Ruth Greenaway

I am passionate about recording the stories of people, families, local communities, businesses and not for profit /community organisations.

I am experienced in oral history interviewing, research, writing and publishing. I work with graphic designers, editors and publishers.

I studied New Zealand, Australian and Pacific history at Victoria University as well as theatre, and women’s studies. I also have a post Graduate Diploma from Auckland University in documentary making.

I’ve always enjoyed writing, acting and telling stories. I’ve worked with families preserving stories for future generations, as well as migrants and refugees, holocaust survivors, activists and various community / NGO organisations.

More recently I have begun to work with corporates and businesses recording the history of registered companies.

I have over 30 years working within the NGO sector in areas of on-line digital storytelling, recorded histories, and legacy mapping projects.

My business – Tapestries was founded in 1999 and since then I have had the privilege of listening to and recording over 500 diverse and inspirational stories. My theory is that by ‘weaving our stories together’ we can gain a deeper understanding of our shared humanity.

Tapestries has been commissioned to undertake historic research and oral history interviews by individuals, families, community organisations, corporates, Radio New Zealand and the Ministry for Culture and Heritage.

I am a member of the New Zealand Oral History Association, the International Oral History Association, the New Zealand Society of Authors and the Professional Historians Association of New Zealand.

www.tapestries.co.nz