Interview with Samuel (Hamuera) Tongi

Interview with Samuel (Hamuera) Tongi, born in the King Country in 1943. Refers to being brought up in National Park and Raurimu, and to his father serving in the Maori Batallion during World War II. Talks about being strapped at school for speaking Maori, and to leaving school when he was 14. Mentions working in a mill when he was 16, living in the single men's accommodation at National Park, and joining the army in 1962. Outlines being a truck driver, moving to Wellington, and working for railways. Talks about marrying his wife Janie in 1968. Refers to moving to Eskdale and living in a caravan with their four children until his wife got a state house. Talks about the neighbourhood where the house is, never having enough money to buy the house, and changes he would like to make. Mentions the relationship with tenancy managers, and Housing New Zealand being good with maintenance. Refers to having a lot of children in the house, and celebrating Christmas and birthdays with children and grandchildren. Discusses going back to the marae and teaching his children about Maori culture. Comments on his wife having a stroke and being the main caregiver, as well as having outside help.

Interviewer(s) - Ben Schrader

Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC-015667 - OHC-015668

Quantity: 1 printed abstract(s). 2 C60 cassette(s). 1 interview(s). 1.24 Hours and minutes Duration.

Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete OHA-5627 (draft).

Search dates: 1943 - 2003

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

Alternative form available: Listening copies OHLC-009130 - OHLC-009131