Interview with Lady Beverley Reeves

Beverley Reeves was born in Wellington in 1934. Gives details of her family background. Discusses family mental health issues. Mentions that her father's family, the Watkins, arrived in New Plymouth in 1850. Recalls attending Wellington Girls' College where she was head prefect and dux. Comments on her feelings about leadership. Describes doing a science degree and going teaching. Describes marrying Paul Reeves who was training to be a vicar and the role of the Anglican Church in the timing of this. Mentions marriage and going to Oxford, England where Paul Reeves had a scholarship. Comments on marrying into the Church and becoming a vicar's wife. Recalls their return to New Zealand, Paul Reeves becoming Bishop of Waiapu and having her own activities including teaching, playing tennis and singing in the choir.

Describes his identification with being Maori by the time of becoming Governor-General. Mentions that the offer of becoming Governor-General came `out of the blue'. Comments on the role of David Lange and reaction to the appointment of Sir Paul. Describes grief at the loss of Paul Reeves' role as a priest and bishop. Discusses the daily routine at Government House, the social hierarchy and getting used to having staff. Describes her programme which was gender oriented and included involvement with the National Council of Women (NCW), Maori Women's Welfare League (MWWL) and Girl Guides. Describes how Government House was opened up to Maori. Mentions hundreds of Te Atiawa sleeping there overnight and Wi Tako prisoners carving a Te Atiawa taniwha for the pillars at Government House.

Discusses Waitangi Day and different venues attended by Sir Paul Reeves. Mentions Parihaka, Waitangi, Okains Bay and Moutoa Gardens. Describes visits by the Queen, other royal families and the President of Israel. Mentions several meetings with the Queen. Comments on the role of protocol and people's enjoyment of investitures. Describes the comings and goings of Prime Ministers David Lange, Geoffrey Palmer and Mike Moore. Recalls a period of adjustment on leaving Government House and going to the United States. Describes returning to New Zealand and St John's College where Sir Paul Reeves was head of the Maori Theological College. Describes being on a number of boards, relief teaching and doing her MA in Women's Studies. Comments on her role at Government House in retrospect.

Interviewer(s) - Hugo Manson

Quantity: 4 C60 cassette(s). 1 printed abstract(s). 1 interview(s). 3.30 Hours and minutes Duration.

Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete OHA-3405.

Alternative form available: Listening copies OHLC-005016 - OHLC-005019