Whena - My story

An oral history of Whena's mid-1930s childhood and schooling in a Maori village before electricity was installed, and horses and wagons were the means of transport. Her childhood stories open a priceless window into rural Maori life in the 1930s and 40s. As a 15 year old, she was sent to the large city of Auckland where she first confronts European society, attending Auckland Girls' Grammar School. Struggling with English and culture shock, she slowly adapts to Western life. The story continues with her experiences as a young teacher and then studying at the Bible Training Institute in Auckland. A frank and humorous account all mediated through Whena's colourful voice.