PART 3: I will always be grateful for the many conversations we had, as times spent with you were very special. Even in the last months of your life, you would always thank me and Winston for visiting. Believe me it was no chore to do so, as you were one of a kind. Affectionately, Wendy or as you sometimes called me "My girl." I will miss you more than words can ever convey.

PART 2: Resilience, integrity , courage, grace and wisdom that comes from adverse times. This is how I would describe Elva, and there were no pharmacological agents to help you cope. You just got on with life. Resentment, bitterness and bearing a grudge were never part of her world, despite challenges that she faced in her 99 years. There was a sense of gratefulness, respectfulness of others, and a generosity of spirit. Elva had the most amazing blue eyes that would sometimes have a hint of mischievousness, as she spoke of her life and events. She had the most delightful sense of humour, quiet and thoughtful, and over the years we discussed many topics, as her interests were vast as was her knowledge of world events. There was more than one afternoon tea invitation, as I have immense respect for people of bygone days who have a wealth of history, which of course Elva documented which fascinates me. I was also from farming stock so I understood the challenges that farming can have. Long days and at times back breaking work, and people just got on with it. On visiting Amberlea on a Good Friday when Elva went into care, we spoke about the change in her living circumstances. Although not happy, she knew that life had forever changed, but she could still see green hills out her window, the sea in the distance and just happened to know past owners of the land. We spoke about her now other life in Mangawhai, and I am sure family as well would keep her up to date with the latest developments in the Mangawhai area. This is how she coped, like the journal she had kept, she would turn the page and another chapter began. But now she has written the final chapter in a very full life. As she nurtured family and friends, I am sure she now has her very capable hands in a very different garden, which will always create beautiful plants and flowers, with her knitting somewhere close at hand.

PART 1: On the 15th April, before the sun rose, Winston and I walked across the walkway in front of Elva’s home. I had not done this for many weeks, but wanted to feel the wind from the east that was already signalling that Cyclone Tam was approaching Northland. I stopped and looked at the native tree on Elva’s boundary. Elva had mentioned that when adverse weather events like this occurred, the debris it left behind. But there was also a positive that once the wind abated and the birds came back, Elva would take delight in the different species that this tree attracted. Some may view the mess left behind, as a nuisance, another job to do, but for Elva the tree was a source of delight in many ways. The antics of the birds, their melodious song, and of course the blossom heralding summer being on its way. This was very Elva that an event by many that may seem negative would always become positive. Little did I know that Elva was writing the final chapter of her life that day, with as much dignity and courage as she was able to, being very ably cared for by staff at Amberley. A chance meeting in 2011 as Elva was gardening, and a conversation about plants ensured. I had recently returned from living in Melbourne for many years and was studying Horticulture. So a friendship began, with the invitation to afternoon tea on her deck. Who could refuse, with an ever changing view of the harbour, ocean, islands in the distance, as you sat on her deck. There was also the bonus of scintillating conversation, which was occasionally interrupted by something that had caught Elva’s eye, on the surrounding land, spit or out at sea. She had much better eyesight than I will ever have, so out the binoculars would come.

Part 1 My name is Rose Reid, and I currently serve as Secretary and Curator of the Albertland Heritage Museum. I also have the honour of being connected to Elva and her family through the Reid family by marriage. Although I’m unable to be with you in person today, I want to extend my heartfelt condolences to Elva’s family — Neil, Desma, Raewyn, and all your families — on behalf of the Albertland Heritage Museum committee, and also from my own family. I first met Elva in the early 1980s, not long after moving to the district from Auckland. My husband Terry and I paid a visit to George and Elva at their home on Boscher Road to seek George’s advice on a farming matter. Our husbands were both part of the wider Reid family, but I had never met George or Elva before. From the moment we stepped through their door, I remember being struck by the warm and gracious welcome we received. Elva and I quickly discovered a shared passion for family history, and I was deeply impressed by her generosity — both with her time and her incredible knowledge. Even in those early conversations, her deep commitment to preserving and sharing the stories of the past was clear. In those busy early years of raising a family, our visits were only occasional. But by the late 1990s, I began making regular trips to see Elva at her home in Mangawhai. Those visits were always a joy. Elva would prepare lunch, and we would sit together for hours, looking over family records, swapping stories, and sharing discoveries. Continued part 2

