An oral history interview looking at the past and present of Palmerston North and the Manawatū, produced by Manawatū People's Radio with the support of New Zealand On Air.

An oral history interview looking at the past and present of Palmerston North and the Manawatū, produced by Manawatū People's Radio with the support of New Zealand On Air.

An oral history interview looking at the past and present of Palmerston North and the Manawatū, produced by Manawatū People's Radio with the support of New Zealand On Air.

An oral history interview looking at the past and present of Palmerston North and the Manawatū, produced by Manawatū People's Radio with the support of New Zealand On Air.

An oral history interview looking at the past and present of Palmerston North and the Manawatū, produced by Manawatū People's Radio with the support of New Zealand On Air.

An oral history interview looking at the past and present of Palmerston North and the Manawatū, produced by Manawatū People's Radio with the support of New Zealand On Air.

An oral history interview looking at the past and present of Palmerston North and the Manawatū, produced by Manawatū People's Radio with the support of New Zealand On Air.

The City Mission began in the 1970s as the Anglican Social Work Trust in Palmerston North. It started a Friendship Centre for isolated seniors with transport and social events. Renamed City Mission in 2019, it still runs weekly entertainment for 60–70 older people. Fitness and stretch classes help seniors stay active and mobile. Funding comes partly from the Anglican Church but mostly from grants and donations. A programme supports senior former refugees with English and social connection. The Space Programme helps new parents of babies make friends and share advice. The Mission aids rough sleepers with food and works with other local groups. Volunteers are central, running events, driving vans, and offering support. A new community garden will grow food and friendship for all ages.

An oral history interview looking at the past and present of Palmerston North and the Manawatū, produced by Manawatū People's Radio with the support of New Zealand On Air.

An oral history interview looking at the past and present of Palmerston North and the Manawatū, produced by Manawatū People's Radio with the support of New Zealand On Air.

An oral history interview looking at the past and present of Palmerston North and the Manawatū, produced by Manawatū People's Radio with the support of New Zealand On Air.

An oral history interview looking at the past and present of Palmerston North and the Manawatū, produced by Manawatū People's Radio with the support of New Zealand On Air.

An oral history interview looking at the past and present of Palmerston North and the Manawatū, produced by Manawatū People's Radio with the support of New Zealand On Air.

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

An oral history interview looking at the past and present of Palmerston North and the Manawatū, produced by Manawatū People's Radio with the support of New Zealand On Air.

An oral history interview looking at the past and present of Palmerston North and the Manawatū, produced by Manawatū People's Radio with the support of New Zealand On Air.

An oral history interview looking at the past and present of Palmerston North and the Manawatū, produced by Manawatū People's Radio with the support of New Zealand On Air.

An oral history interview looking at the past and present of Palmerston North and the Manawatū, produced by Manawatū People's Radio with the support of New Zealand On Air.

An oral history interview looking at the past and present of Palmerston North and the Manawatū, produced by Manawatū People's Radio with the support of New Zealand On Air.

An oral history interview looking at the past and present of Palmerston North and the Manawatū, produced by Manawatū People's Radio with the support of New Zealand On Air.