Spectrum 143. A stone's throw to isolation

Rights Information
Year
1975
Reference
33191
Media type
Audio
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Rights Information
Year
1975
Reference
33191
Media type
Audio
Duration
00:25:30
Credits
RNZ Collection
Riley, Stephen, Producer
Elkington, Turi Ruruku, Speaker/Kaikōrero

Stephen Riley visits D'Urville Island on the northern outskirts of the Marlborough Sounds and looks at the way of life of the people there.

French Pass has shaped the lives of the 12 families who farm D'Urville, separating it from the mainland. Turi Elkington is a 4th generation islander and is the local mailman, boatman and fishing guide. He is interviewed on board his boat and talks about incidents he has had at sea. [There is intermittent audio interference.]

Rod and Ann Moyle talk about what they enjoy about life on D'Urville, including the native birdlife, in the absence of rabbits and possums. They find it very peaceful now they have power supplied, as they don't have the constant noise of a generator any more.

The Moyle's neighbours, the Wells family: Graham and Helen and their children Hugh, Jamie and Julie are interviewed. The children talk about what they like about living on D'Urville. Graham talks about shooting deer only for meat but pigs have to be kept under control as they destroy the grazing land. He says isolation is the main problem they face. Helen talks about the children who are educated via Correspondence School. She is asked her views on 'women's liberation.'

Stephen Riley visits Shirley Woodman who farms at Greville Harbour, an hour's drive away by Landrover on a rough road. She recalls there were very few roads at all in her early married life on the island and boat was the main means of transport. She comments about island life for women.

Stephen and Rod Moyle head across Greville Harbour to visit Fred Leo. Rod talks about once finding a skeleton on the beach. Fred talks about getting films sent down from Auckland to screen and gathering the neighbours together to view them.

They drive by Landrover back across the island to French Pass and Turi's boat.