Judith Williams

Judith Williams lived her early years in the village of Waiwera and started her schooling at the Pūhoi convent school. She formed friendships with local Bohemian families and these early relationships fostered her interest in the local dialect, its songs and dances. She trained as
a teacher and studied German to Master’s level at the University of Auckland, followed by three years teaching English at secondary level in Oldenburg, Germany.

Williams was intensely proud of being a descendant of the early settlers in the area (Pittner) and her decision to learn German and to live in Germany derived from her early links with Pūhoi families. So it was unsurprising that later she returned to Pūhoi, and developed a smallholding there with sheep and chickens. At this time, Williams began a second career, in journalism. She helped establish the Puhoi Historical Society in 1976 and contributed to many community activities. In 2014 she was awarded the Queen’s Service Medal for services to the community. She continued to visit Germany and the Czech Republic and fostered strong links with Egerlander visitors to Pūhoi.

At that time the old songs and dances were a regular part of local events, and traditional musical instruments were often played at the local pub. Williams’s role in documenting these traditions cannot be overestimated. She was a well-known identity for many years, taking great interest in traditional cultural activities and doing all she could to ensure that they blossomed and thrived.