Part 2 One story I particularly remember Elva telling me was about a treasured set of Reid family silverware and its remarkable journey through generations and across continents. After George Bellis Reid arrived in New Zealand to become the second headmaster of Port Albert School, the silverware — once belonging to his father — was sent over after the death of his mother. It passed from George Bellis Reid to his eldest son Edward, then to his daughter Mamie, a concert pianist living in Australia, and finally made its way back to New Zealand, into the care of Elva and George. Elva thought long and carefully about the future of the silverware. After much discussion with the family, she made the generous decision to donate it to the Albertland Heritage Museum, with the hope that it would one day be displayed for the public to appreciate. When I joined the museum committee in 2019, it became something of a personal mission to help make that hope a reality. Unfortunately, challenges around security and appropriate display — made more complicated by the disruptions of the Covid years — meant the silverware stayed in storage. But in a recent and deeply meaningful development, Elva’s family passed on the very cabinet in which she had once kept the collection. It’s a beautiful piece, and it now feels like we’re one step closer to fulfilling her vision — that this special family heirloom might be shared with the community, housed in the museum she helped to build. Elva’s contributions to the early development of the museum were significant and lasting. Her presence is still very much felt — in our archives, our research files, the family trees and folders so carefully compiled and labelled in her hand. She was meticulous, thoughtful, and deeply passionate about both the Reid family story and that of her own Curel family. Her work laid the foundation for so much of what we continue today. Continued pt3

Part 3 My last visit with Elva, just before her birthday last August, is something I will always hold dear. Raewyn was with us that day. Elva may not have remembered me fully, but she was still so gracious, still had that familiar twinkle in her eye, and still radiated warmth and kindness. Elva will be remembered with great affection and deep gratitude — for her wisdom, her warmth, and her tireless dedication to preserving our shared heritage. Her legacy lives on in the museum, in the stories we continue to tell, and in the hearts of all of us who had the privilege of knowing her. You will not be forgotten, Elva. Thank you for everything.

My family and I have very pleasant memories of Elva and George. My first years were spent at Sunny Side Orchard, Port Albert, and our home was just through the fence from the Reid homestead. When I was big enough, I was required to attend the Methodist Sunday school. Elva was one of the helpers there . My parents moved to Wayby about the same time as George and Elva were married, and they took on the Tapu bush road property. When I first left school, I worked for George and Elva for a couple of seasons milking cows.I learnt a lot of very handy farming stuff. Elva was very good to my wife when she first came to NZ from Canada. We later returned to Canada for a few years and we had the pleasure of having Neil and Marie, and later Raewyn, spend time with us in Calgary. When our eldest son married, Elva came over for the wedding. Unfortunately, George had passed away by this time. They had been making plans to do a major trip overseas, and there was some talk of maybe visiting Canada at the same time. One of my memories of Elva was her gardening. She, along with my mother when they were both with us in Canada, would wander off admiring gardens. trying to name some of the different plants and gardening styles . Ellen and I are blessed to have had Elva and George in our lives. Bob and Ellen Anderson and family.

Dear Aunty Elva I remember many school holidays staying in the original farm house then later at your lovely new home. No Harbour Bridge in those days we went on the car ferry from Auckland to Takapuna. Soon after we hit the metal roads all the way to Tomarata. A journey I dreaded due to car sickness. It was worth it. I just loved being on the farm with all the animals my cousins and Aunty Elvas wonderful meals and baking. Playing cards in the evenings. Meeting up with my other lovely Aunty June and cousins. I treasure both of their loving natures towards me. During my adult years I was able to do some family history research in Wales for Aunty Elva. Many letters passed between us as we unraveled historic information. To Neil Desma and Raewyn Thank you for sharing your darling Mum with me Always in my heart Your neice Sandra

My name is Ray Clarke & I have known Elva & George Reid for 70 years I was their first farm worker at the age of 16 years in 1949 They were very good Dairy Farmers. George had a very good reason for everything he did on the farm and I learnt a huge amount of knowledge on their farm at Tomarata. I didn’t want to leave, but I had to, to take up an electrical apprenticeship in Wellsford Elva was like a second Mum to me & I thank the Reid family for their Friendship Ray Clarke Te Mata Rest Home Birkdale

