Wayne Boniface

Wayne Boniface was born the 2^nd of December, 1960 at Norfolk Island Hospital. When asked what the hospital was like during the 60’s he stated that it is relatively the same size however back then throughout a small child’s lens the hospital resembled a lot of small houses joined together.

Wayne was born into a family of 7 which consisted of an older brother and older sister who now are unfortunately deceased and two younger sisters. His parents are still alive and married to this day, they recently celebrated their 72^nd wedding anniversary. Up to age 10, Wayne lived in Liro house built by Alfred Nobbs and his wife Emily Christian, located out Rocky Point. During this era on Norfolk there was no such thing as childcare, instead all the mothers stayed home to look after the kids. When Wayne was 10 his parents built a new house which they moved into and still live in to this day. During the 70’s the islands main sports included footy, tennis and squash. At Wayne’s first home they had a tennis court. Every Sunday everyone from Rocky Point would come to the court to have a tennis comp. Back then, majority of Norfolk families would go to church on Sunday and would have their own social gatherings.

When asked what school life was like Wayne mentioned the fact that back then they still weren’t allowed to speak Norfolk as it was thought that using their local language would diminish their ability to speak English. Therefore, they were encouraged to speak and think in English. As there was a lot of mixed marriages where only one parent was a local, Norfolk wasn’t commonly spoken at home. Another difference between schooling these days and back then is the fact that’s school buses were used every day and caning was still a method of punishment.

After completing year 10, Wayne moved to New Zealand. After Year 10 it was common for majority of the class to leave Norfolk. Wayne began a apprenticeship in horticulture where he worked 40 hours a week and received $29 a week. This apprentice took 5 years to complete.

After this he worked in Auckland for a year, then he moved back to the island. When he was back home, he balanced 2 jobs for 8 or 9 years. Wayne began working at the nursery in 1982 which is the same job he has now some 40 years later. Wayne used to be the islands florist and his front yard was covered in flowers so he was able to make beautiful arrangements. He additionally did weddings, churches, halls and funerals. Furthermore, Wayne remains very in touched with his cultural and heritage with his hobbies including weaving and making and selling sorengs. Wayne has also attended Festivals of Pacific Arts attended them all for the last 30 years either as a participator or spectator. In the future, Wayne sees himself doing what he is doing now, working at the nursery, doing his hobbies and spending his afternoons down Middle Beach, “his beach”.