Nora Huamānuka Pikia

Waimiha, Mōrehurehu and Weaving

Born in 1904 Nora Pikia spent much of her time in the environs and community of her tūpuna in Waimiha and Mōrehurehu in the King Country. She learned the skill and art of fine weaving from her mother at an early age.

In this excerpt Pikia talks about her upbringing in and around Waimiha and Mōrehurehu as well as learning the art of weaving.

Catalogue Reference 42496
Year 1993
Credits Interviewer: Puhi Rangiaho

Growing and Storing Food

Born before the outbreak of World War One, Pikia was from another world of values and expectation. A time when producing your own food and storing it correctly was the norm and could be the difference between making it through the lean times or not.

Pikia talks about bringing food forth from out of the land and storing for later use.

Collection reference 42496
Year 1993
Credits Interviewer: Puhi Rangiaho

World War One and the Flu

Aged 10 at the outbreak of World War One, Pikia remembered the war and the impact of the influenza epidemic.

Listen as she speaks about World War One, the flu epidemic and marriage.

Collection reference 42496
Year 1993
Credits Interviewer: Puhi Rangiaho

Moving to Aotea and Traditions of the Sea

Pikia was taught traditional methods of growing and gathering kai by her mother. Her knowledge wasn’t confined to the garden alone, she was also versed in the traditions of fishing and other sea craft.

In this excerpt Pikia talks about her move to the seaside and traditions to do with the sea.

Collection reference 42496
Year 1993
Credits Interviewer: Puhi Rangiaho

Upbringing

Pikia was home schooled, here she talks about her schooling and about resisting the installation of power into her house.

Collection reference 42496
Year 1993
Credits Interviewer: Puhi Rangiaho