Wanganui Computer Centre

Date: 12 December 1997

From: Office of the Ombudsman oral history project

By: Laking, George Robert (Sir), 1912-2008

Reference: OHInt-0811-03

Description: Oral history interview with Sir George Laking, Chief Ombudsman from April 1977 to October 1984. Talks about growing up in Auckland - details schooling at Auckland Grammar School, Auckland University and Victoria University of Wellington. Discusses his acceptance into the Public Service - talks about his work for the Customs Department, Prime Minister's Department, Organisation of National Security, War Cabinet Secretariat, and the Department of External Affairs upon its creation in 1943. Discusses his international work in the government sector from 1948 to 1967 - details his time as Counsellor of External Affairs, Acting High Commissioner in London, and Ambassador to Washington. Talks about his role as Secretary of External Affairs upon returning to New Zealand. Discusses his appointment as Ombudsman in 1975, and Chief Ombudsman in 1977. Discusses attitudes towards the Office of the Ombudsman - mentions Sir Guy Powels and A. Eaton Hurley. Discusses relations between the Office and the Prime Minister, Ministers and Heads of Departments during his time as Ombudsman - mentions Keith Holyoake, Sir Robert Muldoon, Jim Bolger and the New Zealand Police. Talks about his involvement in the Office's investigation of the Springbok Tour - refers to the creation of the Police Complaints Authority. Talks about the Office's acquisition of the Wanganui Computer privacy work in 1977. Details his involvement with the Human Rights Commission. Mentions Chief Ombudsman Lester Castle. Discusses the development of the Official Information Act 1982 - details his involvement in this process. Talks about the Commissioner of Police vs Ombusman case of 1988 - details the court proceedings. Discusses his management of the Office during his time as Chief Ombudsman. Accompanying material - Copy of transcribed interview Interviewer(s) - Bryan Gilling Quantity: 1 C90 cassette(s). 1 printed abstract(s). 1.13 Hours and minutes Duration. Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete OHA-5396. Search dates: 1997

Date: 1975

Reference: Eph-D-POLICE-1975-01

Description: An arrangement of text around an image of an eye with a creeping figure caught in its lens. Other Titles - Dollars Quantity: 1 colour art print(s) on poster.. Physical Description: Screen print on sheet 590 x 440 mm. Provenance: Donated by Karen Lee in 2014.

Date: 29 Jan 1985 - 8 Feb 1985 - 08 Feb 1985

From: NZOHA New Zealand Computer Society Silver Jubilee Oral History Project

By: Williams, William Rawle, 1924-2008

Reference: OHInt-0093/02

Description: William Williams was born 10 Apr 1924 at Gisborne. Describes family background, childhood, education. Details career in the navy (1942-1970), starting as a midshipman, rising to commander, secondment to naval intelligence, move to Management Services and computers, Ministry of Defence, EDP division. Recalls handing back of Sarawak to the British Crown. Discusses the ICL 1902A, uses included for inventories, pay, scheduling ship re-fits. Speaks about characteristics of people in the computer industry, New Zealand Health Department, software company Progeni, Wanganui Computer Centre, computer legislation, current state of the industry. Details involvement with New Zealand Computer Society. Venue - Wellington Interviewer(s) - Hugo Manson Venue - Mr Williams' home in Wellington Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC-001542/001543/001544/001545 Quantity: 4 C60 cassette(s). 1 printed abstract(s). 3.30 Hours and minutes Duration. Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete OHA-0236. Search dates: 1924 - 1985

Date: 15 May 1984

From: NZOHA New Zealand Computer Society Silver Jubilee Oral History Project

By: Harpham, Percy Wadsley, 1932-

Reference: OHInt-0093/07

Description: Percy Harpham was born 19 May 1932 at Tauranga. Describes family background, childhood, education, going to Auckland University, chemical engineering. Discusses employment at New Zealand Breweries, Dulux (NZ) Ltd. Details involvement with computers during time at Dulux, sales reporting, stock control, operations research, time spent at ICI (UK). Talks about computer technology, programmers and operators, Dulux career, computer disasters. Details establishment and development of Progeni (New Zealand) Ltd in 1968, a company providing software solutions. Recalls difficulty of providing a packet switching network to the New Zealand Post Office, import licensing restrictions on software, government departments' attitude to locally produced software, effect of computer industry on employment, role of computers in training, future of computer industry, Wanganui Computer Centre. Accompanying material - three page biography Venue - Upper Hutt Interviewer(s) - Hugo Manson Venue - Mr Harpham's home in Pinehaven Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC-001556/001557/001558 Quantity: 3 C60 cassette(s). 1 printed abstract(s). 3 Hours Duration. Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete OHA-0241. Search dates: 1932 - 1984

