Born in Kairanga the youngest of three.

Was fearful of the Korean war in 1950s. Father said if it came to New Zealand they would head for the hills.

Two sets of grandparents living quite close

When she was four years old two Dutch men came into her life

Was deeply affected by watching someone tied to a tree in film Davy Crockett

Was told as a child she had ‘an old head’

Enjoyed farm life but had conflicts with her brother.

Went to a small country school where three classes shared a classroom and a teacher

Strapped for discipline. Fingernails and teeth were inspected.

Didn’t belong to groups with other children. Didn’t like cliques.

For a long time it was difficult for her to believe people liked her.

Learning was not hard.

Very few toys as a child. Liked dolls.