Overview In this interview whilst Avis covers her family history dating back to her grandparents, she predominantly focuses on the flax industry through reflecting on and describing her family’s involvement in this industry, the history of the industry and its workers. Avis also covers her education, employment and siblings.

Overview At the beginning of this interview Chrissie tells of her grandparents settling in NZ. Her Grandfather, John Robert Lamb, initially at Inch Clutha before getting ballot land at Tokanui. She goes onto describe life both domestic and farming practices on their farm at Quarry Hills. Chrissie recalls her education, leisure activities, marriage, family, moving to and farming at Dipton. When her husband Bill passed away Chrissie worked at H&J Smiths in Invercargill for 20 years in the material...

Overview Sam moved to Stewart Island with his wife Linda. There is mention of Sam and ‘Billy the Bus’ on the Island. Predominantly Sam tells/describes his involvement in journalism e.g. started Stewart Island News in 1986-87. He talks of the plans for the first copy and explains the interest and involvement of others e.g. Allison Broad, Margaret Hopkins, and Mike Te Au; as well as the collecting and collating of articles and various topics covered e.g. transfer of Kakapo, Power and Sewage Scheme and the...

Overview In this interview Donald details his family history, shares memories and stories covering a variety of subjects e.g., saw milling, his education, interests, employment, war years, marriage, local identities and community from around Riverton and Western Southland.

Overview This interview is a topic based interview about the 1984 flood and was recorded following the 25th anniversary of the flood. Charles tells of the 1984 flood in Otautau. At the time he was the Deputy Chairman of the Otautau Community Board. He recalls and describes the lead up to the flood, e.g. warnings etc., and the need to balance the assistance of the Chairman and looking after his own family and home, which ended up being flooded. He talks about the after effects of the flood on homes and...

Overview Ritchie looks at the history of the family farm in Drummond i.e. the various owners and at his extended family. He describes crops and farming practices and he was educated at Isla bank School and Southland Technical College leaving school at 14 to work on the farm. He remembers Invercargill Show Days, Stock sales at Winton and his war years’ service. He purchased his farm with the support of father’s friend. He discusses the rabbit problem and control of this and general life e.g. kerosene...

Overview This interview was recorded as part of the About Us Voices of Southland collection. Jane has lived all her life in Southland and in this interview she tells of her family history; her involvement in mutton birding, the preparation required to go to the Islands and life there. In 1989 Jane was elected to the Ngai Tahu Trust Board which later became Te Rununga o Ngai Tahu. She discusses the settlement results, involvement in conservation projects in Southland and Maori heritage and culture.