Broadcast on Manawatu People's Radio, 27th May 2025. Part 1 of 2. Vicki Marie Buchanan, Mike Lawrence, Ann Weir, Dianne McConnell, Stuart Birks.   Anne’s grandfather was an Australasian welter weight boxing champion. She has his boxing gloves. Her grandfather owned a fine china and hardware business in Palmerston North. A general discussion followed about: Susie Cooper china; Manchester, silverware, crockery; Why is it called ‘china’? Because it was first developed and exported from China; Temuka pottery; Art shops; Terminology for different items of furniture. – chesterfield, settee; Barbers and hair styles. 

Broadcast on Manawatu People's Radio, 3rd June 2025. Part 2 of 2.   Vicki Marie Buchanan, Mike Lawrence, Ann Weir, Dianne McConnell, Stuart Birks.   A general discussion about: Footwear – high heels, stilettos. Wearing bare feet and how the soles would harden. Footwear was sometimes custom made. Import licensing restricted quantity and quality of imports and many clothes were homemade. Improved fabrics and machines for home use made do-it-yourself easier. Changing fashions and terminology. Frocks now called dresses. Jandals, flip flops etc. Walk socks, walk shorts and stubbies. Men’s ties. Skirts made from silk ties. Tie dying and macramé. Knitting. Vegetable gardens  

Broadcast on Manawatu People's Radio, 19th August 2025. Part 3 of 3. Emma Vandenberg became well-known in Palmerston North through “Emma’s Place,” a restaurant that evolved from her home while raising her two grandchildren. Initially, she and her husband Frank took in the grandchildren and later hosted students in their large house. This gradually expanded into three connected houses filled with up to 15 students, for whom she provided breakfast and dinner. Emma eventually began feeding others as well, and Emma’s Place became a licensed restaurant. She cooked hearty, home-style meals including roast lamb, chicken cordon bleu, and Dutch specialties, using a domestic kitchen expanded with some creative renovations. The restaurant thrived through word of mouth and regulars, though it was never particularly profitable, partly because prices were kept low and coffee was always free. Food waste was minimal since leftovers went to the students, and Emma was even willing to give meals to anyone in need, though no one ever asked. She also employed local schoolgirls and workers through WINZ, with mixed results. Despite the hard work and long hours, Emma fondly recalls the happy, communal atmosphere. After many years, she and Frank decided to sell the properties and the restaurant contents by auction. The site is now the Fitzherbert Regency Motel, with nothing remaining of the original houses. Emma remembers the experience as exhausting but rewarding, filled with friendships, international students, and a strong sense of purpose. 

Broadcast on Manawatu People's Radio, 12th August 2025. Part 2 of 3.  Moved from Holland to New Zealand.  She lived in Feilding for 18 months then moved to Masterton to be with her sister and brother in law. Worked at a hotel as a receptionist. Some confusion with Dutch English words having a different meaning in New Zealand. Moved to Palmerston North when Frank bought a commercial cleaning company. Gave birth to a son then a daughter. Changed occupation to insurance and lived in Fitzherbert Avenue for 33 years. Daughter’s marriage failed so Emma brought up her grandchildren. They set up an accommodation/restaurant business in Fitzherbert Avenue known as Emma’s Place. A lot of overseas students stayed there. Emma was involved with the Dutch community at Foxton. Many Dutch people came to New Zealand and established farms because land was plentiful and relatively cheap. She has never been without a job or food. She has always done her own thing. 

Broadcast on Manawatu People's Radio, 5th August 2025. Part 1 of 3.   Emma came to New Zealand as a registered alien from Holland in February 1960 at age 19. Her sister had been in New Zealand since 1952 and married a Dutchman who came in 1950. Rotterdam had been destroyed in the second world war. Later her husband-to-be, Frank, also came to New Zealand.  They settled in Feilding. She was surprised at the different housing and the small population in New Zealand. Dance halls were quite different and so were boy/girl relationships. She became a housemaid in a Feilding hotel. She had to fill hot water bottles at night. It was a big adjustment getting used to a small town like Feilding. Compared with Holland there was a big difference in human relationships and manners in New Zealand. She is still fluent with the Dutch language but thinks in English.  

