GWEN MEYER NEAVE

Interviewee: Gwen Meyer Neave

Abstractor: Robyn Powley

Track 1

00:14 Introduction of Gwen and explanation of her home’s meaning – Describes

03:25 First two years in hospital with DOUBLE PNEUMONIA – raised by mother’s friend – separate life from siblings and parents – Explains

04:59 Thirteen siblings with five still alive – names them and where they are living – made contact after marriage – Explains

06:41 Legal guardian – EMMY MAY ROSS – EDENDALE - Deaconess in the Presbyterian Church, NUHAKA – In charge of a hostel for Maori girls – Describes

07:41 Life of a deaconess – Describes

08:14 Moved to DUNEDIN for schooling at 17

08:44 Influences of ‘AUNTY MAY’ on her life – PRESBYTERIAN influences – Describes

10:01 Sent to DUNEDIN and QUEEN’S HIGH, UNIVERSITY education and holidays – Recalls

12:23 TURAKINA MAORI GIRLS’ COLLEGE compares with her DUNEDIN schooling – Recalls

14:06 Trip to STEWART ISLAND, FERNDALE GUEST HOUSE - Met future husband GARY - Recalls

15:00 End of Track 1

TRACK 2

00:01 Reactions and feelings when seeing Stewart Island for the first time, MARRIAGE – Describes

02:15 Challenges of living on the Island, NO ELECTRICITY, GENERATORS – Describes

03:44 Challenges of married life, learning to cook, FERNDALE, MOTHER-IN-LAW – Discussed

05:18 Children – TWINS – SCHOOL involvement – BROWNIES – LOCAL POLITICS – HORSESHOE BAY – CHOIRS – WOMEN’S INSTITUTE Singing competitions – Describes

07:49 Men’s involvement – OPERATIC GROUP – OWEN GERRARD – Drama workshop 1981 – Describes

09:40 Benefits of group involvement in productions – Recalls

10:18 HOUSE CONCERTS – SOUTHERN REGIONAL ARTS COUNCIL – hosting visiting artists programme involvement – Describes

12:52 Local school children access to great artists – Discusses

13:32 ALISON BROAD personal and community friendship – brought women speakers to the Island – REAP CEO – Discusses

15:00 End of Track 2

TRACK 3

00:45 Son JOHN’S involvement with the PLAYERS – Discusses

01:45 1996 – ARTS COUNCIL – MAORI ARTS BOARD – Many opportunities – Describes

03:06 Practicalities of this busy life – 1990s house bought in INVERCARGILL – Discusses

04:39 ARTS ADVOCATE – opportunities – Discusses

06:26 Involvement of the ISLAND MEN in the PLAYERS – Discusses

08:38 COMMUNITY TRUST OF SOUTHLAND and TOI RAKIURA ARTS TRUST involvement and help – Discusses

10:33 Lots of time passes while a window is opened, which is followed by a discussion on what PHOTO GWEN has of herself that would be suitable for BECS

15:00 End of Track 3

TRACK 4

00:34 Position in the COMMUNITY TRUST 1992 – SOUTHLAND SAVINGS BANK – WESTPAC – STOCK BROKING – Describes

03:30 Networks across SOUTHLAND broadened - SOUTHLAND DISTRICT COUNCIL- Describes

04:12 DAN DAVIN FOUNDATION – his life and achievements – LITERARY AWARD - Describes

08:02 COMMUNITY TRUST GROUP – NORMAN JONES FOUNDATION – his life and achievements – SECOND CHANCE EDUCATION – Explains

10:19 How are people are appointed to trusts – Explains

11:46 Passion for BALLET – Explains

12:48 GARY HARRIS – Director of the Ballet Company – Explains

14:39 MAORI influence/relevance to her LIFE CHOICES

15:00 End of Track 4

TRACK 5

00:23 Attending TURAKINA MAORI GIRLS COLLEGE – KAPA HAKA – Church choral history – introduction of music and the arts desire to make things happen – therapeutic benefits - Describes 03:27 ‘A gift of performance’ - Describes

04:33 Who do you feel you are first and foremost – a Stewart Islander or a Southlander? – Describes and Explains

07:56 “Absolutely awesome!” – Description of life on Stewart Island – Explains

End of Track 5