Heritage Uncovered - The Life of Olive Blick

Heritage Marlborough has partnered with organisations across the region to launch a new series, Heritage Uncovered. This initiative delves into lesser-known stories that have shaped Marlborough’s history.

During the Second World War, women across New Zealand were called upon to join the Land Army to help fill the gaps left by enlisted men. The agricultural industry was particularly short of labour, leading to the creation of the Women’s Land Service. Sally Peter from the Flaxbourne Heritage Centre shared an interview she conducted in 2005 with former land girl Olive Blick (nee Rutland).

Olive worked a farm on Cape Campbell in South Marlborough during the war, cutting scrub by hand with an axe, putting 4,400 sheep through the dip, driving sheep to Seddon, and many other farm activities. She recalled one difficult day when leading a draft horse across the lake to Seddon - her horse got stuck and she had to spend hours digging it out of the mud. These jobs were taxing on the girls due to the combination of long hours, labour shortages and fewer resources because of wartime rationing.

Despite its challenges Olive found being a land girl an exciting opportunity to participate in the workforce and contribute to the war effort. During the interview, Olivesaid she really loved the work and was excited to receive her land army uniform and work clothes. Her story reflects an important piece of New Zealand history and marked a starting point of change for women in the workforce.

Follow the Heritage Marlborough Facebook and Instagram pages as the team uncovers remarkable people, places, and events that have contributed to Marlborough’s rich heritage. They would love you to share your own heritage stories. Contact: heritage@marlborough.govt.nz and be a part of preserving Marlborough’s history.