Broadcast on Manawatu People's Radio, 29th July 2025. Part 4 of 4.  Ruth’s husband, John, was a professor of agronomy but specialized in grasslands. They travelled to China and South America countries Most of their travelling was through the United Nations Development Programme.  When in New Zealand they hosted students from overseas. Ruth learned to read and speak Spanish and learned to teach yoga. The population in South America was frequently either incredibly rich or incredibly poor. John became a Fellow of the Royal Society. He wrote textbooks. Siestas after lunch were common in Spanish speaking countries. Religion was mainly Catholic. There was a wide variety of food.    

Broadcast on Manawatu People's Radio, 22nd July 2025. Part 3 of 4.   Ruth lived in England as a young child during World War II. She lived in Grimsby, a fishing port. Grimsby was bombed a lot because it was on a direct line with Sheffield. Her father was an air raid warden so it was left to her mother to get the children to safety when the sirens sounded. Her mother waved to a low flying aircraft and didn’t realise it was a German one. Her parents lived in a semi-detached house. A description of these houses follows. Her grandparents lived in a terrace of houses with an outside toilet but no bathroom – chamber pots were used. Bath was once a week and the whole family used the same water. Their neighbours had an air raid shelter which was shared with others. Ruth describes experiences in Grimsby during the war and bombing. She stayed in Grimsby for 13 or 14 years after the war until she went to teachers college. 

 Broadcast on Manawatu People's Radio, 15th July 2025. Part 2 of 4. Ruth regularly travelled to South America and China with her husband. They visited rural areas of China in connection with grasslands research. Were treated as honoured guests. Had to be very careful with hygiene. Hepatitis was a concern. Food was very good. Used squat toilets with very little privacy. United Nations Development Fund had invested money to support their trip. Travelled in very impoverished areas. Went to Chile, Argentina, Uruguay, Southern Brazil and Venezuala. As well as travelling her husband John was also supervising up to 14 PhD students. When they settled in New Zealand they chose to live close to schools. 

Broadcast on Manawatu People's Radio, 8th July 2025. Part 1 of 4. Came to Palmerston North from Scotland in 1986.  Her husband, John, became professor of agronomy at Massey University. John’s mother was one of the first women in England to be given a degree. She went to night classes and learned to draft patterns and hair dressing. She learned to speak Spanish. Both children (boys) went to Awatapu College. Eldest son achieved a degree in ecology at Massey University. Youngest son is a computer draughtsman. She found New Zealand people more reserved than the UK. She has been involved with Spanish people in Palmerston North. Has had no need financially to be employed fulltime. She taught yoga. Helped migrants to learn English. Husband, John, helped Chinese students to achieve a PhD with ‘sandwich’ courses. 

Broadcast on Manawatu People's Radio, 1st July 2025. Part 4 of 4.  Was at Irirangi, the shore based ship to shore radio station at Waiouru and applied for a petty officer telegraphist course. Endured a bad storm at Waiouru as he and the family was going on leave to Auckland. Returned to Waiouru and shortly after was posted to HMNZS Endeavour which was on loan from the US Navy. Went to Antarctica for about three days delivering supplies to Scott Base and the Americans. Then to the Pacific Islands. His ship took part at Gisborne in the Captain Cook bicentenary with Canadian, Australian, British and American ships. A year later he travelled with the Navy to celebrate the Captain Cook centenary in Australia. His wife and family shifted home frequently but without complaint. He spent 29 years in the Navy. Parts of it were good and some weren’t. The usual age of retirement was 37 or 38. 

Broadcast on Manawatu People's Radio, 24th June 2025. Part 3 of 4.  While in the NZ Navy, before Waitangi Day, he was on a small ship in the Bay of Islands which hosted the governor general, Lord Cobham, and his family on fishing trips then transported VIPs to and from the ceremony. The Commander in Chief of the Royal New Zealand Navy was the Governor General. After Waitangi Day they tried to return to Auckland but the sea was too rough so stayed at the Bay of Islands another couple of days. A medical report said he was not suitable for sea service in a motor launch. Travelled to Australia then to Fiji to escort a motor launch back to Auckland. It was a rough trip. He became a provisional leading telegraphist. Was posted back to The Royalist but preferred to go to Irirangi, the land-based ship to shore communications station at Waiouru. He became a leading telegraphist. Got married, had a baby, lived in a flat in Devonport then moved to a house at Waiouru where he worked at Irirangi. 

