NERF Nursing Oral History Project 1950s/1960s
Abstract
Lyvia Marama Marsden
Recorded:
Interviewer:
Abstracter:
Equipment type:
9 AUG 2013
Debbie Dunsford
Debbie Dunsford
Fostex FR-2LE Digital
Recorder
File: 1 of 5
000'05"
INTRODUCTION
*Traffic noise in background throughout interview*
LYVIA MARAMA MARSDEN (nee BURT). Mother's name WATARIRIA HENARE
WAARARA-TOKA of NGATI WHATUA descent. Grandfather's name HENARE
WAARARA-TOKA from MANGONUI and KAIPARA. Grandmother's name
HANAMARIA HOPA from TE WHAU and TAINUI. Father from CORNWALL. Was
BLACKSMITH, then ORCHARD MANAGER at TINOPAI, KAIPARA. Marae is
OTUMATIA, MAUNGA is TOKA TOKA, awa is KAIPARA, hapu is TE URI A HAU.
002'14"
CHILDHOOD
Lived in WAIOHOU VALLEY six miles from TINOPAI VILLAGE. Describes district
amenities, travel and TRANSPORT. 'We had a bus that went out to MATAKOHE
where there was a big general store. And each Friday we would have to wait for
that bus to come in at 5 o'clock to pick up the 10 shillings worth of brisket which
was our meat for the weekend. It was mine and my sister's job to forage for
puha. It was our weekly meat meal.' Describes FOOD produced and eaten.
Refers GARDENS, KUMARA, FOOD STORAGE, SEAFOOD, FISH, HENS, DUCKS.
004'50"
WHANAU
Mother youngest of nine siblings. Family members already moving away to
cities. Refers HAMILTON, AUCKLAND. FARMS uneconomic. Describes.
Describes walking through tea tree to attend CHURCH in house of other family
members. Refers WESLEYAN, T W RATANA. '...Ratana did not have churches
there. They had a flag that was used in the house. And that was put up as the
church wherever it went or it was put up for Christenings. And interestingly
enough, when my mother died when I was 17 and a half, I carried that flag for
21 years and just shared it around the family when there were Christenings or
funerals... It actually was the church that travelled with you.'
007'10"
FATHER AND TINOPAI FRUIT PLANTATION
Explains how mother did not want to leave her mother so stayed in WAIAHOU
VALLEY; did not live with LYVIA's father. One brother and three sisters
[SIBLINGS]. Children not aware of difficulties.
TINOPAI FRUIT PLANTATION. Boarding house, wharf, plantation of fruit trees.
Apples and pears exported to CANADA, barge to HELENSVILLE. Thriving village
with collective orchard. Finished in mid 1940s. Salt water got into spray and
destroyed orchards.
009'52"
MOTHER
LYVIA brought up partly by grandmother. In 1955, older sister got CHICKEN
POX, then MENINGITIS and died in TE KOPUA HOSPITAL. Describes difficulty of
getting sister to hospital.
011'27"
TINOPAI SCHOOL
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NERF Nursing Oral History Project 1950s/1960s
Abstract
Lyvia Marama Marsden
Difficulty of going to SCHOOL as a small child. Started at 7 years old. LYVIA
loved going to SCHOOL. Describes. Teacher, VIVIEN LEWIS, had strong
influence. LYVIA not ready to go to city for SECONDARY SCHOOLING.
CORRESPONDENCE SCHOOL for one year. VIVIEN LEWIS helped LYVIA with her
school work and she helped him with MAORI LANGUAGE.
Reflects on her own inquisitiveness and independence in her learning. Took
responsibility in family as mother had poor HEALTH at times.
015'50"
SCHOLARSHIP TO BOARDING SCHOOL
Visit of correspondence teacher and his wife. Saw LYVIA'S potential and
recommended BOARDING SCHOOL.
Describes her ability to play TABLE TENNIS. Known as 'PEANUT' because she
could just see over top of table. Won regional competitions for TABLE TENNIS
and well known in area. Describes how village people held a HANGI and
CONCERT. Explains funding of MAORI children to BOARDING SCHOOL. Raised
enough money for her to go for three years. LYVIA and her mother went fishing
on a cousin's boat to buy books. Reflects how that generosity shaped her life.