Date: 16 Jan 1985

From: NZOHA New Zealand Computer Society Silver Jubilee Oral History Project

By: Moffett, Norma, 1928-

Reference: OHInt-0093/03

Description: Norma Moffett was born 11 Apr 1928 at Ashburton. Describes family background, childhood, education, working as a technician at Wallaceville Research Centre (1946-1949) and studying for a BSc. Details employment at DSIR, Applied Mathematics Laboratory using computer technology. Talks about early Public Service payroll system; IBM models 650, 1401, 1440; other women staff; training; impact on personal life. Discusses Treasury. Police Department, Ministry of Works, Forest Research Institute, Meteorological Office, Dominion Physical Laboratory, Wanganui Computer Centre. Recalls move to Lane Walker Rudkin and changes in computer industry. Venue - Christchurch Interviewer(s) - Judith Fyfe Venue - Department of Statistics, MFL Building, Christchurch Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC-001546/001547 Quantity: 2 C60 cassette(s). 1 printed abstract(s). 2 Hours Duration. Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete OHA-0237. Search dates: 1928 - 1985

Date: 16 May 1984

From: NZOHA New Zealand Computer Society Silver Jubilee Oral History Project

By: Scoular, Tolmie Alexander, 1926-1992

Reference: OHInt-0093/12

Description: Tolmie Scoular was born 31 May 1926 in Dunedin. Describes family background, childhood, poliomyelitis, education in Dunedin including Otago University, influence of parents, politics, religion. Discusses first job as office boy at Barr, Burgess and Stewart accounting firm; part-time accountancy degree, Bachelor of Commerce, company environment, social life, job training. Speaks of developments in accounting systems, mechanical book-keeping machines, lead-up to computers. Recalls working experience with associated company Cooper Brothers and Co, Sydney, 1953. Talks about first marriage to Kathleen Dryden, punch card accounting, Power Samas punch card equipment. Describes establishment of the Joint Punch Card Bureau (ca 1956-1962) using Power Samas and Electronic Multiplying Punch equipment, including work for Barr, Burgess and Stewart and the D.I.C. Discusses development of Allied Computer Processors (ACP) to take over the work of the Punch Card Bureau in 1960. Talks about emergence of computers, first computer in Dunedin, charateristics of computer programmers, operators and systems analysts. Speaks of development of computer bureau systems, work for the Otago Building Society, sales competition from IBM, ICL and Burroughs. Describes the development of the New Zealand Computer Society, new Computer Science course at Victoria University, changes in hardware, mini computers, micro computers for home use. Discusses packaged versus custom-made systems, auditing of computers, misuse and theft, impact of computers in New Zealand business and personal life, resistance to computers, effect on employment. Talks about software and hardware manufacture in New Zealand, resistance to local product, future of electronic technology including point of sale usage. Speaks of ethics of stored information, common identification number, further changes to society brought about by computer use. Venue - Lower Hutt Interviewer(s) - Hugo Manson Venue - Mr Scoular's home in Lower Hutt Accompanying material - one page biography detailing family, qualifications, career and appointments Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC-001574/001575/001570a Quantity: 3 C60 cassette(s). 1 printed abstract(s). 2.15 Hours and minutes Duration. Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete OHA-0246. Xeroxed photo in project report folder Search dates: 1926 - 1984

