Interview with Te Rina Waenga

Te Rina Waenga nee Pene born 1930 at Ratana Pa. Father Henare Pene, Ngati Kuri iwi, Pohotiare hapu, Kurahaupo and Tinana waka; mother Pipi Huntley, Ngati Moe, Ngai Tahu. Mentions being the eldest of nine children and attending school at Waikawa Pa, near Picton. Describes early life and recalls working with harakeke as part of a fundraising project. Talks about enjoyment of dancing, mother making new ballgowns, going to balls and parties, singing and going to the pictures. Talks about leaving school and working as a cook in various places - mentions Anikiwa Boys Home and Whakarewa Boys Home. Talks about meeting Te Kiato Riwai in Motueka, working together caring for runaways from 1952 until 1956. Mentions moving to Mangakino with husband Harman Waenga. Discusses their two children and many whangai children. Describes joining the Waikawa branch of the Maori Women's Welfare League in 1951, encouraged by Runa Keepa. Talks about the work of the branch, own role as branch president and comments on the positive work of the Maori Women's Welfare League.

Quantity: 1 C90 cassette(s). 1 videocassette(s). 1 transcript(s). 55 Minutes Duration.

Search dates: 1991

Alternative form available: Listening copy OHLC-004937; video viewing copy OHLV-0308b