H0330 Rebecca Jane Clark

Interviewer: Rebecca Amundsen

Abstracter: April Milligan

Interview: 11 February 2018

TRACK One

00.27 REBECCA JANE CLARK was born 1984.

01.15 Born SHANNON, PALMERSTON NORTH. Brother 9 years younger - like a second Mum to him. Family moved to SOUTHLAND in 1976 (Intermediate School age). Father got job at EDENDALE DAIRY FACTORY. Mother made redundant from POST BANK in the NORTH ISLAND but in SOUTHLAND did casual work in the Factory and later some work for MOSSBURN ENTERPRISES in KENNINGTON before retiring.

02.54 Spent time around EDENDALE in the countryside attending MENZIES COLLEGE until 3rd Form before moving to SOUTHLAND GIRLS HIGH SCHOOL. Travelling by School Bus meant she missed out on activities like extra sports. The 45 minute bus trip was fun with friends from a variety of schools. Sometimes regretted not being able to have a city lifestyle and missing out then but views have changed now older. Had ponies to ride and wasn’t scared to get her hands dirty.

4.57 Would like a country lifestyle for her children. Lived in INVERCARGILL with her husband until she had children and then moved to back to EDENDALE. Husband’s family on a local farm and perhaps one day they will move on to take it over for the fourth generation.

5.47 Remembers being at the birth of her younger brother as a 9 year old. Two student Nurses each had a hand on her shoulder and when her Mum made a noise they squeezed her shoulder. The lasting memory is of the shoulder pain but no gory details. Played with him as a baby, convincing her Mum to have another baby. Her job in the car journey was to time the contractions.

7.10 As a big sister was initially jealous, being close to her Mum’s family in SHANNON and the only child for so long getting all the attention. Very fond memories of Nana and Grandad. A great relationship with her brother now. Became frustrated with him during his early Primary School stage because she expected him to catch the ball in a game and he couldn’t. In late High School days when had driving license drove him and his friends to the Movies and take-aways for his birthday. His friend commented on the ‘cool’ sister and no adults for the excursion. Would get a call from her brother to minimize damage control with her parents after a misdemeanor. Brother lived with her when he was at High School so he could take part in a lot of cross curricular activities. Now he is early 20s and at University she is not Mumsie but sister.

10.04 Recalls at 18 years helping him at 9 years with his homework.

11.26 Recalls enjoying studying History but had a terrible memory for things. Until the end of High School followed Arts and Science topics. At 5th Form Level got a really good mark A for Economics because there was a formula to it. Teacher MRS BROWNING allowed the class to make Rocky Road on 5th Period on Friday afternoons. Even in 7th Form there was a tossup between a future in Arts or Science. Dad said “Do whatever you find interesting because you’re a long time working”. Concentrated then on History and English for University but not a big reader. Mum was encouraging about being a teacher following a secret wish of her own. Dad been in the Dairy Industry for over 35 years.

14.00 Recalls Mum saying that she had enjoyed school but was expected to leave at the end of 6th Form to go out working. Suspects Mum would have liked to have gone on in Education even to University. Mum very supportive of education and following what you want to do and take opportunities.

TRACK 2

00.05 Dad left school at 14 years following undiagnosed Dyslexia (diagnosed as an adult). Recounts that he has the best memory of anyone. Mum supported him getting his 5th Form Certificate so that he could get work at the Dairy Factory. When she went to University he took on studying some University papers. They met after lectures in Dunedin and REBECCA would type up very accurate notes he recalled from his lecture.

01.00 OTAGO UNIVERSITY at 18 years meant the first access to true freedom. Went to CUMBERLAND HALL living with about 200 other girls. Sense of being an adult without having to check in with anyone. No school uniform, no roll call. Made a decision to study for a Bachelor of Arts, with History, English and Spanish. Parents encouraged her in her choices: ponies, judo, netball, tennis, water polo. A School in the North Island was a small country school and everyone had to play a sport to make it happen. Remembers not being a fan of cricket and sitting on the outfield making daisy chains, covered by 2 keen players but still having a turn at bat. Mum did comment on was she going to teach after doing a BA, as there is no set career path from doing a BA. Teaching was her Plan B.

05.10 In her 3rd year at University moved away from the idea of teaching to working in a museum moving to WELLINGTON to do Post Graduate work in Museum Heritage studies. The Head of Department queried reasons for choice of study. Response,” I have a BA and I’ve never been to a Museum and I’d like to find out why people like me never visit them.” She was the only person there not in love with museums.

