News Archive 2005

In anticipation of the canonisation and the continued interest of the New Zealand Public in everything relating to Suzanne Aubert, we made a decision to upgrade our archives.

During the course of a year a large number of people visit showing an interest and wanting information. Because Mother Aubert was a pioneer in social reform, early childhood education and other initiatives, a number of students choose to base their assignments on her life and work. To get the best possible advice on upgrading we approached Peri and Karen Te Wao, asking them to help us to develop a general plan that would give visitors an insight into the life of Suzanne Aubert (Meri Hohepa) within a defined space. Peri and Karen drew up a plan for us and after seeking our approval they approached Robert Baldock, the owner of West Side Studios to help with the construction of a Cherry Tree and a Whare. Robert was also asked to furnish the Suzanne Aubert room.

Robert and Ema Baldock, visited the archives and immediately they saw a number of possibilities and made some very creative suggestions which they were able to execute. We were very fortunate having Sukhita Langford and Chris Donnelly to decorate the rooms. The revamping of the archives has been very exciting and we have been extremely fortunate having such gifted and creative people to help us.

Downstairs a “family tree” has been constructed by the crew of the Westside Studios that gives information about the natural family of Suzanne Aubert as well as stories of some of the Sisters who belong to the Congregation. The famous herbal remedies are also on display, with artifacts used in their production. A slide show of the early days of life on the Whanganui River at the settlements of Jerusalem and Ranana also runs for about 16 minutes. The displays do not distract from the fact that it is a working archives as well, and all cupboards and cabinets are easily accessible to staff or researchers.

In the main corridor of the Home is an excellent photographic display, and an illustrated Time-line tracing the history of the Island Bay Home of Compassion over one hundred years.

The whole visit would take from 30-45 minutes.

Like to arrange a visit to the Archives?
The Archives of Sisters of Compassion is situated at the Congregational General Administration at Island Bay, Wellington. Memorabilia relating to Suzanne Aubert – Mother Mary Joseph Aubert – is on display, as well as photographs of the works done by the Sisters since the foundation of the Congregation in 1892.

Please contact the Archivists: Sr Bernadette Mary Wrack and Sr Josephine Gorman phone: 04 383 7134, fax: 04 383 6675.