Interview with John L'Estrange

John Michael L'Estrange born India 1942, of parents in exile from Burma. Gives some family background - father who was in British Burmese Army organised exodus of people of 'mixed blood' to India after Japanese occupation. Recalls returning to Burma after the war and attending Montessori school between 1945 and 1949 when family left Burma. Talks about education at St Benedicts in Auckland, Marist, Vermont Street and gaining a scholarship to Sacred Heart College. Discusses decision to enter Seminary, starting at Holy Cross College, Mosgiel for theology and later continuing studies in Rome where he was exposed to great ideas during Vatican II. Mentions discussions on celibacy, contraception etc. Recalls being sent as a priest to Huntly and talks about the difference between keeping tradition intact and adapting tradition to new needs. Mentions relationship of Catholic Church at that time with indigenous people. Refers to Pope John Paul who brought intellectual innovations to the Church but also brought in some conservative elements in terms of morality. Describes three years at Loretto Hall [Catholic teacher training college] lecturing in theology.

Backgrounds decision to leave the priesthood and recalls obtaining a job with NZSCM (New Zealand Student Christian Movement) with aim to develop critical christian thinking on various aspects of life. Talks about involvement with CORSO as Chairperson. Refers to Toby Truell, Trevor Richards (working for HART), Kevin Clark and Jim Kebbell. Refers to the `Seven Sisters' [multinational companies]. Refers to Paper `Christian Attitudes towards work'. Mentions ACORD - group of Pakeha graduates and the setting up of [NPR] New Perspectives in Race, whose purpose was to run workshops. Refers to Titewhai Harawira. Also refers to UTCR [Urban Training to Combat Racism]. Recalls that out of New Perspectives on Race grew the Churches' Programme on Racism run by Bob Scott. Discusses the critical thinking of CORSO and reaction against it. Mentions World Vision and TEAR. Mentions visit of Rex Rumakiek [from Vanuatu]. Mentions Ross Stevens. Recalls that all organisations were involved in Anti-Vietnam War, Anti-Nuclear, and Anti-Racism.

Other work experience includes: working with Trade Union Training Board; 1988 doing mediation work for the Tenancy Bond Division of Housing Corporation; running taxi business combined with child care of own children and job as Principal Tenancy Mediator in Tenancy Board Division.

Access Contact - see oral history librarian

Interviewer(s) - Cecily McNeill

Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC-011203-011206 ; OHC-005490-005493

Quantity: 4 C60 cassette(s). 1 printed abstract(s). 4 Hours Duration.

Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete OHA-3918.

Search dates: 05/02/2000 - 06/02/2000

Processing information: Description updated 26 September 2023 following information provided by a staff member, as part of reparative description work.

Alternative form available: Listening copies OHLC-005490 - OHLC-005493