018'45"
PENTLANDS GIRLS' PRESBYTERIAN HOSTEL
Describes journey to AUCKLAND, arrival at PENTLAND GIRLS' PRESBYTERIAN
HOSTEL. Refers QUEEN VICTORIA SCHOOL, AUCKLAND GIRLS' GRAMMAR
SCHOOL, GEORGINA MANANUI (later TE HEU HEU), SISTER GWEN MYER,
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, KARANGAHAPE ROAD. Describes support of SISTER
GWEN MYER.
MR KIDD was CORRESPONDENCE SCHOOL TEACHER. Recounts story of being
invited to Mr and Mrs KIDD'S house to be taught table manners.
Describes abundance of FOOD at hostel. Joined hostel NETBALL TEAM. Refers
WINDMILL (ROAD) COURTS. Recalls support and dedication to MAORI youth of
JOHN (HOANI) WAITITI.
Did not speak MAORI at hostel. LYVIA took MAORI for SCHOOL CERTIFICATE.
Reflects on being encouraged to speak ENGLISH at home.
025'30"
AUCKLAND GIRLS' GRAMMAR SCHOOL
Describes being very studious to ensure she passed. 'I was very conscious about
what it cost to get me to school and what my mother and sister had to sacrifice
...'
Felt CAMARADERIE with other students at AUCKLAND GIRLS' GRAMMAR
SCHOOL. 'It was a lovely place to be.' Recalls being treated like family and trust
shown by MATRON and staff. Recalls going on a trip to KAWAKAWA BAY to
collect MUSSELS.
027'23"
CHOOSING TO GO NURSING
In fifth form, MISS RUA GARDINER (HEADMISTRESS OF AUCKLAND GIRLS'
GRAMMAR SCHOOL) recommended LYVIA go on to UNIVERSITY. LYVIA felt
responsibility to earn money to support her mother and sister. Describes. Refers
SCHOOL CERTIFICATE.
MISS GARDINER suggested LYVIA go NURSING and explained she would be
2
NERF Nursing Oral History Project 1950s/1960s
Abstract
Lyvia Marama Marsden
paid and receive food and her own room. 'I'd never had a bedroom ...slept with
my sister at home...slept in the dormitory. And I said "I'm going to become a
nurse".' SISTER GWEN MYER bought the clothing LYVIA needed for NURSING.
029'34"
INTERVIEW AND PRELIMINARY SCHOOL
Interviewed by austere MATRONS. Refers MISS WILLIAMS, MISS CLELAND.
Started at GREENLANE PRELIMINARY SCHOOL on 17 JANUARY 1961. Three
MAORI among whole class. After PRELIMINARY SCHOOL, assigned to
AUCKLAND HOSPITAL. Recalls nominating AUCKLAND because it was close to
town and she loved dancing and social life. Did not drink ALCOHOL. AUCKLAND
familiar because of attending BOARDING SCHOOL.
Describes MAORI HOSTEL in VALLEY ROAD. Many young MAORI MEN from the
NORTH training to be CARPENTERS (OCCUPATIONS). Met boys on bus to
church. Like brothers and sisters.
One INDIAN girl and girls from all over country. Mostly same age.
033'05"
NURSES' HOME
The room was 'absolute heaven'. Great FOOD selection. Felt like she lived in
'this grand hotel'. Describes.
Very strict rules about which UNIFORM worn when. Refers CROSS-INFECTION.
Contrast when returned to dining room in later years (late 1990s) and people
had rollers in their hair and wore dressing gowns and slippers.
036'20"
TEACHING AND TEACHERS
STUDY BLOCKS taught by TUTOR SISTERS. WARD SISTERS taught when
working on the wards.
Comments that sometimes as 'two stripers' they were not sufficiently prepared
for the RESPONSIBILITY of nursing in specialised areas. Refers POLIOMYELITIS
EPIDEMIC, HEART LUNG MACHINE, TETANUS. Refers to NEUROSURGERY
WARD SISTER who gave up nursing in 2012 at the age of 86. Still a member of
MAORI NURSES' ASSOCIATION.
040'27"
WARD DUTIES AND SHIFTS
JUNIOR NURSES' duties included BED PANS, NURSING CARE. Comments that
some WARD SISTERS were matriarchs and 'some of them were not nice'
although most were 'stunning'. Could be power hungry 'but they certainly knew
their nursing skills'. Describes. Had time with PATIENTS.
Could be assigned EVENING SHIFT, then DAY SHIFT the next day. Not keen on
NIGHT SHIFT. More RESPONSIBILITY at night.
043'07"
HOSPITAL HIERARCHY
Transition from three striper to STAFF NURSE a good time. Always learning and
receiving backup on the ward. Comments on benefits of HOSPITAL TRAINING.
