Geoffrey Bridson of the BBC interviews Ruhi Pururu, Mr Coughlan, and Ati Kirimoa Te Haera about the Māori Land Development Scheme initiated by Sir Apirana Ngata. The interview takes place on Ruhi Pururu's farm in the Rotorua district.
The recording begins with greetings in Te Reo Māori by Ruhi Pururu. He speaks about his farmland, which used to be 'wasteland' prior to the development scheme, which began in the early 1930s. Now it is all grassed, and used for sheep farming - around 350 acres, with 850 sheep.
Mr Coughlan speaks about winter feeding, which includes swede, carrots, and hay. He then gives details about the sheep - on the farm they run the Romney cross ewe with the Southdown ram for the lamb market. He says they can depend on 100% lambing in this district.
Ruhi Pururu speaks about the start of the development of the land, which began after ragwort overran the area. Mr Pururu and Mr Te Haera were the first two farmers to develop their land in the area.
Ati Kirimoa Te Haera then speaks about his farm, which is of 600 acres with 500 sheep, and some dairy cows also. Mr Coughlan says the Jersey cow is the most popular breed of cow for the region, as it is a good milker.
Ruhi Pururu says Te Arawa is the main tribe of the area, with other sub-tribes also. He belongs to Ngati Tura himself. This is his ancestral land, his ancestors have inhabited the area for 400 years. The first tribe in the area was Te Arawa, migrating inland after landing at Maketu. He says there was no farming in the area before the pakeha came, the people lived off the supplies of the forest - pigeon, kaka, and tui. Mr Pururu (laughing) says he would be trespassing on the law if he shot pigeons to eat now. Traditionally kereru would be cooked in a hangi, and there were other methods to preserve the birds also.
They also talk about traditional Māori hospitality. It is very important to Māori to have something to offer visitors when they arrive. There is further discussion about kereru being an appropriate food to offer visitors.
There is then discussion on traditional Māori song and dance, which are still being held onto in the area.