Interview with Martin Tissink

Martin Tissink was born at Middleburg in the Netherlands on 30 January 1929. Recalls his family and childhood. Describes attending an applied arts school and being very enthusiastic about electronics, studying extramurally and working in an electrical and radio repair shop. Talks about being drafted in to the Navy where he worked with sonar then working for civilian navy electronics on servicing the fleet and coastal radar stations.

Describes coming to New Zealand in 1965 with his wife and three children. Describes living in Rotorua and working for Kaingaroa Forest School, setting up fire lookouts and relay stations. Discusses fire lookout operations. Mentions his divorce, moving to Christchurch and teaching IHC. Describes marrying Mere-Apeti Marshall, moving to Ngongotaha and becoming a house husband. Talks about becoming a sculptor and working in wood and metal. Describes the process of sculpting, community projects, public work and workshops. Discusses his environmental concerns and involvement with Forest and Bird, Greenpeace, and as a DOC volunteer. Talks about his interest in outdoor education including tramping, hunting and canoeing.

Recalls his childhood in Holland, the use of intermediate technology, village tradesmen, the Depression, World War II and life for his parents.

Interviewer(s) - Penelope Dunkley

Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC-007386 - OHC-007388

Quantity: 3 C60 cassette(s). 1 printed abstract(s). 1 Electronic document(s) - abstract. 1 interview(s).

Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete OHA-1858, OHDL-000831.

Colour photographs of Martin Tissink, some of his sculptures and other art works

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

Alternative form available: Listening copies OHLCD-1363 to OHLCD-1365

Both printed and digital versions of the abstract are available

A digital copy of the recording is also available