Church attendence - New Zealand

Date: 21 Oct 1991

From: Maori Women's Welfare League: Interviews

By: Paki, Emily Pehipa Matiu, 1907-2006; Szaszy, Mira, 1921-2001

Reference: OHInt-0602-15

Description: Emily Paki nee Ngakuru born on St Nicholas Day 1907 in Thames. Talks about mother, Pehipa Matiu - Ngati Maru, Ngati Hape. Mentions Ngati Koroki, Tainui waka and tupuna Marutuahu. Refers to father, an Irish soldier and mentions stepfather. Talks about schooling in Te Aroha, leaving after one year of secondary school. Mentions illness. Describes husband proposing over the phone, marriage in 1961. Talks about having no brothers or sisters and the experience of nursing her mother. Discusses the importance of Christianity, a visit in 1914 to the Marae from Anglican missionary Mr Barnard, involvement in the church, being made the first woman lay canon in 1976, assisting with services. Mentions the Association of Anglican Women, Mother's Union and being a Justice of the Peace. Recalls time spent as a Welfare Officer and describes several cases. Talks about Rumatiki Wright setting up the Te Aroha branch of the Maori Women's Welfare League, branch activities including baking, housekeeping, sewing and gardening competitions judged by members of the Women's Institute. Describes benefits of belonging to the League and the involvement of men in League conferences. Mentions Kukutahi Ngapaka, Rangi Royal, Mr Corbett. Husband Wetere Paki is present for part of the interview and relates some of his whakapapa - mentions Tainui, Hoturoa, Tapaue, Kingitanga, Te Ata, parents Rakura and Hori Paki. The interview ends with a karakia. Quantity: 1 C90 cassette(s). 1 transcript(s). 55 Minutes Duration. Search dates: 1991

Date: 20 Oct 1991 - 20 Oct 2001

From: Sound recordings about Ngati Poneke

By: Grace, Patricia Frances, 1937-; Harris, Witarina Te Miriarangi Parewahaika, 1906-2007; Edwards, Mihipeka Anne, 1918-2008; Dennis, Jonathan Spencer, 1953-2002

Reference: OHInt-0600-02

Description: This interview is predominantly with Witarina Harris, with some comments from Mihipeka Edwards. Witarina Harris, born 1906, talks about Maori church groups, such as Wellington Anglican Pastorate and Lady Pomare's Young Maori Society, Welfare Committee and Mission Society, and monthly church at St Thomas', Newtown, and describes how they were the origins of the Ngati Poneke Young Maori Club. Mentions the Love family (Petone), Rev Paul Temuera, Wiki Bennett (of Maori Women's Welfare League), Granny Raukawa, Mrs Walker, the Ratanas, Katenes, and Ngahanas who supported young Maori. Talks about Ngati Poneke's role entertaining American soldiers during World War II, and discusses their treatment of women. Mentions parties with the naval officers. Talks about the effect of her involvement with Ngati Poneke on her marriage. Talks about Kingi Tahiwi's leadership in the club, and Apirana Ngata's involvement. Mentions singing, and Tahiwi's songs. Interviewer(s) - Patricia Grace and Jonathan Dennis Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC-010529 - OHC-010530 Quantity: 2 C60 cassette(s). 2 Hours Duration. Finding Aids: Abstract Available - transcript(s) available OHA-3645.

Date: 20 February 1994 - 20 Feb 1994

From: Sound recordings about Ngati Poneke

By: Utiku, Riria Lydia, 1916-; Grace, Patricia Frances, 1937-; Dennis, Jonathan Spencer, 1953-2002