Could not have afforded to train as a nurse without being paid at that time.
044'41"
MOTHER'S DEATH
Sister died 1955, grandmother died 1959. Mother killed in horse accident in
1961. Describes disbelief. MATRON MISS WILLIAMS was very austere but
showed another side when told LYVIA her mother was dead.
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NERF Nursing Oral History Project 1950s/1960s
Abstract
Lyvia Marama Marsden
Younger sister moved to AUCKLAND and boarded with cousins in BLOCKHOUSE
BAY. Describes Elderly cousins offered to look after sister. Describes lifelong
closeness with sister.
047'30"
TUI TENARI AND SISTER WILLIAMS
Describes kindness of fellow nurse, TUI TENARI, after mother died. TUI TENARI
(part of SMYTHE FAMILY) became MATRON, MANGERE PSYCHOPAEDIC
HOSPITAL. Summarises her career. Refers SPECTRUM CARE, MAORI SERVICES,
TE ROOPU TAURIMA O MANUKAU, WAIMAMAKU. Describes FRIENDSHIP over
lifetime.
MATRON, MISS WILLIAMS showed compassion to LYVIA when her mother died
but also 'a tough lady'. Describes.
*Phone rings in background*
Recalls instances of MISS WILLIAMS' interest in her nurses. Refers ACCIDENT
AND EMERGENCY WARD. Recounts MISS WILLIAMS's account of overhearing
LYVIA dressing down a drunk car accident patient who was MAORI. 'That's the
sort of woman she was. But in a way, I guess, like the guardian angels I've had
come through life, she was there watching over me.' 'And they usually were the
most austere, strictest ones.'
054'25"
FORMS OF NURSE TRAINING
Describes CONFIDENCE in her ability as a nurse by end of training. Some
teething problems when training moved from HOSPITALS to POLYTECHNICS.
Reflects on current situation. 'Now that I have been around for these 55 years,
the nurses - third years - who come from tech training, here, 90% I would take
on staff after 6 weeks of practice in here, they're so good. So we were good and
they are good. And I think there's a mix between the two.'
Discusses current INNOVATION in nurse training that would be a mix of both
systems. Refers WAITEMATA DHB, MASSEY (UNIVERSITY). Considers very
helpful for MAORI, poorer families and those retraining.
057'48"
COMMUNITY NURSING
During training, spent five weeks with DISTRICT NURSE in HOWICK. Describes.
059'25"
CHANGES IN NURSE TRAINING
Unaware of talk about need for change to nurse training in early 1960s. When
change happened, nurses asked what it was all about.
060'05"
EXAMS
Passed EXAMS until missed final MEDICAL paper. Resat six months later.
Distracted by getting ready for MARRIAGE. 'I told you I had to study for
Honours to get through. That just proved it.' STUDY BLOCKS. Describes.
CELEBRATIONS with other nurses.
062'20"
PATIENTS, THEIR CONDITIONS AND TREATMENTS
Recalls growing KOROMIKO LEAVES for tea to treat DIARRHOEA in infants.
Many cases of TETANUS. Treatment with CURARE seemed cruel. Induced
PARALYSIS to stop spasms. Patients could hear and feel but not move or talk.
All survived.
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NERF Nursing Oral History Project 1950s/1960s
Abstract
Lyvia Marama Marsden
WHOOPING COUGH rife among children and steam tents everywhere. Refers
POLIO(MYELITIS), CHICKEN POX, TB (TUBERCULOSIS).
'Nursing was nursing in those days.' RELATIONSHIPS built between nurses and
recovering patients. Describes. You were 'there at the beck and call for
everything that that person needed'. Contrasts to current structure of nurses'
duties.
Memorable patient was 'LEAPY LEE', an 'attention seeker' who really did break
his knee on one occasion.
Recalls the joy of seeing someone who had been very sick become well.
068'35"
DEATH AND EMOTIONAL RESPONSE
Dealing with DEATHS of patients in ACCIDENT AND EMERGENCY. Mentions
plane crash at ARDMORE AIRPORT. Multiple car accident in HENDERSON.
Husband and wife both in ACCIDENT AND EMERGENCY. Recounts sudden
DEATH of husband. Took a very long time to get over that.
'It was the strangest thing being a nurse in the fact that, the minute you hopped
in a uniform, you were this person. When you hopped out of the uniform, you
were this other person.' 'You'll cry all the way to work with a problem at home
even. You get into your uniform, that's it!'