Date: 6 Jun 1984 - 06 Jun 1984

From: NZOHA New Zealand Computer Society Silver Jubilee Oral History Project

By: Williams, Robert Martin (Dr), 1919-2013

Reference: OHInt-0093/14

Description: Robert Williams was born 30 Mar 1919 at Christchurch. Describes family background, childhood in Christchurch, education at the Open Air school, Christ's College and Canterbury University. Mentions Professor Karl Popper. Discusses marriage to Mary Thorpe, tramping, working with radar systems, involvement in development of the atom bomb at Berkeley University. Recalls security surrounding atom bomb work, cooperation of countries involved, security indiscretions, attitudes to bomb development. Talks about Hiroshima and Nagasaki atom bombs, post-war atomic work, quantum theory study at Cambridge University (1945-1949), return to New Zealand, position with Department of Scientific and Industrial Research, Applied Mathematics Laboratory. Mentions Applied Maths Lab personnel, Ian Dick, Peter Whittle, John Diamond, Hamish Thompson, Brian Hamer, Frank Callaghan. Describes function of the laboratory researching, designing and analysing for agricultural and biological experiments using theory of probability and mathematical statistics. Recalls work related to earthquakes, civil aviation, social sciences. Describes the first Treasury computer, disagreement over suitable type of computer, subsequent Ministry of Works involvement, stresses on staff. Mentions Errol Jones, Norma Moffett, Paul Walker, Lorin Peko, Jack Wills. Shares views on State Services Commission and computers, control of computer operations, computer bureaux, training, computers in universities, the Wanganui Computer Centre, security breaches. Talks about effects of computer technology on employment, most satisfying periods of life, Dictionary of New Zealand Biography. Venue - Wellington Interviewer(s) - Judith Fyfe Venue - Royal Society Rooms, Thorndon, Wellington Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC-001579/001580/001581/001562a Quantity: 4 C60 cassette(s). 1 printed abstract(s). 3.30 Hours and minutes Duration. Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete OHA-0248. Search dates: 1914 - 1984

Date: 1972-1979

From: Glover, Denis James Matthews, 1912-1980 : Papers

Reference: 80-387-006

Description: Comprises inwards and outwards letters (carbon copies). Includes envelope, newspaper clippings, list of attendees of ex naval offiers reunion, cards, University Club Wellington newsletter, New Zealand Literary Fund newsletter, PEN Gazette. Names selectively indexed. Arrangement: Previously arranged as 80-387 Box one Quantity: 1 folder(s). Physical Description: Typescript Mss

Date: [17 Nov 1982]

By: Roberts, Neil, 1960?-1982

Reference: MS-Papers-11064

Description: Note addressed to his friends, written outside the Wanganui Computer Centre, immediately prior to setting off the explosion. Gives brief reasons for his action and philosophy of life. Neil Roberts was a 22 year old member of the anarchist punk rock scene. On 18 November 1982 at 12.35am he blew himself up at the entrance to the Wanganui Computer Centre Quantity: 1 folder(s) 1 sheet. 0.01 Linear Metres. Physical Description: Ms Provenance: Donor/Lender/Vendor - Donated by Mike Amoore, Waitakere, 2011

Date: [ca 1967-1983]

From: Kennedy, Ronald Edwin, 1925-2003 :[Original cartoons, albums of clippings and a metal printing plate, created by and belonging to Ronald Kennedy (Ronken), ca 1967-1983]

By: Kennedy, Ronald Edwin, 1925-2003; Waikato Times (Newspaper)

Reference: A-454-058

Description: A robber is running off with the letter 'C' and a large box which says "Wanganui Computer :entre has drips coming down from it, and a caption reads "'C' for confidential…". Title supplied by Library Quantity: 1 original cartoon(s). Physical Description: Pen and ink drawing, 200 x 290 mm

Date: 1950-2000

From: Dominion Post (Newspaper): Photographic negatives and prints of the Evening Post and Dominion newspapers

Reference: PAColl-7327-1-073

Description: Photographs relating to government departments and health, taken and collected by the Evening Post. Images taken in New Zealand and abroad, by a range of photographers, between 1950 and 2000. Includes images relating to the 1982 bombing of the Wanganui Computer Centre. Images relating to government departments are arranged alphabetically from R to Y. Quantity: 1 box(es) of prints, grouped in folders.

Date: 1973-1975

From: Williams, John Henry, 1919-1975 : Parliamentary papers

Reference: 76-185-01/11

Description: Includes papers relating to: Regional Development Council; Fincon Construction Ltd; Ministry of Works; Statutes Revision Committee; Wanganui Computer Centre; Marriage Amendment Bill Quantity: 1 folder(s).

Date: 1983 - 1984

From: Heath, Eric Walmsley 1923- :[Cartoons on topics of defence, politics, social issues, whimsy, medical issues, pollution, conservationists, trade unions, space exploration, animals, police & crime, Television, farming, sport, war, and transport. 1970-1990s].

By: Heath, Eric Walmsley, 1923-

Reference: B-144-302/315

Description: Includes cartoons about: Domestic violence in New Zealand as a Punch & Judy show; Parliament promises to do something about gangs; police move in on housie hall which has had its licence cancelled; arms amnesty, library amnesty and the dole; Police say "Hello Hello Hello" on World Hello Day; the great train robber; farmers growing cannabis because no-one wants their usual exports; robber holds up an automatic teller; a tank necessary for going to the dairy because of violent crime; Wanganui Computer records the theft of a ballpoint pen; police sell cannabis; police prepare for checkpoint blitz at Easter. Inscriptions: Recto - Signed, but almost all undated, by artist. Arrangement: Arranged chronologically, according to the dates of "Dominion" clippings in Heath's albums (at E-521/547-q). Those for which no date could be found are arranged at around the estimated date. Quantity: 14 original cartoon(s). Physical Description: Ink on paper, sizes approximately 420 x 500 mm. Provenance: Donated by the artist in 1996.