Reference: OHInt-0600-11

Description: Riria Utiku was born in Wellington ca 1916. Talks about leaving school at age 13 without English proficiency, and needing a permit to work in a millinery warehouse named Ross and Glendinnings. Describes how Kingi Tahiwi became choirmaster in Wiki Bennett's church singing group, and the formation of Ngati Poneke. Talks about early members who worked at Department of Maori Affairs, Glen and Bill Royal and distinguishes between the Club and the Association. Mentions that marriage prevented her continued involvement in the club, and talks about her work in Lady Pomare's Welfare Committee, visiting the sick in hospital. Mentions the impact of Lady Pomare on the club's status, other Maori group's reaction to its perceived privileged treatment, and proximity to policitians such as Mr Fraser, Mr Jones and Mr Mason. Mentions her mother's early involvement and Henry Tahiwi. Mentions the club's singers: Witarina Harris, Katie Hakaria, Renal Tahiwi, May Potiki, and the styles of songs used. Talks about the long poi dance with coloured lights performed by Bugsy Wallace, Karl Karapa and Guide Bubbles. Talks about costumes, mentioning that puipui were borrowed from the National Museum. Talks about concerts to American servicemen during World War II. Talks about rehearsal nights at the Club, and songs performed. Talks about Kingi Tawihi and his strictness, and Lady Pomare as the peacemaker, both knowing about Pakeha society and English ways such as table manners. Mentions Mrs Hakata, Mr and Mrs Potiki, Rex Casey. Mentions Pakeha involvement, including Harry Cornwall, Mr Rogers, Jock McEwen, Edith Wilky Training College, Bet McGregor, Lilly Kettlewood (who loaned her studio to the Club), Val Vercoe (a leader for many years), Marie Head, and pianist Mrs Smith. Talks about American Embassy staff and their daughters coming to the Club and making recordings of the concerts. Recalls the Club's sporting activities. Recalls singing Hawaiian rather than Maori songs in the early years. Mentions various performances, including a broadcast for Prime Minister Savage's return from the Coronation. Talks about some of her photos of the Club. Interviewer(s) - Patricia Grace Interviewer(s) - Jonathon Dennis Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC-10540 Quantity: 1 C90 cassette(s). 1.30 Hours and minutes Duration. Finding Aids: Abstract Available - transcript(s) available OHA-3657; MSDL-0153 (files Utiku.doc, Utiku2.doc). Search dates: 1937 - 1949

Date: 11 April 1994 - 11 Apr 1994

From: Sound recordings about Ngati Poneke

By: McEwen, Jock Malcolm, 1915-2010; Dennis, Jonathan Spencer, 1953-2002

Reference: OHInt-0600-12

Description: Jock McEwen was born in 1915. Talks about involvement in a carving project organised by Apirana Ngata. Talks about the origins of Ngati Poneke, based on a church service at St Thomas', Newtown, led by Rangiatea Church minister, Paora Temuera, for which he was pianist. Talks about Kingi Tahiwi, the Native Department's chief interpreter, who initiated the formal choir. Mentions practices at Riria Walker's mother, Hinga Hunter's house, where he was pianist. Mentions Tahiwi's siblings, Henry, Hinehou and Renal, who formed the group Te Tahiwi and recorded in Sydney. Mentions Purihura Heketa from Ngati Kahungunu teaching the poi and action song, and the women's leader, Miriama Heketa. Describes how Tahiwi would compose songs on his banjo and then McEwen would work out full parts on the piano. Mentions that Poneke stands for 'Port Nick' and the history of some Wellington Maori place names. Mentions Ngati Poneke providing entertainment at the Centennial Exhibition. Mentions being in the Home Defence force during World War II and his career after the war. Mentions Wai Parata (pianist), Aunty Dovey Katene (foundation tutor), Fred Katene (club secretary), Francie Mitchell, Puna Cooper, Witarina Harris, and the two presidents after Kingi Tahiwi, his brothers Pirimi and Henare Tahiwi. Mentions Pakeha members, including Stephen (Tipene) O'Regan. Mentions the Ngati Poneke Maori Association as umbrella organisation for other Maori groups. Mentions Maori picnics at Hutt Park or Whakatiki and estimates there were 400 Maori living in greater Wellington before the war. Mentions that Mrs Heketa taught the old waiata to the Club. Talks about Apirana Taylor and the Akaroa Centennial. Interviewer(s) - Jonathan Dennis Quantity: 1 C90 cassette(s). 1 transcript(s). 1.30 Hours and minutes Duration. Finding Aids: Abstract Available - transcript(s) available OHA-3656; MSDL-0153 (file McEwan.doc, side one). Search dates: 1937 - 1948

