Ruth Greenaway
Auckland
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 of working within the NGO sector across online 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 600 diverse and inspirational stories. We can gain a deeper understanding of our shared humanity by ‘weaving our stories together’.
Tapestries have been commissioned to undertake historical 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.
Recent Publications:
Building Stronger Communities Together: ANCAD celebrates 50 years (1974-2024), 2024
We are Fosters, 2023
Threads of Caring, A History of the Anglican Trust for Women and Children, 2021.
My Story, Your Story, Together Builds Community, 2016
Commissioning Bodies have included:
NGOs and community organisations
Local government
Churches
Social Service Agencies
RNZ
Ministry for Culture and Heritage
Funding for some projects has come from:
Bequests
Lotteries Environment and Heritage Committee
Peace and Disarmament Education Trust
Local Government
Oral History Awards
Philanthropic grants
www.tapestries.co.nz