Broadcast on Manawatu People's Radio, 17th June 2025. Part 2 of 4. Was in NZ Navy ship The Royalist during the Suez crisis but was pulled out before the end. Many of the crew were married with family in New Zealand. Travelled through the straits of Gibraltar to Sierra Leone then Simonstown, South Africa. Saw apartheid in South Africa. Then travelled to Mauritius, Freemantle, Hobart and Auckland. Cruised around New Zealand to show the new ship. Had severe alcohol problem and was imprisoned by the navy on several occasions. Went to Wellington and lived in the air force barracks at Shelley Bay then boarded at Naenae in Lower Hutt. Got to know a girl who worked near him. They got engaged. He was sent to work on a fisheries protection launch HMNZS Mako. Governor General Cobham and family were holidaying in the Bay of Islands and the launch had to take them fishing.  

Broadcast on Manawatu People's Radio, 10th June 2025. Part 1 of 4.   Sailed on NZ Navy ship The Royalist which went with Royal Navy ships to the Mediterranean. Went to Naples in 1956. Language difficulties between New Zealand and Italian personnel. Ship travelled to Sicily. Suez crisis declared. The Royalist  was a gunnery ship trained for shore bombardment. Escorted British tankers in the Mediterranean. Slept in hammocks on the mess deck but sometimes had to sleep outside on the deck. Ventilation inside the ship was non existent so it could get very hot. Crew were always prepared to go to action stations. New Zealand government ordered The Royalist back to New Zealand. 

Broadcast on Manawatu People's Radio, 26th August 2025. Part 1 of 3. Steve Tolley recalls his earliest musical memories in Bradford, UK, with little music at home.
After moving to New Zealand, he was captivated by pop music, especially The Beatles.
At Palmerston North Boys' High, he attended "disc dances" – radio-broadcast youth discos.
He became involved with the RSA Youth Club, which hosted local live bands on Sundays.
This sparked his interest in the local live music scene, though he never became a musician himself.
He enjoyed local dances and venues like the Astoria Ballroom and Newbury Hall.
In training college, he frequented pubs like the Fitzherbert to see live bands perform.
He developed a passion for alternative and folk music, influenced by friends with large record collections.
Steve and friends would travel to Wellington to buy and trade second-hand records.
He adopted a mild hippie lifestyle – long hair, flared jeans, and platform shoes.
With friends, he helped organise two music festivals at a rural site called Mushroom Mountain about 1973.
He fondly remembers bands like "Straight," who played original music and launched professional careers. 

Broadcast on Manawatu People's Radio, 2nd September 2025. Part 2 of 3. Steve Tolley and his wife Robyn bonded over books and music, later moving to rural Pohangina. Steve left teaching due to disinterest in planning, despite loving classroom interaction. While job-hunting, he was offered the chance to buy Cambridge Bookshop, which he and Robyn did. The shop thrived, especially after adding second-hand records and music posters. They moved to a larger location, but rising costs and economic shifts hurt business. After 18 years, they sold the shop, clearing debts but with little leftover. Robyn became a psychiatric nurse, and Steve returned to relief teaching, which he enjoyed. He later became a book rep for Scholastic New Zealand, covering a wide territory from Levin to Gisborne. Inspired by their location at Horseshoe Bend, they opened a café using relocated school buildings. The café struggled in winter until Steve began hosting music gigs featuring local and national bands. Word spread, and the venue became a major Manawatū music hub, attracting even international acts. What began as a way to survive turned into a celebrated, vibrant community success.  

Broadcast on Manawatu People's Radio, 9th September 2025. Part 3 of 3. Steve Tolley and his partner ran the Bent Horseshoe Cafe in Tokomaru, hosting live music gigs that attracted international and local talent. The cafe became a renowned venue, with artists like Tammy Nielsen, members of Spandau Ballet, and even the founder of Battlefield Band performing there. They operated on a shoestring—offering meals and accommodation instead of payment, with artists often touring the country and fitting in the cafe as a key stop. Steve also hosted radio shows on Radio Massey and Access Radio, using his love for blues and folk to support local music. Jam sessions were a unique feature, featuring top musicians who played without rehearsal, often resulting in magical, spontaneous performances. Legendary local musicians such as Mahia Blackmore and Alfie Kereama contributed to the vibrant scene. The cafe hosted gigs every Saturday (sometimes Fridays), gradually increasing frequency before closing after eight years due to exhaustion. Steve then revived the music scene through the Hokowhitu Bowling Club, organizing regular concerts that helped financially support the club. Despite resistance from some members, Steve built and extended a stage, turning the club into a leading music venue in the region. He now books concerts months in advance, hosting world-class musicians and continuing to draw crowds. The success depends heavily on elderly volunteers, particularly in the kitchen and bar, raising concerns about long-term sustainability. Steve plans to continue as long as possible, even as younger generations show less interest in taking over these community roles.  