From: Sound recordings about Ngati Poneke

Reference: OHInt-0600-14

Description: Patricia Grace, Irihapti Ramsden and Jonathan Dennis are in conversation about general issues relating to the Ngati Poneke Young Maori Club project. Discuss the Christianization of Ngati Poneke. Irihapeti Ramsden talks about how the non-denominal 'Maori church' brought urban Maori together and fostered the new Pakeha social order, while including whanaungatanga and manaakitanga, through the role of kai, the hangi and singing. Mentions that the Maori school leaving age was eleven, and Maori with secondary education were heavily evangelized through christian schools. Ramsden describes how christian leadership filled the gap where young people came together without heritary leadership. Mentions that people were shellshocked or suffered mustard gas from World War I. Mentions Kingi Tahiwi as upholder of mana through high standards, and how he saw disorderly behaviour as letting down the people, and the performances as contributing to mana. Ramsden mentions that Tahiwi's song's were aimed to boost morale during the war. Ramsden mentions urban Wellington Maori who didn't join Ngati Poneke. Jonathan Dennis refers to the Club's floating male members while Maori women kept it going, and to its workload, entertaining Maori soldiers and many foriegn troops during World War II, as well as performing at official functions. Patricia Grace mentions that Ngati Poneke now fulfils a different but important role. Quantity: 1 C60 cassette(s). 1 transcript(s) (of second half of interview). 1.30 Hours and minutes Duration. Finding Aids: Abstract Available - transcript(s) available OHA-3646; MSDL-0153 (file Mataira2.doc, part of tape two).

Date: 17 Mar 2000 - 17 Mar 2002

From: Otaki oral history project

By: Davis, Margaret Rangimakaora, 1934-; Selby, Rachael Ann, 1949-

Reference: OHInt-0673-10

Description: Margaret Rangimakaora Davis was born on the Ngatokowaru Marae, Hokio, Levin, in 1934. Mentions her six brothers, attending Horowhenua College, moving to Otaki in 1948, life on the Marae, the Jacob family, and the value placed on education. Notes that te reo Maori was not taught. Recalls her mother, Alma Winiata, delivering babies on the Marae. Mentions her father, Tamihana Winiata, was secretary of the Otaki Maori Racing Club. Mentions co-workers at the Pop Inn Dairy. Describes working in the office at Edhouses Drapery Store from 1949-1986. Recalls her mother minded her children while she worked. Mentions Mr Edhouse lending money to Maori pensioners. Talks about changes in shops in Main Street, and several shop owners. Describes courting Whatakaraka Davis, attending dances, motion pictures, basketball and rugby together. Recalls their formal engagement and marriage in 1948. Talks about borrowing money from the bank, recalls learning to drive a car. Talks about being in a marching team, touring, uniforms, and painting her legs uniform white for competitions. Mentions playing netball. Recalls that Lucy Jacob was a key organiser on the Ngatokowaru Marae, and church service on the Marae, led by Paora (Paul) Temuera. Talks about confirmation at All Saints Church, her husband's being christened so he could marry, and the midnight service. Talks about the impact of Te Wananga o Raukawa on the community. Refers to the revival of the Maori language. Describes changes to the town and in transport. Interviewer(s) - Rachael Selby Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC-11062 Quantity: 1 C90 cassette(s). 1 printed abstract(s). 1.30 Hours and minutes Duration. Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete OHA-3870. Photo of Whakakaraka and Margaret at the Otaki Maori Racing Club (no date). Photocopy of photo of Margaret at her 21st birthday Search dates: 1934 - 1990

