Interview with Hira Royal

Manihira Te Ra Purewa Royal, known as Hira, was born in Otaki in 1932, and has lived there all her life, except when at boarding school. Recalls belonging to the Takarore whanau, which includes the families Hohipuha, Raika, Te Waiata, and Nikora (Nicholls). Mentions the Te Horo cheese factory, the Rahui dairy factory, milk at school, and milk delivered in cans. Talks about school and boarding at Hukarere in Napier, her teachers, the principal, Miss Hunter, prayers, strictness, duties, other pupils.

Mentions her 11 children, her whangai (foster) daughter and her brothers and sisters. Recalls leaving school in 1949, marrying in 1950, living on the marae, then on Miss Lochore's property. Mentions using a copper washer and an outside hand wringer. Talks about their home in Otaki, built using a Maori Affairs Loan in 1954, and later extended. Talks about the family benefit. Mentions her mother-in-law, Whakarato Royal, who lived with them for 26 years. Refers to the Otaki Maternity Home, where mothers rested for 14 days after birth.

Refers to Playcentre involvement. Talks about working for Koha Ora, at Kimberley Hospital and the Otaki Children's Health Camp. Describes association with Rangiatea Church and the Anglican mission, mentioning Grace Bargrove, a Pakeha deaconess buried at Rangiatea, and Olive Morgan. Mentions church at Ngatokowaru Marae. Recalls the influence of church ministers, including her uncle, Paul Temuera, and Hohepa Taepa.

Describes involvement in the Anglican Church, as Kaikaraka, Deacon, and being ordained as a priest by Bishop Muru Walters in 1996. Reflects that she had a 'calling' to the church.

Talks about whitebaiting and the importance of fishing. Recounts story of catching seafood and giving thanks to Tangaroa, the sea god. Mentions camping and a flood. Recounts living at the marae on retirement, and being on the Raukawa Marae Committee.

Interviewer(s) - Rachael Selby

Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC-11056/7

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

Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete OHA-3865.

Photo of Hira and husband Wehi Royal at Raukawa Marae on their 50th wedding anniversary, 2000.

Search dates: 1930 - 1990

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