Interview with Mate Toia

Mate Toia born 1913 in Te Taheke, Hokianga. Refers to father, Taia Toia and mother Hariata Ngani Werekake, from Waima, Ngati Mahurehure hapu. Mentions grandmother Ripeka Timoko, Ngai Tawake. Recalls living with grandparents in Te Kauri, Waimate North. Talks about attending St Josephs College in Napier on a scholarship. Mentions getting tuberculosis. Refers to death of mother in 1936, father working as a sharemilker, helping father to raise the family. Describes fun activities of her youth, particularly dancing. Talks about becoming a Welfare Officer in 1951. Describes the change from the Health League to the Maori Women's Welfare League. Mentions Mrs Maihi. Refers to the formation of League branches in the Bay of Islands and Hokianga, and sending delegates Ruiha Heperi and Vivian Barnes to the first League conference. Talks in detail about the achievements of the League in her district: supporting education, raising funds, setting up and financing playcentres in many Maori communities. Refers to health camps, the Education Foundation, building a rest home in the Hokianga for pregnant women. Gives thoughts about the issues facing Maori at the time of the interview - mentions education, young offenders, issues for families, the need for a sound economic base. Describes own philosophy of life. Talks about the influence of the church and missionaries on her parents and grandparents, and mentions the role of missionaries during the flu epidemic.

Quantity: 1 C60 cassette(s). 1 transcript(s). 45 Minutes Duration.

Search dates: 1989

Alternative form available: Listening copy OHLC-004936