Date: 1835-1881

By: Buller, James (Rev), 1812-1884

Reference: MS-Papers-9381

Description: Folder contains two inward letters in Maori to Buller with English translations. The first letter is written by Tekati (Scott) from Canterbury on 6 Jun 1866. Tekati discusses his role as a Maori teacher and leader of religous services. The second letter is written by Wiremu Patene from Waipa on 16 Apr 1867. Patene discusses the erection of a wooden school-house and the removal of buildings on the Kopua. The verso of this leaf includes addresee details as Wi Patene care of W Searaneke Esq., Ngaruwahia. Annotated with brief financial details. Both letters and translations are mounted on card. The verso of the Tekati mounting includes four envelope covers. These relate to English postal history. Two are postmarked 1835, and one is annotated in pencil as Aug 1881. Source of title - Supplied by Library Quantity: 1 folder(s). 0.01 Linear Metres. Physical Description: Mss

Date: 08 March 1995 - 08 Mar 1995

From: Sound recordings about Ngati Poneke

By: Mataira, Meri, 1923-1995; Dennis, Jonathan Spencer, 1953-2002; Grace, Patricia Frances, 1937-

Reference: OHInt-0600-13

Description: Meri Mataira (nee Black) was born ca 1924, in Westport. Mentions her mother, Ma Black (of Taranaki descent), a widow with four children, and that the Maori widow pension was less than the Pakeha one. Mentions the Taranaki confiscated land fund. Talks about family moving to Wellington in 1934 when she was 10 or 11, for better opportunities. Talks going to the Maori church at St Thomas', Newtown, and more or less meeting the whole Maori community there. Recalls that there were few Maori families in Wellington then. Talks about her mother's role as organiser, coach, cook and fundraiser for the Ngati Poneke club, the Lady Pomare Welfare Committee, related dances, and activities with the armed services during World War II. Comments that she thinks her mother and Ana Ranikite should be decorated for their work for Maori in Wellington. Talks about attending Gilbey's Commercial College on leaving school, working as a shorthand typist at Columbo Pictures, the Native Land Court and then at parliament for the Native Affairs Minister from 1942-1947. Mentions Te Raumoa Baleavis, Paraiti Paekia and the Maori Labour Party. Talks about the departure of the Maori Battalion from Wellington, when Ngati Poneke sang a farewell onboard the HMS Ramillies for the first echelon, and gave a piupiu as kaitiaki for the ship. Mentions the public disruption when the club performed for the second echelon's departure, while the soldiers' families were kept off the wharf. Describes the Battalion's return, bringing the 'mate' home. Explains that the cream of Maoridom was wiped out at the war. Mentions the traumatic post-war period for Maori when first born men, knowledge and Maori land were lost, the latter for war purposes under the Public Works Act. Talks about visiting returned soldiers in hospital for the Welfare Committee. Talks about club trips, such as the Akaroa celebrations and the re-dedication of Tama Te Kapua Marae in Rotorua. Recalls her Ngati Poneke piupiu. Other - Dick Grace and Iwa, Meri's daughter were present at the interview. Interviewer(s) - Jonathan Dennis Interviewer(s) - Patricia Grace Quantity: 1 C60 cassette(s). 1 C90 cassette(s). 1 transcript(s). 2.30 Hours and minutes Duration. Finding Aids: Abstract Available - transcript(s) available OHA 3650; MSDL-0153 (file Mataira2.doc, part of tape two). Search dates: 1937 - 1948