Hello Neil. I'm really sorry I never made it up there for the celebration of your mum's life. There's n excuse good enough. I had you locked in and disappointed I never made it. I wasn't feeling up to it this morning. Julie was writing out something special for Elva. I was a bit young to appreciate all the good stuff your mum and dad did when I was young. I loved the tractor rides the best. When I got older and visited Elva it was still a blast. Especially taking Dad and uncle Don to see Elva. Even in her later years she was never flustered. She just got on and made us feel welcome. And had those great little chats about when the Lister girls would come to town and create quite a stir at The Port Albert Hall dances😄 I hope the day went well for you and Maree and wish the extended families well. Julie is writing something out and I shall send her message later. If there is any recordings or programmed of day I would like to get hold of that if possible All the best Vaughn

Elva started writing to Joan in London when they were both 12 years old in 1938. It was a bit of an experiment for both girls, but it turned into a powerful lifelong friendship as they kept in touch by airmail and sent each other small personal gifts through all the world events and through all the seasons of life: courtship, marriage, children, new homes, children's marriages, grandchildren - and for Elva, widowhood. This was all sustained through the power of the pen, and occasional photos, it was many years before even a very expensive phonecall was possible. But the ladies wrote regularly an honestly of all their life experiences. The families did not meet until Neil and Maire came to Europe in 1976 and spent a few happy days with Joan's family outside London as part of their big adventure. Elva herself first visit to UK was at the time of Joan's son Chris marrying Carolyn in 1988, and both ladies were delighted that after fifty years of friendship they could share that moment. The relationship continued and more trips around the world were possible for various family members in the years that followed, catching up and staying in each other's homes. Sadly Joan died in 2015, just before her 90th, bringing to an end the remarkable friendship the ladies had built over the years, but friendly contact continued between Elva and Joan's widower Peter, and into the next generation. Elva was a remarkable woman, managing her way through tough times down the decades, but she stayed a faithful and precious friend to Joan through it all, a friendship such as most of us are not privileged to enjoy. Thank you, Elva. With all our love, Peter and the family!

Aunty Elva The most gentle, supportive, calm and influential woman of the 3 Curel Sisters. She was like a second mother to me. My own mother (June Curel) looked up to her and took comfort from Elvas friendship and advice. I remember going "On Holidays" to the farm at Tapu Bush Road, Tomarata during the school holidays at around 1958. Neil and I were 8. We played in the creeks, caught possums, and looked out for distressed animals. I remember Aunty Elva helping Uncle George Milk the cows, feed the pigs, then come back to the homestead to feed us kids. There was always something to do on the farm. Shearing, moving stock, fixing fenses, rotary hoeing the garden, hay making, sadling the horse to pull the sled, and feeding calves among the miriad of tasks. Then came the new house and orchard. A new chapter. The old house became a hay shed, but the memories lingered. I remember a Curel Family reunion at this new house - still have some photos. And the holiday house at Algies Bay, a great place for us kids. Elva was always the firm but gentle Matriarch. No one crossed her.. Then came even more changes with the sale of the farm, moving to Wellsford - and buying a holiday house at Mangawhai Heads (where Grandad Curel always holidayed in a tent), then buying at Te Hana, then moving to Mangawhai heads into a different house. She became involved in the Wellsford Museum scene, and kept records of the families ancestry. I left the country in 1971, but I always came to see Aunty Elva when I was back in NZ. She was the last link to the Curel family. When you live overseas the home country still has a strong place in your life, particularly when people you love are still there. We stayed at Elva's wooden house several times, and our families have been there too. It is a special part of our lives

Mum, you slipped peacefully and quietly away on the evening of 15 April. You left the way you lived, quietly and with no fuss. Unfortunately, for me, you left, when I was away. We were, as a family (3 generations) riding the Otago Rail Trail to celebrate Brent’s 50th birthday. You were born 1925, Neil 1950 and my son Brent 1975 - 25 years between each generation. I treasure the visit myself, Brent and Cara had with you just before we left. I am the person I am today because of the simple life we lived, full of all the best values of being a good person. You and dad taught us Respect, Discipline, honestly, good manners, pride in ourselves, and how to apply ourselves to work and do whatever jobs had to be done. You taught me to knit, sew and bake, skills that prepared me well for my life ahead. It is hard to believe you are no long physically here with us, but you will always be in my heart, and I have nearly 73 years of precious memories to dip into and cling to. Thank you mum, for all you did, and all you were. I was always so proud to call you my mum and you are a part of me for ever. You are at rest and peace now mum with dear dad and my beloved Barry Boy. What an amazing life full of love and memories you have left for us all. A life so well lived.