Refers EMOTIONAL RESPONSES, COUNSELLING, PEER GROUP, SMOKING.
072'00"
MEDICINES, TREATMENTS
MEDICATION advances extend life but wrong medications can result in death.
Refers PHARMACEUTICAL MISADVENTURE. Discusses.
Refers Dr SPENCE, CRITICAL CARE, Dr MAJOR. Recalls encountering Dr LILLEY
washing sheets in the laundry. Part of his experiments.
EQUIPMENT improvements throughout. Refers antibiotic bottles, catheter bags,
adjustable beds. Always viewed the SLUICE ROOM as 'part of the journey'.
'Some duties were unpleasant but you got over it.' Describes.
Got on with all nurses. 'I never recognised RACISM. I didn't know it.' 'There was
a lack of cultural appropriateness in many ways but, for goodness sake, even I
didn't know not to put the urinal and the sputum mug on the locker with the
fruit.'
FILE ENDS 79 minutes 18 seconds.
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NERF Nursing Oral History Project 1950s/1960s
Abstract
Lyvia Marama Marsden
Recorded:
Interviewer:
Abstracter:
Equipment type:
15 AUG 2013
Debbie Dunsford
Debbie Dunsford
Fostex FR-2LE Digital
Recorder
File: 2 of 5
000'05"
NURSES' HOME
The food and room were 'a double-barrelled plus for me'. Felt like living in a five
star hotel. CAMARADERIE among nurses. NURSES' HOME felt homely, with
opportunity for trainee nurses from different years to get to know each other.
No HIERARCHY within the living quarters. Refers DINING ROOM.
Definite line between trainee and staff nurses.
Had to be back in NURSES' HOME by a certain time [CURFEW]. 'The only time it
didn't seem reasonable was when you wanted to go out DANCING all night at
the weekend.' Describes. Refers to ORANGE DANCE HALL, MAORI, TRADES'
HALL, HOBSON STREET, ROCK'N'ROLL, CHUBBY CHECKER, MAORI COMMUNITY
CENTRE, VICTORIA PARK.
MAORI NURSES in NURSES' HOME were invited to all the PAKEHA BALLS and
21st BIRTHDAYS also. 'We had the best of both worlds.'
Considers the NIGHT STAFF got to know you and were lenient.
006'10"
NURSES' HOME
Morning tea always toast with peanut butter and golden syrup mixed on it. 'That
was a nurse special.' Each nurse initiated into this culture. [FOOD]
NIGHT SISTER always on duty. Thinks virtually everyone came in through the
window at some time [CURFEW]. Most did not drink ALCOHOL.
VISITORS allowed in NURSES' HOME. Younger sister occasionally stayed in her
room.
Did GYNAECOLOGY at CORNWALL HOSPITAL, which was renowned for prowlers
at night. If fearful, nurses would 'top and tail' in bed. Had never heard of a
LESBIAN before. Describes.
012'47"
SPECIAL FRIENDS
Reflects on group of about seven lifelong friends. Refers 50th ANNIVERSARY
REUNION. Two of her group had had babies who were adopted out
[UNMARRIED MOTHERS].
015'55"
STAFF NURSES, MALE NURSES, DOCTORS
'The STAFF NURSES were brilliant.' Comments that some WARD SISTERS were
more difficult, sometimes cruel towards trainee nurses. Reason was 'power and
control.' Glad that (POLY)TECHNIC TRAINING came in 'because that was a
culture that needed to be broken'.
Mentions TUI TE NGAHERE 'an amazing woman and nurse'. MATA FORBES
retired in her 80s 'a remarkable nurse'.
MALE NURSES were rare but very good nurses. MALE NURSES helped lift
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NERF Nursing Oral History Project 1950s/1960s
Abstract
Lyvia Marama Marsden
PATIENTS. Two hourly turning during NIGHT SHIFTS. 'We never thought of it
twice because that was good nursing care. Bed sores were .... things did not
look good for you if bed sores happened...'
As student nurse, treated DOCTORS like gods.
022'23"
SOCIAL ACTIVITIES
Went to MOVIES, went once to NURSES' RETREAT HOME at MAIRANGI BAY.
Travelled home to the NORTH when she could. Socialised and had fun. Not a lot
of SHOPPING. Could hire a SEWING MACHINE in the NURSES' HOME. Refers to
SCHOOL BALL, TAXI BALL Swapped CLOTHES. Describes.
