Helen May - I am five and I go to school: Early Years Schooling in New Zealand, 1900-2010

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This book has been made possible by a wide range of assistance and support.

The University of Otago has provided study leave and financial support. My heartfelt appreciation to Professor Kwok Wing Lai, who was the Acting Dean of the College of Education for eight months.

The Institut fr Quantum Optics und Quantum Information, University of Innsbruck, Austria, gave financial support to my husband Professor Crispin Gardiner and provided an apartment close to the city, underneath the mountains and looking on to the River Inn. For six months I was able to read, write, walk and think without interruption.

Family and friends were interested in the project and gave support and contributions.

The staff of libraries and museums, large and small, have sourced and searched for snippets and images about life in the primers, infants and juniors, for which I am grateful.

Teachers and colleagues in the field of education have talked with me over the years, and found materials. This has been invaluable.

Schools have opened their cupboards to see what might be found.

Adults and children have recalled their days at school.

Colleagues at the University of Otago College of Education have passed on materials, insights, and recollections.

Education organisations have been helpful when approached.

My patient students listened when I often shared the stories.

The students at the Wanganui outpost of Wellington College of Education joined in the excitement of my trawling the city archives concerning the Whanganui stories.

Joneen Walker showed me some Dunedin junior classes and took photographs.

Wendy Harrex of the Otago University Press liked the idea of publishing the book and realised it with the help of designer Fiona Moffat.

John Smith read the chapters, provided thoughtful comments and more anecdotes.

The late Hugh Price allowed access to his collection of reading books.

Organisations have hosted conferences and seminars where I have presented work in progress. My appreciation also to friends such as Sue Middleton, Kerry Bethell, Kay Morris-Matthews and Larry Prochner, who share similar passions for the history of education.