A mother in-law is like a teacher who guides you through life and loves you like her own. Mum You were a precious gift from God So much beauty, grace, love and patience personified. You touched our hearts in so many ways, your strength and smile even on dark days made us realize we had an angel beside us. Your light will never fade away In our hearts, you will always stay. Though farewells have now been said, your warmth remains, love widespread. Good bye Elva May, 57 years of beautiful memories 🥰 Marie.

My memorie's of nana Dear nana you would alway's make me laugh and smile you were so kind to me and everybody around you. you were so lovely you have a big caring heart to me and other people so thank you Nana for being a great and loving Nana so thank's love from Toby and you'r granson ps I WILL MISS YOU A LOT

To mum I’m finding it very hard, to take this all in That you are no longer here, and I cannot just call in There's a hole in my heart , and a very big space within You were always my rock, oh where shall I begin We are so lucky, to have shared your life, so long We weren’t so lucky with dad, so early, did he pass on The memories we have with you, will live with us forever The legacy you have left us, will keep us all together We are so grateful, for the things that you have taught us The support and the care, that you lovingly have brought us Your life wasn’t easy, you worked hard, for all those years We thankyou, very sincerely for those blood sweat and the tears You were humble and capable, and very self contained You gave a lot to others, who cherished the friendship that you maintained Your wisdom and knowledge, of those days of long lost passed Was shared very readily with all of those who asked You were committed and were loyal, to all who you endeared Reliable and trustworthy, and not a person, to be feared Gentle and thoughtful with kindness to a tee, Thinking always of others , you said “it is not all about me” We love you very dearly, and sadly we have to say Thankyou, good bye, we will miss you, each and every day. I’ll try to follow in your footsteps and follow your life plan To be grateful and caring and do the very best I can

I'm Derek's and Isobel daughter.Kelvin and Lorraine where my grandparents. I would pop in form time to time and loved catching up very special lady to me...lots love to the family..

Dear Nana Thank you for being a lovely Nana for my 47 years. We are all so very fortunate that for most of your 99 years you were spritely, in good health and your mind was sharp and engaged. I have wonderful memories of you (and Grandad) and the times shared. Some of my favourites are: * The big wheeled bike that you had at the farm in Wellsford. You couldn't really pedal it but that didn't matter beacuase we could take it to the top of the concrete drive then roar down the hill, either into the garage or turn left and continue down through the orchard to the bottom. We spent hours doing that! * All those mandarin trees! And Grandad's cows, bulls and his motorbike.. * Your yummy soup with the letters in it. I used to love making 'soup sandwiches' with it! * I used to love all the strips of coloured card you'd get from your job in Wellsford. I used them to record the trains that went past and how many carriages they would have. * Your bach at Mangawhai Heads. I can vividly recall the interior and the view. One summers day I got very sunburnt on my back and I remember you sitting there on my bed trying to soothe it, carefully rubbing in some cream * Your beautiful handwriting. * All your crafts; tapestry, knitting sewing and painting. You had some special paints that would puff up! I remember when you were painting a series of the four seasons. They were on your wall at Mangawhai until you left and I would always think of the time you were working on it, all those years prior. * In later years, we'd visit your new place in Wellsford and then Mangawhai. I visited as a young girl/woman, then with a husband, then with one, two, three children. * Reading your memoir; a special gift for all your family. * In the past few years our visits were to Amberlea, where we cebebrated your birthday and Christmas. Our last visit will remain very special. Thank you Nana for the memories and love. Cara xx

Elva was a lovely person. I saw her 3 times a week and she never said no to a hand massage or a hug. Our conversations consisted of yes and no but she always had a smile. She said she didn’t enjoy being old and we both agreed that old age wasn’t much fun. I will miss her on my visits. I didn’t realise she was 99. Amazing.