Did not keep up with most friends from AUCKLAND GIRLS' GRAMMAR SCHOOL.
Reflects.
Does not recall many events within hospital except for singing CAROLS at
CHRISTMAS. Her group did not socialise with STUDENT DOCTORS. Does not
recall any WOMEN STUDENT DOCTORS.
029'20"
SMOKING
Everybody smoked. As a child, mother gave her cigarettes to make her cough
because she had ASTHMA. 'SMOKING was the "in" thing.' Describes. Patients
smoked in bed. (Voices in background)
030'45"
INTIMATE RELATIONSHIPS AND MARRIAGE
Not difficult to maintain relationships with BOYFRIENDS. Describes taking
TELEPHONE CALLS. Met HUSBAND working at CORNWALL HOSPITAL. An
ORDERLY and new IMMIGRANT from BRITAIN. Married soon after
GRADUATION. Others also.
Able to be MARRIED and a STAFF NURSE but could not be a STUDENT NURSE.
Some became PREGNANT during training but cannot recall what happened to
them.
034'55"
SPORTS, YOUTH AND CHURCH GROUPS
Not involved in SPORTS, YOUTH OR CHRISTIAN GROUPS. Responsibility for
younger sister's well being took precedence. Refers PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH,
EDINBURGH STREET, OFF KARANGAHAPE ROAD.
036'44"
SICKNESS
Students received wonderful care when ill. Refers CHOLECYSTITIS, PAIN,
PETHIDINE, GALLSTONES. Admitted to hospital because sick on duty.
039'27"
WOMEN'S WORK AND STUDENT NURSES' ASSOCIATION
Not interested in the jobs of other women. Just loved being a nurse.
Never interested in UNION MEMBERSHIP. Reflects. Later, through involvement
in MAORI NURSES' COUNCIL, saw it in a different light. Supports alliances of
groups but opposed to loss of sovereignty. Discusses.
042'12"
PAY
Very conscious from young age of value of money. Nurse's pay of 6 pounds
quite enough. Others grumbled about PAY and FOOD. 'I could never understand
7
NERF Nursing Oral History Project 1950s/1960s
Abstract
Lyvia Marama Marsden
it.'
044'45"
FINAL EXAM AND WEDDING
Failed one paper of final EXAMS. WEDDING arranged by family. Describes
having to work in a handbag factory while waiting to re-sit the EXAM. Then
returned to work in hospital. Received certificate and medal. Did not attend a
GRADUATION BALL.
File ends 48 minutes 33 seconds.
8
NERF Nursing Oral History Project 1950s/1960s
Abstract
Lyvia Marama Marsden
Recorded:
Interviewer:
Abstracter:
Equipment type:
23 AUG 2013
Debbie Dunsford
Debbie Dunsford
Fostex FR-2LE Digital
Recorder
File: 3 of 5
000'05"
STAFF NURSE, AUCKLAND HOSPITAL
Worked as part of the hospital pool, relieving where staff were short. Offered
position as STAFF NURSE, ACCIDENT AND EMERGENCY, until first child born in
1966. Loved the variety and learning. Comments that, in 1964, ALCOHOL was
the main problem but no DRUGS. Refers DRUNK DRIVING, BINGE DRINKING.
002'40"
HUSBAND
HUSBAND had immigrated to NZ. Working as ORDERLY in CORNWALL
HOSPITAL.
*Voices in background*
File ends 3 minutes 38 seconds.
9
NERF Nursing Oral History Project 1950s/1960s
Abstract
Lyvia Marama Marsden
Recorded:
Interviewer:
Abstracter:
Equipment type:
23 AUG 2013
Debbie Dunsford
Debbie Dunsford
Fostex FR-2LE Digital
Recorder
File: 4 of 5
000'05"
MARRIAGE AND WORK, STAFF NURSE
After MARRIAGE, bought house in GLENFIELD. Husband stopped working as
ORDERLY at CORNWALL HOSPITAL and worked for 3M. Sister-in-law lived with
them, worked at night and looked after children [CHILDCARE, EXTENDED
FAMILY].
Most classmates became STAFF NURSES. Describes enjoyment of work as
STAFF NURSE and supporting STUDENT NURSES. MARRIAGE and FAMILY were
main focus.
Worked for NURSING BUREAU between having her children. Worked part-time
in PRIVATE HOSPITALS, MATER [HOSPITAL], REST HOMES. Comments on
standards. Reasonable PAY and HOURS. Describes.
