Overview This interview was recorded as part of the About Us Voices of Southland collection. In this interview Gwen talks of her family, of being raised by Emmy May Ross a Deaconess in the Presbyterian Church, her education and the meeting of her husband Gary. She goes on to tell of her arrival on Stewart Island, the challenges of living here and of married life her. Gwen describes a full life of involvement in the community through her children’s school, Brownies, local politics, Community Trust and...

Overview Carl tells of his family history and life growing up in a large family on a dairy farm around Rotorua. Deer Culling for skins brought him south to Glenorchy, after which he returned to milling at the Tapanui Mill. He goes on to describe and explain his employment in forestry and in the sawmilling industry where he started and owned a mill in Lumsden. He discusses the various contracts and growth of this business.

Overview In this interview Jack tells of his family, growing up on the farm i.e. the home, going to school, food chores etc. He goes on to talk of his marriage and children; and describes the war years and its effect on his family i.e. death of his brother. Jack also talks about the history of their farm e.g. 3 generations, accidents and type of farming.

Overview In this interview Donald recalls family history dating back to Great Grandparents and the history of their/his property at Greenbush, his own early life and family life and education. After leaving school he went to shearing school and took over the running of the family farm with his brother Robert. He tells of the various farming practices during this time. The family was eventually sold to his son Scott.

Overview In this interview Helen talks of her family history, life and education in Australia and her family’s love of music and her passion for ballet. She also looks at her sibling’s careers and marriages and her own career in physiotherapy. She then talks of her own marriage, children, life on the farm, farming practice and crops grown e.g. Fescue seed, Cockswood Grass, Red Clover and the planting of a forestry block. Helen also looks at her husband John’s family history and her social life centred...

Overview In this interview James talks of his family history and the arrival of his father, who was a baker, to New Zealand in 1902. Father and Uncle had a bakery first in Balfour then in Otautau before buying a farm with brother Tom in 1902. James tells of his parents wedding and his father’s involvement in the community. He recalls memories of school days, education at the Southern Technical College and the declaration of World War 2. He goes onto tell of his recreational past times, religion and...

Overview In this interview, Malcolm talks about his family background and farm life on Heatherlea Farm (East Limehills, Southland), as well as physical details of the farm. He describes roles of family members in farm and household work; rabbit control activities during childhood; owners of neighboring farms; changes in farming practices and in the farming community; attendance at Limehills School and Browns School; father’s illness and early death; background on Otapiri Hall and Otapiri Dance Club;...

Overview In this interview Margery covers family history from her Grandparents forward. She tells of her childhood, siblings, growing up, friends and education. She shares memories of school days, teachers, favourite subjects, friends and attending Salvation Army Church. Margery left school at 13 and a half and gained employment at Strang’s first making jelly then making tins and gives some detail of this. She also talks of ration books and how they worked during the war. She left Strang’s after working...

Overview In this interview Freda looks at family history, early life, education, childhood chores, the fire that destroyed their home, her first job and the work environment at Strang’s. She recalls social life, meeting her husband and wartime. Freda tells of her marriage to Bryan, the building of their home and life at Gore Road where they lived for 30 years. They went to Australia for 2 years before returning home. Freda lived in Glengarry and she mentions the community and businesses in Glengarry....

Overview This interview was undertaken as part of the celebrations for the 50th Anniversary of Eastside Baptist Church in 2012. In this interview Gwenith recalls family history, memories of school days, and involvement with the Hawthorndale Baptist Church. She tells of marriage, family, their first home and the building of their second home at Wallacetown. Paul Aronsen recalls the building of Yarrow Street.