To Elva Mangawhai wont be the same with you not there! I always loved to pop in and see you whilst l was up staying with Marie and Neil. You would always make me feel welcome.. l especially loved looking around your garden which you spent so much time in! May you be at peace now Love Sally 🙏🌹

In Loving Memory of Nana Nana, you were the only grandparent I had in my life, and that made your presence all the more special to me. As I grew up, I was lucky to spend many holidays staying with you, memories I will treasure forever. I may have been one of six grandchildren, and many great grandchildren but you had a superpower: you made each of us feel so uniquely loved and cherished. No matter what was going on in your life, your ability to make us valued, and special was incredible. When I think of you, I think of your hardworking hands - always making something, mending something, gardening, or baking. You taught me to appreciate the things I have and to treasure the people around me. I loved the way you would gently hold my hand or stroke my arm when we chatted. Your presence was always hearty, wholesome, and enveloping. Although it breaks my heart that you’re no longer with us, I’m so grateful I had the privilege of sharing a small part of your almost 100 incredible years. Rest easy, Nana, knowing just how deeply you were loved.

I love you Nana you always gave me hugs. And I also loved the talking parrot Milo at your care home.

What a beautiful Tribute to your Mum, Neil. She would be, and I'm sure always has been very proud of you. Elva May, as we always called her, couldn't have wished for a better son. or family. She was always very gracious and hospitable whenever we visited, regardless of how impromptu the visit was. A real treasure. Feeling very sad for you all, and sending love at this very sad time. Treasure the happy memories ❤️ Tim & Sandy xxxx

To Neil, Desma, Raewyn, partners and families. Thinking of you all. Your mum was a great friend of mine for many years. Many memories. Raewyn Gibbs

Mangawhai museum Has some beautiful photo’s and memories of the Reid-Curel wedding. The Albert Landers are a special breed of great people. Knowledgeable and creative.

Fondest memories of a very special Aunty.🥰 I will treasure our last hug and holding your hands just so very recently as you said ,‘Goodbye’. May you rest in peace Aunty Elva, together now with Uncle George.🙏🏼 A life truly well lived. Love to all the family at this sad time.💐 XxxSherrill, Alan & family Melbourne

My Tribute to Elva Mum, you have been a wonderful mother to all of your 3 children, 6 grandchildren & 9 great-grandchildren. You have lived through a time of so many changes & have adapted & upskilled to face them all. From joining this world in 1925 Port Albert, a place where the early settlers had hoped would be their great destiny, but sadly this was not the case. Times were tough & the war years loomed with rationing, hardship & fear. Then to marriage becoming a farmers wife (on Dad’s safe return) where you would have had been tested in so many ways. Helping to improve our farm from basically a remote scrub covered landscape that the Bank wouldn’t even lend on, to beautiful fully functioning unit of 456 acres. You learned to cook for large groups, establish a safe, loving home, worked on the farm, raised 3 kids, had considerable involvement with the church, women’s division, (where you were honored as being the longest serving member), the Wellsford show, (with various rolls from preparing & displaying your winning preserves, needlework or prized baking, to judging). Let us remember that much of this was done prior to 1960, when there were no electrical appliances. You played Hockey & were a very skilled craftswomen in the way you went about your sewing, knitting & needlework, this was your space, another skill that both Raewyn & Desma learned from you. continued Pt 2

Part 2 Tribute to Elva After leaving the farm you helped Dad establish a smaller unit of 42 acres near Wellsford, where you added horticulture to your resume. After Dad died you have spent the rest of your life, (nearly 40 years) alone, where again you adapted, never complained, were welcoming, engaged, interested, & always put others first. You did try to master computers but this & the cell phone was a step too far for you at this time of your life. But you did complete the memoirs of your life which is a treasured legacy that will remind us of you & what you have achieved. Even when you had to move from your lovely views at your home in Mangawhai to the Care Home in Algies Bay. You took this in your stride, understood the situation, never complained, and as a result have touched the hearts of the staff & friends, there as well. You were there for just over 3 yrs and the send off that they gave you was very special and a testament to the unassuming mark that you have left. You will be a very tough act to follow, you have lead us by setting an example for us to follow, and we are who we are because of you. The life skills that we have learned from you will help us navigate our way in the world but now without you. It will be very tough for us to adapt & change but with your spirit & genes programmed into us we will make you proud. May your spirit now be where your beliefs had imagined, & that Dad was there to greet you. Your 99 years 8 mths We love you and are proud to be who we are because of you. Travel safe my very dear Mum & friend Your for ever loving son Neil