007'50"
DISTRICT NURSING, ACCIDENT AND EMERGENCY
Became DISTRICT NURSE in 1973. SEPARATION from HUSBAND. HOURS suited
for CHILDCARE.
Worked with DR HARRY KHAN and DR SPENCER at ACCIDENT AND EMERGENCY
DEPT. Refers to DR LILEY, DR MAJOR, DR PETER GLUCKMAN, DR JOHN
GILMAN. TEAMWORK between DOCTORS and NURSES.
010'55"
DISTRICT NURSING
DISTRICT NURSE for 7 years for TAKAPUNA, MILFORD. 'I was the only brown
face in the whole place.' Describes being accepted by PATIENTS.
Time of transition for CANCER PATIENTS who were dying. Previously died in
wards but starting to die at home. 'It was an epiphany in the way that it was
just outrageous that people were sent out from the hospital to die and nobody
in the community knew how to deal with this because it had always been dealt
with in hospitals. And you had doctors saying "we can't give pain relief because
they'll become addicted to it".' Refers [ELIZABETH] KUBLER-ROSS. 'We
responded as nurses and it was an amazing time of growth - tough, painful but
joyful also.' Refers PAIN RELIEF, DEATH, DYING, HOSPICE. Recounts story of
caring for one BREAST CANCER patient.
No specific DISTRICT NURSE TRAINING. VEHICLE. DISTRICT NURSES worked
solo. Later, worked in pairs at night. Other conditions included MS [MULTIPLE
SCLEROSIS], DRESSINGS, SHOWERING. PATIENTS included ELDERLY,
CHRONICALLY ILL, DISABLED ADULT PATIENTS.
Dealing with SOCIAL PROBLEMS.
020'55"
DISTRICT NURSING, SOCIAL PROBLEMS, DYING PATIENTS
Discusses DISTRICT NURSING, dealing with SOCIAL PROBLEMS and FAMILIES.
ELDERLY PEOPLE went into REST HOMES at earlier stages than today. SEXUAL
ABUSE and DOMESTIC VIOLENCE not as evident at that time.
10
NERF Nursing Oral History Project 1950s/1960s
Abstract
Lyvia Marama Marsden
Discusses how DISTRICT NURSES learned how to cope with DEATH along with
PATIENTS. Significance of ELIZABETH KUBLER-ROSS. Ideas meshed with
MAORI perspectives. LYVIA went to work as PRACTICE NURSE with a GENERAL
PRACTICE in BIRKENHEAD. Spent two days a week working with the DYING. 'I
had English people, South Africans, asking me if they could die the MAORI way,
as they put it.' Describes. Refers DISTRICT NURSES, MORPHINE, FAMILIES.
'The way you die is what's going to be left for your family to live with. And the
family, the way your Dad dies is how you respond to be able to ... he can be
freely who he is.' Refers EMOTIONAL ASPECTS.
025'30"
MIXED MARRIAGES
Cultural differences made the aftermath of death very difficult for families of
mixed marriages. A personal learning time. Understood the differences between
her MAORI mother and PAKEHA father. 'I now understand that my mother and
father are wired different.'
Felt privileged to be in both MAORI and PAKEHA worlds. Helped her move in
both worlds.
028'30"
RAN REST HOME IN OWN HOME
Wanted to stop SHIFT WORK to be with her children. Set up small REST HOME
with patients in next-door house. Describes. REST HOME industry changing and
after 2 and a half years could not license it. Extremely busy with no staff, caring
and cooking for five patients and family.
Patients enriched lives of family and daughters. Funded through patients'
pensions and topped by HEALTH DEPARTMENT.
033'05"
PRACTICE NURSE
PRACTICE NURSE for 14 years until 1995. Reflects on moves during her career.
Refers REGIONAL HEALTH AUTHORITIES and consolidation of GENERAL
PRACTICES. Discusses comprehensive services offered through TE PUNA HAU
ORA.
Discusses GENERAL PRACTITIONERS and PRACTICE NURSE roles. Change with
establishment of INDEPENDENT PRACTITIONERS' ORGANISATIONS and greater
BUSINESS emphasis. Started to lose the 'human-ness'. Describes PRACTICE
NURSE work in community for CANCER PATIENTS. Refers HOSPICE. 'We're
starting ... the pendulum's beginning to go back to the humane side again. The
mad ten years, the fifteen years, as I've called it, is almost to an end, thank
God.'
