Interview with Jennifer Curry

Interview with Jenny (Jennifer) Curry, born in Dunedin in 1950. Mentions growing up in Dunedin, Kakanui and Oamaru, and training as a nurse in Seddon Memorial Hospital, Gore. Refers to working in Christchurch, Australia and England.

Discusses being accepted by NAC (National Airways Corporation) for training as an air hostess even though she was too short, advice trainees were given on makeup, hair, standing and walking, and some having moles and birthmarks removed. Comments that they were not allowed to work as air hostesses after age 38 or after marriage, and that men did not work as stewards on domestic flights. Mentions aircraft flown by NAC at the time and being based in Christchurch. Recalls that staff did not like working on charter flights once alcohol was allowed. Comments on dealing with passengers with special needs and with unaccompanied children. Refers to taking newborn infants on flights to their adoptive parents. Talks about regular passengers, tourists, and being expected to talk to passengers on flights. Mentions being expected to work regularly as a ground hostess. Discusses her involvement in the Airline Stewards and Hostesses Union, working conditions for air hostesses, rosters, and pressure to work long hours. Comments on popular perceptions of air hostesses compared with nurses.

Talks about switching to working for Air New Zealand at Christchurch Airport in 1974 at the time of the introduction of equal pay. Describes working as a traffic clerk checking in passengers and luggage, then as a reservations clerk in Auckland. Refers to 'huge prejudice' among check-in staff with regard to flights to and from the Pacific. Mentions the amalgamation of NAC with Air New Zealand in 1978 and 'open antagonism' towards former NAC staff. Recalls the shock of the Erebus crash in 1979, having talked people into travelling on the flight and sold them tickets. Explains leaving Air New Zealand in 1988, studying sociology at university, and becoming a counsellor. Refers to later returning to work for Air New Zealand for a period. Reflects on the attitudes towards women staff she encountered when working in New Zealand airlines.

Interviewer(s) - Megan Hutching

Quantity: 1 digital sound recording(s). 2 Electronic document(s) (abstract). 1 printed abstract(s). 1 interview(s). 2 Hours Duration.

Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete OHDL-001699, OHA-7510.

Search dates: 1950 - 2011

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