Removing the Stumbling Stone

Marjorie Heads - Her Life and Work

Written and compiled by Navina Clemerson

Publication date: November 2004, Waimahea Publications, approx. 76 pp, photographs, appendices, bibliography.

Price: $ 15

Marjorie was the first social worker for the Huntington’s Association in Wellington, which she helped to found. This is a description of her life, based on interviews with her and with people who knew her well.. She was one of New Zealand’s earliest home-grown social workers. The practice of social work was still in its infancy when she graduated and she contributed to the changes in social policy in New Zealand during the 70s and beyond. She strongly influenced the direction of training for social workers in the Wellington region for many years. She was a passionate advocate on behalf of her clients. Some of her writing is reprinted here as well as contributions by friends, family and colleagues.

Contents: 1. Growing up in rural New Zealand; 2. Three courses of study; 3. A time for change: public policies in the 1970s; 4. Social work in the Public Service: the three witches; 5. A good moral character: advocacy and activism; 6. Training and supervision, with a contribution by Cathy Woods, Mary Iwanek and Diane Zwimpfer; 6. The Huntington’s Disease Association; 7. At Temple Sinai; 8.  Aunty Marjorie by Corinna Hickey; 9. A private person: quietly, unobtrusively.

Includes photos, appendices and a bibliography.

Please make your cheque out to “Temple Caterers” and send it to:

Judith Clearwater, P.O.Box 14-541, Kilbirnie, Wellington

Email: clemerson@paradise.net.nz