039'27"
NATIONAL COUNCIL OF MAORI NURSES
Founding member of NATIONAL COUNCIL OF MAORI NURSES. Established out
of concerns that there were so few qualified Maori nurses. Refers AUSSIE
MALCOLM, HUI at TE PUIA MARAE. Maori nurses responded to call. 'It was an
amazing experience.'
Nurses from CARRINGTON (PSYCHIATRIC HOSPITAL) were distraught. Refers
TITEWHAI HARAWIRA, INSTITUTIONAL RACISM, POLITICS.
NATIONAL COUNCIL OF MAORI NURSES (NCMN) established. Travelled country
visiting MARAE to get endorsement. NEW ZEALAND NURSES' ORGANISATION
11
NERF Nursing Oral History Project 1950s/1960s
Abstract
Lyvia Marama Marsden
(NZNO) set up the RUNANGA in competition with NATIONAL COUNCIL OF
MAORI NURSES. Believes NZNO could have worked in parallel with NCMN.
NCMN in abeyance for a number of years.
Too few MAORI NURSES qualifying. Refers INSTITUTIONAL RACISM, IRIHAPETI
RAMSDEN. Describes efforts to prepare MAORI students for training and
increase graduates over time. Hope to have own MAORI NURSING SCHOOL one
day. Refers PILOT SCHEME, WAITEMATA DISTRICT HEALTH BOARD, MASSEY
UNIVERSITY, combination of study and employment. Refers WHITEREIA
POLYTECHNIC, PALMERSTON (NORTH POLYTECHNIC), WAIARIKI COLLEGE,
TREATY OF WAITANGI PARTNERSHIP.
File ends 50 minutes 40 seconds.
12
NERF Nursing Oral History Project 1950s/1960s
Abstract
Lyvia Marama Marsden
Recorded:
Interviewer:
Abstracter:
Equipment type:
30 AUG 2013
Debbie Dunsford
Debbie Dunsford
Fostex FR-2LE Digital
Recorder
File: 5 of 5
000'05"
TE PUNA HAU ORA HEALTH CLINIC
Discusses thoughts of change in CAREER. Refers PRACTICE NURSING,
PALLIATIVE CARE, EDUCATION. Asked to consider being NURSE COORDINATOR for MAORI HEALTH PROVIDER to be set up at AWATAHA MARAE.
'That was a huge decision for me to make.' Discusses her concerns [POLITICS,
TREATY (OF WAITANGI), INSTITUTIONAL RACISM]. Refers MARLENE
SHRUBSHAW. Sense of responsibility to take on role.
MAORI HEALTH PROVIDERS being set up throughout the country. Led by ROB
COOPER (DIRECTOR OF MAORI HEALTH, MINISTRY OF HEALTH) and GWEN TE
PANIA PALMER. AWATAHA MARAE chosen as one of the sites for MARAE-BASED
and MAORI-BASED services. Describes initial set-up and staffing of MEDICAL
CLINIC. Time of huge change in MAORI HEALTH SECTOR.
008'45"
TE PUNA HAU ORA HEALTH CLINIC
Explains requirements of HEALTH COMMITTEE and CONTRACT. Client base
started with the six KOHANGA REO already established on NORTH SHORE.
Encouraged KOHANGA REO families to access clinic. Set up clinical structure and
doctor's surgery in first year. Discusses variations in models. Refers TAMARIKI
ORA.
Describes first and second year activities and milestones. Built capacity within
funding boundaries but problems during second year. 'World War 2 broke out on
the marae between the marae management and the board.' Conflicting vision of
who the clinic was for - the wider North Shore Maori community or those
associated with AWATAHA MARAE.
012'40"
TE PUNA HAU ORA HEALTH CLINIC
Split between MARAE TRUST BOARD and CLINIC MANAGEMENT. LYVIA
challenged for something she really believed in.
Wrote new CONSTITUTION and BUSINESS MODEL for clinic. Refers (COUNCIL
OF ) MAORI NURSES, ORAKEI. Describes Danger that health contract would be
lost.
Wrote new constitution knowing she would have to challenge the MARAE for the
contract when it came up for renewal. Won the contract from the REGIONAL
HEALTH AUTHORITY and TE PUNA HAU ORA was born separate from the
MARAE.
018'24"
MAORI-BASED SERVICE
Looking for what was needed to make the health service a MAORI one. Had
already booked herself on a DYNAMICS OF WHANAUNGATANGA seminar by
Northland priest PA HENARE TAIT. An epiphany that changed her life and
showed the model she was looking for.
