"A workshop designed to help people hone their skills in recording oral history may be the first of many.
The two-day seminar, held in Kerikeri recently, was led by Taina McGregor, Oral History Advisor, Maori at the Alexander Turnbull Library, and has earned rave reviews from participants on the pilot course according to organiser Atareiria Heihei of Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga. "

“It was also great to be able to share this knowledge with other people who are working with oral history, or who want to become more involved. We’re looking forward to holding more of these two day courses next year, and will publicise dates and times once details are finalised.” 

A workshop on writing abstracts for recorded interviews is currently being organised for the new year. 

December 4

MEDIA RELEASE

Oral history workshop a hit

A workshop designed to help people hone their skills in recording oral history may be the first of many.

The two-day seminar, held in Kerikeri recently, was led by Taina McGregor, Oral History Advisor, Maori at the Alexander Turnbull Library, and has earned rave reviews from participants on the pilot course according to organiser Atareiria Heihei of Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga. 

“Taina presented an in-depth and very hands-on workshop which covered off everything most oral historians need to be across. This included use of equipment like video cameras and audio, interview techniques, and even things like ethics, permission, and copyright issues,” says Atareiria.

“Having completed the course, all participants felt better equipped and empowered to take on the task of recording family and tribal histories in a way that can be archived well, and which will become a great taonga for future generations.” 

One of the participants, Monica Heihei, is keen to use her newly acquired skills along with classmate Sarah Taiapo, to work with fellow classmate Jack Kemp, who has been carrying out oral history around World War II as a volunteer for Heritage New Zealand. 

“Jack is already carrying out oral history interviews and we’d like to start off sitting in on some of his sessions,” says Monica. 

“We want to help capture some of those amazing stories and experiences.” 

Recording oral history is an important part of Atareiria’s research work that she undertakes as part of the process of listing Wahi Tapu and Wahi Tupuna places under the Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga Act. 

“The oral history workshop has certainly enhanced my skills, and enabled me to better capture the stories and information that are held by our kuia and kaumatua,” she says. 

“It was also great to be able to share this knowledge with other people who are working with oral history, or who want to become more involved. We’re looking forward to holding more of these two day courses next year, and will publicise dates and times once details are finalised.” 

A workshop on writing abstracts for recorded interviews is currently being organised for the new year.