Interview with Mohi Manukau

Mohi Manukau was born in 1912 between Ruawai and Matakohe. Talks about being a Ratana Apostle (Minister) and mentions that his grandfather Maurice Rogan built the local Ratana church with Mr Stirling. Mentions his grandfather was a gumdigger. Discusses the carting of gum by bullock team to Joe Stirling's store at Matakohe.

Discusses how young boys were selected to be trained in Maori lore. Describes the special building in which they were given this training. Explains that the Kaipara area is divided in two with the northern (Poutu) half connected to Te Uraohau and the South Head area connected to Te Waiahua. Mentions the Aotea Block. Discusses the meaning of Ngati Whatua and briefly gives the origins of land ownership disputes. Describes early Maori gardens and the growing of kumara. Mentions the eating of kiore (rat), frogs, snails and eels. Comments on Maori housing and the distance from secondary schooling.

Recalls becoming an overseer with Public Works and involvement in World War I rehabilitation land and housing. Describes joining the 24th Battalion in World War II, planting the Army garden at Maunu and being sent to be an overseer on Public Works roads. Talks about going to the Kaiapara Dairy Factory in 1948, settling at Haranui and the gradual improvement of the marae there. Talks about recent intermarriage between Kakanui and Haranui.

Interviewer(s) - Gabrielle Hildreth

Quantity: 1 C60 cassette(s). 1 printed abstract(s). 1 interview(s).

Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete OHA-3319.

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