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Raw interview with Ans Westra, photographer and author of 'Washday at the Pa'. She is interviewed in Parehauraki whare during the coronation hui at Turangawaewae Marae, Ngaruawahia, 1964.
She talks about her work over the last five years as a photographer amongst Māori. She says she has been to many hui both at Ngaruawahia and other marae. She mentions the controversy over 'Washday at the Pa' and comments on the unique way hui operate and how marae can cater for so many visitors.
She explains how she was initially not welcome to take photographs at Ngaruawahia but after some time she was permitted, after she got to know the people there. She has talked about the controversy over 'Washday' today with many people. She says the main objection was that it was seen as representative of typical Māori life, which she says was never intended. The book is being republished privately soon.
She is now working on a bigger book about Māori life.