Broadcast on Manawatu People's Radio, 16th September 2025. Part 1 of 2. Born in Sydney but lived in a small town about 250km from Sydney then lived in Parkes. Attended secondary school in Sydney. Her brother joined the Royal Australian Navy and was involved in World War 1 as a signaler in the Pacific Islands. He returned home about the time their mother died. Betsy passed matriculation (university entrance) exams at school. Went nursing. Training carried out in the hospital and lived there too. Married Neil. He was a veterinarian. They came to New Zealand and had a veterinary practice on the West Coast in 1951.  He was based in Hokitika working for a veterinary club which paid a salary and provided a house. There was a lot of work with returned servicemen who were setting up farms. After three years they shifted to North Canterbury and set up their own private practice. Neil moved to the new veterinary faculty at Massey University. They moved to Scotland so Neil could finish his PhD.  

Broadcast on Manawatu People's Radio, 23rd September 2025. Part 2 of 2.  Husband Neil had established a veterinary practice in New Zealand. He was awarded a scholarship from the new veterinary faculty at Massey University. They went to Glasgow in January 1964 for Neil to work on his PhD. They bought a small house near the church and school. Enjoyed Scottish life and made good friends. Neil did a few locum duties. Children had farm holidays. There was a shipping strike in 1967 which delayed their return to New Zealand. Returned to Palmerston North and bought a house. Neil worked at Massey University. Children adapted well to New Zealand schools. Neil retired about 1988.  

Broadcast on Manawatu People's Radio, 30th September 2025.   Mike Lawrence shares photos of Wellington from 1910–1915, showing Oriental Parade with trams, carts, and the tea kiosk.
He recalls living there in 1959 when the kiosk was a boys’ hostel.
The group notes how Oriental Bay, once on the city’s edge, became developed with hotels and apartments.
Mike moved to Wellington for radio broadcasting at 2ZB, working with Aunt Daisy.
They recall her dislike of being watched, quirky habits, and advertising-based broadcasts.
Her recipe books of household hints, remedies, and food preservation are discussed.
The group reminisces about preserving eggs, laundry routines, and home-brewing in coppers.
Appliances like fridges and washing machines are remembered as revolutionary changes.
They reflect on Plunket advice, outdoor play, and past indifference to sunburn.
Changing fashions are noted, such as the decline of hats with the rise of cars.
Modern “small” cars are compared to much smaller family cars of the past.
Mike recalls his first vehicle, a 1929 Studebaker, awkward to drive and soon scrapped  

Broadcast on Manawatu People's Radio, 7th October 2025.  Part 1 of 2. Dianne Broadley grew up in the Wairarapa in the 1940s–50s, surrounded by music from her family and community.
Her mother sang, played piano, and attended dances, while her father sang on horseback during farm work.
Music shaped family life, with singalongs, church, and radio programs central to her childhood.
At school she enjoyed pop hits like Connie Francis, Cliff Richard, and Elvis, discussed eagerly with friends.
A farm worker who played accordion and piano sparked family singalongs of popular songs at home.
She studied piano to grade seven, though shyness made public performance difficult.
Boarding school introduced her to guitar, later joined by ukulele studies at teacher’s college.
Her folk interests deepened in Wellington through Peter, Paul and Mary, Bob Dylan, and local cafés.
She joined folk clubs, played with groups such as “For Folk’s Sake,” and embraced community performance.
Music remained a lifelong presence, linking family, education, and cultural traditions  

Broadcast on Manawatu People's Radio, 14th October 2025. Part 2 of 2. Dianne Broadley sang in a Wellington nightclub while at Teachers College.
She learned songs from jukeboxes and performed through Peter Sinclair’s contacts.
In Christchurch she joined the folk scene and learned the auto harp.
Back in Pahiatua, she taught music in classrooms with simple instruments.
After marrying in 1970, her Palmerston North home became very musical.
Her children formed bands and played in competitions.
She joined the folk club and co-founded For Folk’s Sake.
The group has performed for 20 years at festivals and retirement homes.
Dianne also sings with 6 to 60, a large community choir.
For her, live music builds joy, community, and lasting ties. 

