Former canner turns writer

Tu Tangata, Issue 34, 1 February 1987, Page 46

Former canner turns writer

Ropata Pakai the writer of the article about ‘the woman behind the face’ (Iranui Potae-Haig) and the old Chinese man reminiscing on early life in NZ, is a recent convert to the power of the pen.

Recruited onto one of the Tu Tangata Introductory Journalism Courses held last year, she came to a one week booster course in Wellington to further check it out. She did just that turning out three of the stories published in this issue. She’s a mother of five grown children and a former charge-hand at Watties Canneries, Gisborne. She was in control of stock balances and wages and the ordering of enough tin to make over a quarter of a million cans. Forty five percent were for pet food.

She says she’s sick of the pakeha side of stories being told most times to the exclusion of the Maori side. Of Ngati Kahungunu stock she’s determined to tackle stories pakeha journalists don’t pursue. After being away from school for many years, she hasn’t neglected her studies, having taken two courses at Massey University in human development. “Working with men has taught me to

be really assertive and I’ve also learnt how to swear loudly,” she laughs. Along with standing on her own two feet, she says she drinks “mountains of herbal tea” and has the habit of getting up every morning at 4am, which drives her husband Wallace “crazy”.

Despite his wife’s quirky behaviour Wallace gives Bobbi support by agreeing to hold the peace between Lenard (14) and Kellin (11), while she attends her courses. “I may have his support, but he thinks I’m nuts!” exclaims Bobbi. As for Lenard and Kellin, she says they are “used to mum doing all sorts of silly things”. But her three older children do understand and Graham (21) thinks she should “give it heaps”.

All Bobbi’s children have grown up with their mum’s stories and poetry. So have the neighbours children. “I like to write and I like to learn,” she says. “I’ve listened to my elders and I’ve asked questions. Now I want to write. I’m just sick of seeing my people mis-

treated and misunderstood in different systems - judicial, welfare or whatever.” She looks thoughtful for a moment, then smiles. “I’m pretty nosey and most people like to talk to me, I think I’ll be okay.” Watties don’t know what they’re going to be missing.