06.40 Mum researched everywhere in WELLINGTON to seek a work place for her to help support her living there. ARCHIVES NEW ZEALAND needed someone to process a recently received Military History from TRENTHAM with people inquiring information from the documents. One contract start led onto more work until Archives Assistant became available forcing a decision about continuing study or becoming an Archivist full time. The lure of money led to a full time Archivist position. Enjoyed being in the Reference section hunting for answers to peoples queries. Spent 2.5 years there.

07.48 Found she liked the city lifestyle but Mum informed her of a position as an Archivist in INVERCARGILL and although thought would never return to such a small place, appeased Mum by applying for the job. When she was offered the job she took it thinking for a period of 2 years. (Now 9.5years ago now 2018) She is now here to stay.

09.06 Social life in WELLINGTON can be thought of as an orphan city as most people from work she knew came from somewhere else. After a year to adapt joined a Badminton Club and some friends from High School or University were there too. Gained confidence with using Public Transport for the first time. Having a job and money meant more choices for entertainment.

10.31 Recalling being in INVERCARGILL she became comfortable, enjoyed the work and opportunity it provided setting up something new. By now she was 24 years and in charge of a department. Being near family, involved in sports groups, friendship network and enjoying the job the original 2 year deadline to leave went by.

12.17 Met future husband at TILLERMANS (former bar in TAY ST) knowing of him from playing netball with his older sister. From EDENDALE and remembered being on the school-bus together at High School for a couple of years. Older than him being in 7th Form when he was in 4th Form. Older kids sat at the back of the bus, younger down the front. Remembers him and his sister waiting for the bus at the farm gate. She avoided telling her parents about the relationship for 6 months because they knew everything about him and his family. They became engaged after 2.5 years and married 8 months later.

TRACK 3

00.05 Talks about starting a family and expectations. At 16 years thought would have a career, do some travelling, and have a family before 30 with a house and a husband. (Girls from High School fell into 2 groups, meet someone and get married early 20s or delay until 30s). Like the idea of leaving SOUTHLAND for some idealized future elsewhere.

04.02 Talks about being a planner. Looks at things from every perspective. The plan for work after discovering being pregnant was to take a year’s pregnancy leave (month 3 of that time at the time of the interview). Concerned about coverage at work while she was absent. Second in command was due to leave in 2 months’ time and decided to keep on checking in with staff. Having a son led to a change in perspective.about career aspirations. Giving up work was part of the plan so it was an easy decision. Having a family was important but utilizing Maternity Leave normal. Part time work would be a good balance. Sometimes has 2 hours away to play netball. A friend ‘coped flack for working after 9 months but thought she was a better Mum from going out to work.” Being away from her son makes her grateful on her return for being with her baby and renewed ability to deal with parenting. Calculating doing tasks with a baby is very different from pre baby days.

09.44 Discusses experiences with 3 months old son. Grateful for family support.

11.52 Discusses similar experiences of friends and Ante Natal group members with babies of a similar age. Discusses nappies and feeding.

TRACK 4

00.02 Discusses issues around looking after a baby. Friends from outside are not having local support. Breast feeding vs formula. Not being able to talk about formula at classes demonized it including having to sign a disclosure form at WINTON MATERNITY HOSPITAL to allow a formula top up to ensure a good baby sleep. Very hard for Mothers who can’t breastfeed.

03.55 Discusses things learnt at ante natal classes. Bay care in household. Some issues around being the HOMEMAKER. Husband supportive.

07.47 Comparisons from growing up and now being a Mum , advice has changed eg; giving baby solid food, sleeping on the back or side. Feels will largely bring up her children the same as she was brought up and especially wanting a close bond to Grandparents as she had in her upbringing.

09.07 Remarks: “there are different social influences from her Mum and herself”. Mum went back to work after her brother was born so not influenced by staying home after a birth attitudes. Talks about changing attitudes to breastfeeding.

11.15 125 years after Women gaining the vote signal changes. Then e.g.; “HARVEY WEINSTEIN’, points to problems with work and pay equality. Not having been a victim of pay inequality herself is surprised that other women have different experiences. Also criticism people face about marriage partners or gender differences. It shows there is still a lot of work to do on equality. Perhaps a minority have traditional views. Some will never change their view of set roles in life for men and women. Men in the role of stay at home Dad’s probably get the same flack for their choice. Women’s role has to get better. In raising a son hopes her and his Dad’s example will influence how he treats women. Still has a traditional attitude that the husband is the protector but doesn’t assume that is the way it has to be. Having a door opened is nice, be polite.

TRACK 5

00.03 Would feel disappointed if her son doesn’t treat women as equal. They will be just as smart as him and achieve just as much as him. Not to be a homemaker. Aims to teach him to cook so that he doesn’t expect women to do it for him all the time.and maybe Grandparents can teach him to sew.