‘Herstory’ tribute to country women

Press, 14 October 1985, Page 8

‘Herstory’ tribute to country women

Making it happen

New Zealand’s past and present is full of unsung heroines—and perhaps nowhere more so than in our rural areas.

Life in the country demands enormous resourcefulness and emotional, as well as physical, strength. Yet who, apart from other rural women, ever hears of the achievements of our country sisters? Next year’s “Herstory” diary will help change that by bringing together outstanding women and organisations who have contributed to life in farming districts.

“Herstory” diaries have been published each year since 1977. They feature many remarkable women who have helped shape our country, material coming from old newspapers, books, photographs and interviews. Two North Canterbury women, Mrs Heather Little and Mrs Joyce Mclver, are profiled in the 1986 “Herstory.” Justices of the Peace, Mrs Little is a member of the Hurunui County Council and Social Advisory Council and an adviser on the Local Government Commission, while Mrs Mclver is a member of the Canterbury Hospital Board, and vice-president of the Canterbury Justices of the Peace Association.

Ruth Richardson, M.P., also features, as does the Country Women’s Institute and the Women’s Division of Federated Farmers. “Herstory’s” launching will be this Friday, October 18, at the Chervier Centre in Rangiora, starting at 6 p.m. Anyone interested may attend. Tickets are 54. Dorothy Harris, Mayor of Rangiora, will officially launch the diary. This will be followed by a talk by Ms Mike Minehan of Radio New Zealand, who has a special concern for country women. Heather Little and Joyce Mclver will also be there. Enquiries to Joyce Mclver, Cust 793, or Jenny Shipley, Darfield 88-149. Step-parenting We hear a lot about relationship break-up these

days, but what we don’t always know about are the growing numbers who remarry, or move into major relationships for the second time. Second time relationships often involve one, or both, partners in step-parenting. While this can be a great experience, it’s also one with difficulties. Couples who are in or are about to move into a stepfamily arrangement are invited to a four-week stepparenting course which starts next Wednesday, October 23, from 7.30 p.m.

until 9.30 p.m. Run by two marriage guidance tutors, the course will give couples a chance to talk about their difficulties and explore ways of dealing with them. Heather Foster, director of educational services with the Marriage Guidance Council, hopes couples will see the course as an investment in the future. “Many people feel they’re admitting failure by seeking help—but really, it takes a lot of courage to accept that things are difficult and dif-

ferent from what they expected,” she says. “Children in step-families have often had to make a lot of adjustments—from the break-up of their nuclear family, to being a solo parent family, and then to a situation where they have not only a new parent, but possibly new brothers and sisters too,” she says.

She finds step-parents are often greatly relieved to be able to talk about their problems with other stepparents—people who really understand.

“We held our first stepparenting course three years ago and the support group set up afterwards is still going,” she says. There is no set fee for the four-week course, but couples are asked to make a donation of 520. Enrolments can be made by phoning 68805. Maori restaurant Te Waka O Maui, New Zealand’s only Maori restaurant, celebrates a major milestone this month with its first birthday. Set in stylish Carlton Courts, on the corner of Papanui Road and Bealey Avenue, the restaurant is unique in that it aims to bring together Maori and pakeha to enjoy not only Maori food, but Maori culture and hospitality. Estelle Ward-Übels, who, with her husband Stuart, and a Maori couple, Roberta and the late Korako Arahanga, started the restaurant, says they wanted to show people, including tourists, that there is more to Maori culture than grass skirts and haka. But pakeha people have been slow to respond. “People don’t know what to expect, and are afraid to try the restaurant until they meet someone else who has. They don’t realise Maori

food is mainly seafood, or that the place is very elegant and normal. “Someone phoned me recently asking what to wear as they thought they’d be sitting, on the floor,” she says. For those still wondering what Maori food is, run your mind’s tongue over these: mussel pate, paua fritters, pumpkin casserole with cashews, pumpkin and kumara pie, seafood chowder and grilled muttonbird.

If that’s a little adventurous for you, settle instead for lamb with mint sauce, or pork croquettes and roast vegetables, followed by pavlova or fresh fruit salad. Vegetarian meals are also served.

Saturday night is party night, with a set menu of seven courses, and a hangi, with the food cooked over hot stones in a stainless steel container in the courtyard in front of the restaurant. Live entertainment is provided by Maori people and guests are invited to join in, with songs, a try at the poi or stories. On Saturday, November 2, Te Waka O Maui is holding its first birthday party—and it promises to be an evening of feasting and fun, with lots of live entertainment, a fashion parade of clothes for Maori people, and invited Maori dignitaries from all over New Zealand. Although most guests are invited, there is some space for others. Cost per person is 525, which covers seven courses, including a hangi, and a fruit punch. The restaurant has a 8.Y.0. licence. Pakeha people are warmly invited. For bookings and details phone the restaurant at 553655. Art exhibition Art and crafts from all over New Zealand will be

on show at the Arts Centre next week, October 21 to 23, when the Zonta Club of South West Christchurch has its annual exhibition. Featuring china painting, blown glass, embroidery, painting, patchwork, pottery, porcelain dolls, prints, weaving and wood carving from some of the country’s top artists and craftspeople, the exhibition will be in the Centre Gallery, and open from 10 a.m. until 9 p.m. daily. All items will be for sale, proceeds going to community projects. For further information, phone Margaret, at 228-536. “Cloud Nine” Anyone who would like to join a group to see the Court Theatre’s new production “Cloud Nine,” and save

themselves 53, are invited to join the National Organisation for Women’s theatre party on October 21. “Cloud Nine,” written by British playwright Caryl Churchill, who also wrote the successful “Top Girls,” is described as a bizarre comedy which questions whether our sexual attitudes have really changed since the days of the “Great British Empire.” Cost per person for the play is 57, and enquiries and bookings can be phoned to Betty, at 327-774, or Rosemary 553-694. Compiled by Glenys. Walker. Items for consideration for this column should be sent to Glenys Walker, “Making it Happen,” Home and People Page, “The Press,” P.O. Box 2005.