Overview Johanna discusses life in Amsterdam, her parents’ history, her childhood, education and the war in Holland and its affects e.g. bombing, lack of food, and the end of the war. She goes on to talk of coming to NZ and getting to Invercargill, employment, her marriage to Hank who was a builder, life and children in Invercargill. She recalls visits home to Holland and the Invercargill Dutch Club as well Mission Without Boarders which she set up in Southland.

Overview This interview was recorded as part of the About Us Voices of Southland collection. Alistair was born in Glasgow. During World War 2 his family returned to NZ by boat and there is a description of this hazardous experience. He compares life in Southland to Scotland e.g. farming techniques. His working life was spent farming which he describes i.e. impact of dairying on rural communities and changes to farming practice. Alistair had a close affinity with Scottish roots-societies which he...

Overview In this interview Archie gives a family history and an account of where his ancestors settled in New Zealand on arrival from Scotland. He tells of the depression and growing up during it; and gives an account of how his family brought him up, looking at being an only child and chores he had to do e.g. prepare the copper for wash days and growing a veggie garden. He goes on to tell of his times spent on his grandparents’ farm e.g. with cousins, the process of milking, and rabbit shooting. He...

Overview In this interview Ewen describes his family history in detail, dating back to his grandfather’s journey to NZ via goldmining in Australia and the establishing himself in farming in NZ. He refers to a book ‘One Hundred Years at Morton Mains’ which records his grandparents and their descendants. He discusses his relationship with his father and their religious beliefs. Ewen goes on to discuss tractors and their advancement in farming, deer stalking and culling, joining the army, friendships...

Overview In this interview Robert recounts his early memories of living in Indonesia until the age of 8 when his family returned to the Netherlands. He recalls his education, his father’s work and details life in the Netherlands during the German occupation of WW2. His father was shot by collaborators. Robert goes onto recall his education after the war and studying welding. At the age of 23 he came to NZ. He describes his journey on the Southern Cross and later his trip to Invercargill by train. He...

Overview In this interview Clara recalls her early life, family, education, growing up around Tuatapere, employment, being a member of the Volunteer Aids Group during the war and marriage.