHLC-005553