Talked about MAORI CONCEPTS and how they melded together. Helped Maori
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NERF Nursing Oral History Project 1950s/1960s
Abstract
Lyvia Marama Marsden
people find their inner selves. Based constitution, model and practices on that
concept. Own journey away from mainstream concepts towards indigenous
culture.
Had best of both worlds in NURSING. Loved adaptability of nursing and grateful
for training, discipline and working within a structure. Challenge to put best of
two worlds together.
Set up own community board, incorporated society, same today. Belonged to
whole community because pan-tribal, included pakeha, inclusive to people who
needed it.
024'20"
TE PUNA HAU ORA HEALTH CLINIC
Describes limitations in first year after split from MARAE. Did not have doctor
coverage for whole week and some families were nervous that they might fail.
Describes backlash from mainstream doctors' groupings. Retained contracts
because REGIONAL HEALTH AUTHORITY and funders saw the work being done.
027'30"
CLINIC PREMISES
Original clinic premises on AWATAHA MARAE in MAORI WOMEN'S WELFARE
LEAGUE room. Describes limitations and benefits. Need to expand brought
problem of whether to stay on MARAE or leave.
Vision that MARAE could be a centre of excellence. Describes gaining 20 year
lease on land for health and social services and a child care centre. Describes
obtaining buildings being removed from LADY ALLUM HOME. Funding obtained
from LOTTERY BOARD, ASB BANK, consulting work on their model. Describes
move and renovation of buildings, DONATIONS of time and services by many.
Within 8 weeks of opening building, all of $880,000 was paid.
037'50"
AWARDS RECEIVED
In 2004, TE PUNA HAU ORA won HEALTH INNOVATIONS FOR MAORI MODELS
OF CARE AWARDS. Won SUPREME AWARD for IMAP and BEST WHANAU ORA
PROVIDER IN NZ. Also first equal with NGATI POROU as TOP MAORI
PROVIDER. Refers ISO ACCREDITATION.
038'48"
PHO PARTNERSHIP WAITEMATA DOCTORS
Emergence of PRIMARY HEALTH ORGANISATIONS (PHO). Built around groups
of medical practitioners. Describes potential and benefits.
Formed partnership with NORTH SHORE GENERAL PRACTITIONERS. Already
working with them and a partnership made sense. Joint chairs and joint CEOs
formed in 2003. Very exciting but a two-edged sword. Differences apparent
between mainstream model and values-based model from an indigenous source.
Describes how did not succeed and conflict over attempted dissolution in
December 2005.
043'51"
RE-ORGANISATION AND BECOMING A PHO
Describes reaction to dissolution and attempt to prevent it occurring. [Engine
noise in background] Ensured submission to MINISTRY OF HEALTH met all
criteria of PHO and could not be dissolved. Stripped of her job but refused to
walk away. GENERAL PRACTITIONERS convinced DISTRICT HEALTH BOARD to
allow them to form another PHO. LYVIA asked to be a PHO also. Succeeded.
14
NERF Nursing Oral History Project 1950s/1960s
Abstract
Lyvia Marama Marsden
PHO a separate company to the TE PUNA HAU ORA CLINIC.
The joint PHO had board of directors of both mainstream and MAORI. Barrier to
Maori governance/Maori provider of TE PUNA HAU ORA. Describes ongoing
strengthening of services from profits.
051'28"
CONSOLIDATION
Growth of clinic to 10,000 patients currently. In 2011, WAITEMATA DHB
reduced number of PHOs from 6 to 2. Fought battle to continue as PHO but
didn't win. Two PHOs were PROCARE and group of doctors they fell out with.
PRIMARY CARE arena all important. 'You can make innovative stuffing out of
crumbs.' Built relationships. Now WHANAU ORA coming in.
052'50"
WHANAU ORA
Passionate about stopping suffering from dysfunctional systems. Money wasted.
WHANAU ORA is the challenge to that. Change occurring since 1995.
Discusses flawed mechanisms in contracting process. Privilege of being part of
laying format for a new way that combines the principles of the TREATY (OF
WAITANGI) and the principles of compassion.
Reflects on nurses and nursing. Achieved MULTICULTURAL CARE at TE PUNA
HAU ORA. Quality has no colour but two bases.
058'35"
FINAL REFLECTIONS
Sitting at a time when hope to see a fairer, more effective system come in
across the board. Arrived there.
Reflects on how own nursing career has shaped her achievements. Personal and
collective bases.
FILE and INTERVIEW ends 60 minutes 29 seconds.
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