Local historians weekly "Back Issues" article in the Manawatū Standard. History of the Kosy Theatre, which opened in 1915 near the Post Office Building in The Square. Wartime footage and movies attracted audiences in its first years. The theatre converted to talkies in 1930. In 1943, the modified building reopened as the Vogue Theatre, which closed in 1958.

Programme prepared for Central Normal School's 100th Anniversary in 1973. Held over three days; 23rd to 25th March; The Centenary was widely attended by past pupils and staff.

McKenzies NZ Ltd department store and supermarket in Levin, which opened 1971.

This slide was likely created by David Evans of the City Council's Planning Office. M D (David) Evans was a planning assistant from 1955 to 1968, Deputy City Planner from 1968 to 1978 and Senior Planning Officer (Design and Development) from 1978-1988.

This photograph shows the shops to the immediate north of the Post Office. From left: the Kosy Theatre (rebuilt as the Vogue Theatre in 1943) exhibiting Mae West's movie "The Belle of the Nineties"; Aard Tours Ltd; Miss Rae's Hosiery and Gloves (Margaret Rae); DB Patel and Co Fruiterer (Patel Dayal); Miss Rae's; J H Gilchrist Land Agent (upper storey). Several carrier's trucks are parked outside the shops - one has the words "Masterton & Pahiatua" written on it.

The Lower Turitea Dam was originally completed in 1907 but was raised to 50 feet in 1912. It was officially opened February 17, 1913. This enlarged dam remained in use until 1957 when a 100 ft high dam was constructed. The spillway is on the left.

The first in this set of images was taken for a story published in The Manawatū Evening Standard on 3rd December 1973.

"An 88-strong armada of rafts makes its way down the Manawatu River yesterday during the Awapuni Jaycees' fourth annual raft race. The 5.2-mile race, from Te Matai Road to the Fitzherbert Avenue Bridge was won by a six-man crew from the Valuation Department."... "Second place went to the Maw Haws Social Club"... "and third to the Mr Whippy Icecream raft."

"One raft travelled only a few yards before overturning, while four others broke up during the journey. A further three had to be pulled out. Submerged logs between Albert Street and Victoria Avenue made conditions tricky for competitors as they swept through the area."

This was the Awapuni Jaycees’ fourth annual raft race. The 5.2-mile race from Te Matai Road to the Fitzherbert Bridge was a popular outing, attracting 88 competing crews and between 3000 to 4000 spectators. The money raised was used for community charity development.

The first image in this pair was taken for a story published in The Manawatū Evening Standard on 4th December 1973.

"Palmerston North's new mobile library "hit the road" yesterday. Driver and librarian Mr K. J. Harrington checks books before going to the first stop at Highbury. The new mobile is the largest of its type in New Zealand, holding 1200 more books than the next largest."

The new mobile library replaced the caravan library that had been in use since 1969. 30ft long, 8ft wide, 11ft tall, and weighing 5 tons 16cwt, the vehicle was painted in two shades of blue and bore a library adaption of the Palmerston North coat of arms.

Equipped with a cross-section of books from central library stock, the mobile library was able to cover the city in more depth than the previous caravan. Special attention was given to new housing areas and those with young children and the elderly. Lending materials included also art prints, magazines and records.

$12,000 of the $17,000 required had been saved over 4 years of library operations. At the time the annual turnover of mobile library books was 100,000. That was expected to double within two years, with the new mobile library serving the community for twenty.

The first in this set of unpublished images was taken for a story in The Manawatū Evening Standard on 3rd December 1973.

Crew captains raced to their rafts... "after the starting gun had been fired by Manawatu's Miss Commonwealth Games Hostess, Teressa Parker."

This was the Awapuni Jaycees’ fourth annual raft race. The 5.2-mile race from Te Matai Road to the Fitzherbert Bridge was a popular outing, attracting 88 competing crews and between 3000 to 4000 spectators. The race proved too much for some of the homemade rafts. One capsized and four others broke up on the journey down the river. The money raised was used for community charity development.

The first in this set of unpublished images was taken for a story in The Manawatū Evening Standard on 3rd December 1973.

"It was a Le Mans-type start at Te Matai Road, with the crew captains racing to their rafts after the starting gun had been fired."

This was the Awapuni Jaycees’ fourth annual raft race. The 5.2-mile race from Te Matai Road to the Fitzherbert Bridge was a popular outing, attracting 88 competing crews and between 3000 to 4000 spectators. The race proved too much for some of the homemade rafts. One capsized and four others broke up on the journey down the river. The money raised was used for community charity development.