Date: 27 Jun 1998

From: Welsh Society of Wellington Oral History Project

By: Pearson, William Watkin (Rev), 1919-2009

Reference: OHInt-0728/03

Description: Rev William Watkin (Billie) Pearson talks about his home birth in Glamorganshire, Wales, 1919, explaining that the local hospital was used for wounded soldiers from the first World War. Describes education in Wales, learning to play the violin and leaving school because of Depression. Recalls getting job in the South Wales Evening Post as office boy before joining the Great Western Railway in 1937 joining the telegraph service. Describes experiences of bombing during World War II, air raid shelters and refers to deafness. Recalls marriage in 1941 and having to apply for extra rationing coupons for wedding. Recalls first impressions of New Zealand on 18 July 1954 and feeling that after Glasgow, New Zealand was far behind the times. Describes mode of transport from Lyall Bay to the Hutt. Talks about his ministering in many cities in New Zealand as well as Australia, Papua New Guinea and Vanuatu. Describes Papua New Guinea as being his first love after New Zealand and talks about training nationals at a bible school there. Recalls being Principal of the Bible College at Te Nikau, Paraparaumu. Mentions joining the Porirua Maori Church in 1983 and talks about the use of the Maori language, culture and christianity within the church. Describes work after retirement, being minister for ten weeks at Whitby and Paremata Baptist Churches. Discusses his poetry and story writing, having twice won the Ellen Griffin Memorial cup for poetry in the Welsh Society competitions. Mentions the Raphael Jones Memorial cup for short stories. Describes time in Keri-keri and meetings held at the home of Grandma Strongman. Refers to five visits back home in forty-four years. Access Contact - see oral history librarian Interviewer(s) - Linda Bevan Smith Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC-011792-011794 Quantity: 3 C60 cassette(s). 1 printed abstract(s). 2.30 Hours and minutes Duration. Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete OHA-4091.

Date: 1963

From: Westra, Ans, 1936-2023: Photographs

Reference: AWM-0602-F

Description: Scenes of the Te Runa family at home, Ruatoria, also shown is people attending a church service in Torere, taken in 1963 by Ans Westra. Unless otherwise stated all persons are unidentified. Images show the Te Runa family at home in Ruatoria and include children lying in bed as well as sitting on a couch reading. Also shown are scenes from a church service in Torere. Some of the images in the set AWM-0582 to AWM-0602 were published in 'Washday at the Pa'. Source of descriptive information - Notes written by Westra and filed with proof sheets. Quantity: 4 b&w original negative(s) 120 strips containing 10 images. Physical Description: Cellulose acetate roll film

Date: 1963

From: Westra, Ans, 1936-2023: Photographs

Reference: AWM-0603-F

Description: Scenes from a church service in Torere, taken in 1963 by Ans Westra. Unless otherwise stated all persons are unidentified. Images show people attending a church service and include, children reading from a bible, people exiting the church and two men standing outside, leaning against the back of a truck. Frame 5 shows Mrs R.K Toni at prayer. Source of descriptive information - Notes written by Westra and filed with proof sheets. Quantity: 4 b&w original negative(s) 120 strips containing 12 images. Physical Description: Cellulose acetate roll film Processing information: Digitisation details - Original negatives digitised by Suite Tirohanga.

Date: 1963

From: Westra, Ans, 1936-2023: Photographs

Reference: AWM-0604-F

Description: Scenes from a church service in Torere, taken in 1963 by Ans Westra. Unless otherwise stated all persons are unidentified. Images show people attending a church service and include, children reading from bibles, a koroua standing outside and a kuia reading from a bible at the front of the church. Source of descriptive information - Notes written by Westra and filed with proof sheets. Quantity: 4 b&w original negative(s) 120 strips containing 12 images. Physical Description: Cellulose acetate roll film Processing information: Digitisation details - Original negatives digitised by Suite Tirohanga.

Date: 10 Apr 1965

From: Kapunga Te Matemoana (Koro) Dewes collection of sound recordings

Reference: OHT5-1580

Description: Contents: Ringatu Church (a) Introduction of their personal roles in the church (Pitau Brown and Joe King) (b) The structure of the church (c) Some religious ceremonies. 10 April 1965. Quantity: 1 5" reel(s). 56 Minutes Duration. Physical Description: Physical Characteristics -. tracks - ¼ Finding Aids: Abstract Available - other Catalogue of Recordings from the Koro Dewes Collection.