H0330 Rebecca Jane Clark

Interviewer: Rebecca Amundsen

Abstracter: April Milligan

Interview: 11 February 2018

TRACK One

00.27 REBECCA JANE CLARK 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. Wen to MENZIES COLLEGE until 3rd Form. Then SOUTHLAND GIRLS HIGH SCHOOL. Travelling by SCHOOL BUS meant missed out on activities like extra sports but 45-minute trip was fun with friends from a variety of schools. Sometimes regretted not being able to have a city lifestyle and missing out - 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 Recalls being at the birth of her younger brother as a 9-year-old. Played with him as a baby.

7.10 As a big sister was initially jealous, being close to her Mum’s family in SHANNON and the only child. Very fond memories of Nana and Grandad. Describes her relationship with her brother.

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

11.26 Recalls enjoying studying History. Until the end of High School followed Arts and Science topics. At 5th Form Level did well in 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. 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 she would type up very accurate notes he recalled from his lecture.

01.00 OTAGO UNIVERSITY at 18 years. Went to CUMBERLAND HALL living with about 200 other girls. Describes freedom. Studied Bachelor of Arts, with History, English and Spanish. Parents encouraged her in her choices: ponies, judo, netball, tennis, water polo. Recalls sport when at school in North Island. 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 helped find a work place for her to help support her living in WELLINGTON. ARCHIVES NEW ZEALAND needed someone to process Military History from TRENTHAM with people inquiring information from the documents. One contract led onto more work until Archives Assistant became available forcing a decision about continuing study or becoming an Archivist full time. Took 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 position as an Archivist in INVERCARGILL came up. Applied to please her Mum. When she was offered the job she took it thinking for a period of 2 years. (Now 9.5 years ago) 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 Describes how met her future husband. 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 and plans for work and having a baby. 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. Describes balancing being Mum and doing other things. Comments on judgements of working women.

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 not having local support. Breast feeding vs formula. Discusses issues around using formula. Comments very hard for Mothers who can’t breastfeed.

03.55 Discusses things learnt at ante natal classes. Baby 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 e.g.; 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. Discusses ongoing issues e.g.; “HARVEY WEINSTEIN’, work and pay equality. Also criticism people face about marriage partners or gender differences. 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. Discusses hope for son’s views and her own.

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.