Annual New Zealand Oral History Awards
Annual New Zealand Oral History
Awards
Yellow-eyed penguins and their conservation, a look into Westport life, Niue elders’ experience of living in New Zealand and union history are some of the topics granted funding in this year’s New Zealand Oral History Awards (NZOH).
“These awards enable people to tell their stories and ensure they are recorded for both current generations and those who follow,” Alison Parr, Senior Oral Historian, Manatū Taonga Ministry for Culture and Heritage (Ministry) said today.
“Nine oral histories have received a total of more than $55,000 in NZOH awards funding for projects which will make a significant contribution to understanding New Zealand’s history,” Alison Parr said.
“The NZOH awards committee was fortunate to consider a high calibre of applications and those selected will bring new insights into history of a diversity of groups. This year we are particularly pleased to see oral histories gathered from the Niuean, Samoan and Lebanese communities.
“Setup in 1990 with a $1 million gift from the Australian government to commemorate New Zealand’s sesquicentennial of the signing of Te Tiriti o Waitangi these awards are for recording the oral history of New Zealand and its close association with other South Pacific countries.
“In the 25 years since the awards were established more than $2 million has been given to some 400 community groups and individuals,” Alison Parr said.
Administered by the Ministry
applications for NZOH awards are considered by historians
from across New Zealand and a representative from the
Alexander Turnbull Library’s Oral History and Sound
Archive.
The applicants experience and ability to
complete the work is also considered when awards are
granted. In some cases funding is for pilot projects and
oral history training.
Project Overviews
An Oral History of the
Samoana Rugby League Team (Otago, 1964-1967) ($3,000)
Formed in 1964 by Leota Lulu Lome the
Samoana Rugby League Team brought together members of the
Samoan working community and Samoan students from Otago
University. Three time winners of the Otago League
Premiership before disbanding the project will unveil the
story of a small immigrant community that made its mark in a
new land.
Contact Aaron Taouma, phone 022 123 1050, aaron.taouma1@gmail.com
Coasters: Interviews with Westport Area
Residents ($7,200)
Oral historian Julie Benjamin
will interview six people in the community who were born or
raised in or near Westport between 1926 and 1936. Set
against a background of isolation when Westport was often
cut-off by floods, slips and earthquakes the interviews will
cover the childhood and teenage memories of
participants.
Contact Julie Benjamin 09 6346800, Julie.benjamin@vodafone.co.nz
The Hatching of a New Approach to Conservation
($10,000)
In 1987 the Yellow-eyed Penguin Trust
pioneered a radical new approach to species conservation in
New Zealand with a charitable trust undertaking the
management of an endangered species for the first time.
Collaboration with a corporate, also a first-time, followed
and founding Trustees will be interviewed about the
formative years and what it means today.
Contact Sue
Murray (03) 479 0011, sue@yeptrust.org.nz
The
Lebanese Community in Wellington
($2,258)
Lebanese families have made a
significant contribution to Wellington’s cultural
diversity, social and economic history and special
character. Two older Lebanese women, now living in Auckland
for family reasons, will be interviewed by social researcher
Marina Fontein so their stories and experience can be added
to the histories previously recorded.
Contact Marina
Fontein (04) 477 4725, marina@fontein.net.nz
New Zealand Society of Authors Oral History
Project – Stage 111 ($11,922)
Eight oral
histories with authors who are active members of the New
Zealand Society of Authors (Pen NZ) will continue the
documentation of events and issues through the eyes of
contemporary New Zealand authors. Both the author’s
contribution to Pen NZ, with many holding office, and their
contribution to New Zealand’s literature scene will be a
focus.
Contact Jackie Dennis (09) 379 4801, director@nzauthors.org.nz
Rex Jones and Trade Union
Leadership in New Zealand 1983-2000 ($8,000)
The
years 1983 to 2000 saw some significant changes in the
history of New Zealand’s political economy including
liberalisation and deregulation of the economy and three
changes of government. National Secretary of the Engineering
Printing and Manufacturing Union, Rex Jones was also a
member of the Federation of Labour and Council of Trade
Union Executives. Other union leaders will also contribute
to the project.
Contact Mike Smith (04) 973 7245, mikesmith464@gmail.com
Takitaki Momotua, Vagahau Niue Trust
($3,000)
The Vagahau Niue Trust, based in
Auckland, will undertake a pilot programme and talk with
Niuean elders who arrived in New Zealand from the 1960s to
1980s to gain their experience of acceptance, the economic
and political climate and the educational experience of
their children and grand-children. Vagahau Niue has been
identified as an endangered language.
Contact Tina
O’Halloran (09) 298 3229, vagahauniuetrust@gmail.com
Te Wharepora o Ngati Rangiwewehi: Weaving an
Identity as Ngati Rangiwewehi ($7,500)
This
project will record the history of Ngati Rangiwewehi weaving
so the stories are not lost and the knowledge interwoven in
the stories will be passed onto others. Weaving supports
tribal language proficiency, environmental sustainability
and strengthens tribal protocols and tikanga. A wananga will
start the process.
Contact Rangimarie Mahuika, 07
8562485, rangimariemahuika@gmail.com
VSA – Volunteers who Brought Back a
Partner or Spouse ($1,837)
Building on previous
oral histories this interview will tell the story of a
couple who met in the Solomon Islands and how the male
partner now spends time in New Zealand and back in his home
country. The research will highlight whether the experiences
of men coming to this country as a spouse is harder than it
is for women.
Contact Jiff Stewart (04) 4757 613, jiffstewart@yahoo.com
ENDS