Date: 1980

From: Lodge, Nevile Sidney 1918-1989 :[Archive of original cartoons for the Evening Post and Sports Post, 1941 to 1988]

By: Evening Post (Wellington, N.Z.); Lodge, Nevile Sidney, 1918-1989

Reference: B-135-697

Description: There are four vignettes in this cartoon, all with two men standing at a bar table drinking and discussing the merits of computers. One catalogues all the mistakes that have been caused by computers, and the other concludes that he doesn't know why we have computers when humans can do 'all those things without them'. Quantity: 1 original cartoon(s). Physical Description: Ink and letratone, 458 x 320 mm Finding Aids: Photocopies available in Pictorial Reference Service.

Date: 1966-1978

From: Bassett, Michael Edward Rainton (Dr Hon), 1938- : Further papers

Reference: 94-067-25

Description: Contains papers of the Committee on Wanganui Computer Centre, [ca 1974-1978]; Stonyer correspondence, [ca 1966-1969]; papers relating to International Women's Year, 1975 and to education, 1973; letters home from abroad, 1961-1963, 1967; miscellaneous personal and financial papers and correspondence, 1960s, 1970s; general correspondence, 1977 and 1978 election material including some ephemera. Quantity: 1 box(es).

Date: [1940-1986]

From: Megget, Ronald Calverley, 1913-1996 : Papers and sound recordings

Reference: fMS-Papers-8218

Description: Photocopies of `The boys that wouldn't' alias `The Spanners'; of official documents and correspondence; Megget's submission to the Defence Review Committee (1986); annotated list (14 Nov 1941); copy of `Conshies' by Garry Arthur; and coupon book Quantity: 1 folder(s).

Date: 1994

From: Tremain, Garrick fl 1970s-1990s :Editorial cartoons. 23 March - 14 June 1994

Reference: H-106-019

Description: Shows Jim Bolger talking to Bill Birch about the sale of the Wanganui computer. In a room somewhere else a man wearing headphones and sitting beside a tape recorder is listening to Bolger's voice coming through a speaker. Refers to the proposed sale of the Justice Department's Wanganui Computer Centre database Quantity: 1 cartoon bromide(s).

Date: 1975

From: Roth, Herbert Otto, 1917-1994: Collected papers, personal papers, photographs and ephemera

Reference: Eph-D-ROTH-Police-1975-01

Description: An arrangement of text around an image of an eye with a creeping figure caught in its lens. Roth's list of posters (Eph-A-ROTH-Posters) suggests that the poster may have been made by the Progressive Youth Movement. Other Titles - Dollars Quantity: 1 colour art print(s) on poster.. Physical Description: Screen print on sheet 590 x 440 mm. Provenance: Part of the Roth collection acquired ca 1992.

Date: 1983 - 1984

From: Heath, Eric Walmsley 1923- :[Cartoons on topics of defence, politics, social issues, whimsy, medical issues, pollution, conservationists, trade unions, space exploration, animals, police & crime, Television, farming, sport, war, and transport. 1970-1990s].

Reference: B-144-312

Description: A public servant seated at his desk, about to shoot himself as he looks at a printout from the Wanganui computer. On the door to his office is written Ministry of, followed by an illegible word (to indicate that this is a Government department) while two fellow-workers discuss the reason for the man's despair - he is recorded as having stolen a ball-point pen. Refers to the trivial nature of much of the information retained on the Wanganui-based database on New Zealanders shared by the Police and the Government Communications Security Board and to the ordinary citizen's concern about the information held. Quantity: 1 original cartoon(s). Physical Description: Ink on paper, approximately 420 x 500 mm.

Date: 1982

By: McGill, David, 1942-; Wellington Media Collective

Reference: Eph-D-SECURITY-1982-01

Description: Black and white poster reproducing part of a photograph showing the spray-painted message Neil Roberts, suicide bomber, left on the wall outside the Wanganui Computer Centre, before blowing up part of the building. Quantity: 1 b&w art print(s). Physical Description: Black and white screen print, 600 x 450 mm.