Interview with Georgina Kiripuai Te Aomarere

Georgina Kiripuai Te Aomarere was born in Katihiku, Otaki in 1916. Mentions two years of schooling at Saint Josephs Maori Girls College in Taradale, which ended because of the Great Depression. Recalls they were poor, living off seafood and vegetable gardens. Mentions Mr Pike allowing them into the picture theatre without paying.

Talks about her first job working for Miss Grant as a housekeeper, and amount paid. Describes working for Mrs Ossian Death for five years. Refers to a trip to Napier for a camping holiday with the Death family, and the food she prepared. Mentions getting drivers licence, and working at the Otaki Sanatorium.

Describes her four years of war work in the Petone cigarette factory, WD & HO Wills, working in the steamery and processing tobacco. Notes that she was called up for the army twice but her employer argued to keep her. Mentions returning to Otaki when she became hapu (pregnant). Describes working for the Amos Softgoods Ltd factory, preparing teas, lunches and baking. Refers to taking her baby to work after her mother died. Describes the factory manager Mr Hager, an alcohol-free Christmas party, benefits for longstanding workers, baking for special occasions, birthday presents, a Scottish factory worker, Maori employment in the factory, working in a factory for 33 years, smoking and work, and the impact of a zip replacing boiling water in pots. Talks about being the only Maori in Otaki who gave blood, explains why others didn't. Mentions having to retire from the factory at age 65, and working in a volunteer capacity for her iwi. Mentions her Uncle Karaha, a tohunga, and her father, Whiti Te Aomarere.

Interviewer(s) - Rachael Selby

Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC-11052/3

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

Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete OHA-3863.

Photo of Kiripuai at Te Wananga-o-Raukawa graduation 2001 beside Margaret Davis.

Search dates: 1930 - 1990

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

Alternative form available: Listening copies available at OHLC-005446 - OHLC-005447