Interview with Martin Ngataki

Martin Ngataki was born in 1943 and has lived in Tuakau most of his life. Briefly describes his farm next door to the original family farm. Recalls Tekohanga Primary School, being told not to speak Maori and Onewhero District High School. Mentions that the school was 50% Maori. Talks about playing rugby at school and for Counties. Recalls playing against Don Clarke. Describes how his father was a farmer and a plumber. Describes working at Southdown freezing works as a butcher and other casual work before starting shearing and going go shearing school. Mentions Ivan Bowen.

Describes marrying Tia Taonga in 1962, shearing around Mercer, Maramarua, Hauraki Plains, Pukekohe and Onewhero. Mentions his wife's adjustment to shearing life. Talks about early shearing competitions, help from Tom Brough and the excitement of getting in the Golden Shears final for the first time. Comments that except for one year he was in every final from 1973 until 1979 when he won. Mentions running, rowing and swimming as training. Recalls the 1979 final and other finalists Samson Te Whata, Tom Brough, Bob Michie, Ivan Rosandich and John Fagan. Describes winning a trip to Australia in the New Zealand team, shearing at Euroa, using narrow gear, shearing merinos and being beaten. Compares his style with that of others and discusses whether there is a Maori shearing style.

Tia Ngataki comments about her family, the impact of shearing on family life and her preference for the open shed. Comments on the Golden Shears. Discusses women shearers Barbara Marsh, Michelle Harrex and Jillian Burney. Mentions having eighteen grandchildren. Discusses the family marae (Paimaria), marae involvement and being Tainui. Comments on MMP and some politicians. Discusses judging, golf and rowing.

Interviewer(s) - Phil O'Shaughnessy

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

Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete OHA-2521.

Photos of Martin Ngataki as Golden Shears champion 1979

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

Alternative form available: Listening copies OHLC-004194 - OHLC-004195