Talanoa with mother and daughter duo, Tala and Catherine, about Tala's time at Crown Lynn Potteries.

This interview is part of a project highlighting the experience of Pacific workers at Crown Lynn and associated companies. In 1981, 50.5% of the work force were from the Pacific Islands, and these interviews celebrate the diverse stories of this community.

Tala worked for Crown Lynn throughout the 1970s, and her story is one shared by many Pacific migrants to New Zealand during this era. Tala moved from Samoa, and immediately started work at Crown Lynn Potteries. Her sister, who was already living in Auckland, assisted her move and helped her secure work at the factory. Tala started in the handle room - attaching handles to cups, before moving upstairs to the fettling department. While at Crown Lynn, Tala met her husband who was working in the same department. They saved for a house of their own, and had two children. Tala reminisces on her time at Crown Lynn, and describes how the factory gave her the opportunity to create a happy life in Aotearoa, New Zealand.

Check out the full interview to hear more of Tala's story.

Created with the support of the Ministry of Education's Pacific Support Fund, Te Tāhuhu o te Mātauranga.