Tales of the Kaipara retold

Stories of rebellion and redemption are the essence of life on the Kaipara. What happened to the promising boxer who ventured into Tapu Bush? Where are the lost babies of Paparoa buried, and why? These stories uncover cultural pathways that give meaning to our past, and inspire who we are today.

Forgotten Tales of the Kaipara is an intriguing audio compilation which shares the social history of a region, told by five longstanding Kaipara locals.

“As people pass, so do their memories, their first-hand experiences, and often the knowledge that gives context to the way we do things now,” says interview curator Luciana Orr. “These stories and reflections are both interesting and important. I wanted to make them accessible and to create a record of time, people and place.”

Ngati Whatua kaumatua, Ben Hita, shares stories from his youth at Pouto and reflections of life on the Kaipara.

“Our job at night was to catch the eels, and the old people would come in and split them all. They were huge, they would have been 200 (mm) round, you know, big horns on their heads. We were told not to handle them…”

Stella Clyde of Paparoa tells of her father’s contribution to early radio on the Kaipara, and Matakohe born Joy Bonham recalls the revered toheroa expeditions. Pete Panhuis, knowledgeable guide at The Kauri Museum, recounts tales of early days in Matakohe, Paparoa and Ruawai.

“He slipped between two logs. It was like going through a ringer and he injured his back severely. They brought father home lying on a stretcher…”

Pahi local Kerry Bonham, remembers a rebellion in Ararua that reached the ears of the world.

Recorded and compiled by artist Luciana Orr, this project was created with the support of Creative Communities funding. Copies of the CD are being gifted to libraries in the Kaipara region and publicly funded organisations in the Kaipara like schools, can request the MP3 version for free.

Copies of the MP3 version can be purchased by emailing the artist and a limited number of CDs are also currently available.

Based in Matakohe, Luciana has a qualification in audio engineering and a strong interest in culture and heritage preservation. Spanning over 30 years, her work as

an illustrator of heritage architecture has captured, in perpetuity, many buildings of historic significance.

n Listen to a story sample online at illustrator-luciana-orr.com/forgotten-tales-of-the-kaipara-audio-mp3/. To request Forgotten Tales of the Kaipara or buy an MP3 version of the entire recording email info@illustrator-luciana-orr.com

An interest and background in culture and heritage has fuelled Luciana Orr’s latest project – recording five locals who tell their stories of the Kaipara. PHOTO/SUPPLIED