Kia ora

My name is Ruth Greenaway. I am passionate about recording the stories of people, communities, and organisations.
Tapestries were 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. 'Oral history is knowledge formed in relationship. Together with our stories, we weave the fabric of our society.' Tapestries have been commissioned to document stories, undertake historical research and oral history interviews by individuals, families, community groups, corporate companies, small businesses, and other organisations, and for Radio New Zealand and the Ministry for Culture and Heritage. I am also a social researcher and have worked with local government, universities, and NGOs. 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. It only takes ONE story to start a journey.
Find out more about Ruth Greenaway HERE

Reviews...

  • I think this is truly a wonderful script that you have created. It is a very insightful reading and captures his thoughts beautifully.
    Chris Gethen.
    Life History Interview with Ray Gethen, 'A Ten Pound Pom', (born 1924). Interviewed in June 2023
  • Threads of Caring is a valuable addition to our understanding of New Zealand's welfare history. Because the authors paid much attention to the wider context within which the Trust worked, the book increases and enriches our understanding of New Zealand’s past.
    Elizabeth Ward, History Department, Massey University, Palmerston North.
    Threads of Caring, 2021
  • Ruth did an outstanding job on the homelessness research and reporting project within tight deadlines. We would recommend her services to other organisations and councils undertaking similar projects.
    Frank Begley, Manager Community Partnerships, Whakatāne District Council.
    Homelessness in the Whakatāne District - A Situational Overview.
  • The board of directors recognised the importance of documenting the key turning points in Fosters' growth. I have learnt a lot while seeing this book come to fruition.
    Michael Crawford, Chairperson, Board of Directors, Foster Construction Group Ltd.
    We Are Fosters.
  • It’s a joy to contemplate a book, a record, an acknowledgement, a history like this. It is a grand project executed with grand style. Awesome that people with a story to tell find the time to undertake such a solid effort to not just publish a record of achievement and influence but also an acknowledgement of the immense collection of people and spirit that went into making it all.
    Phil Harington; School of Counselling Human Services and Social Work, Faculty of EdSW, UoA.
    My Story Your Story Together Builds Communities; Ko aku korero ko au koero Ka whakamana te kotahitanga o te hapori: Auckland’s North Shore; Te Raki Paewhenua.
  • We treasure this book as a whanau. Thank you, Ruth, for all your mahi.
    Anna Parker
    'Living Seasons' - Family story
  • Ruth's work gets more professional by the day and the calibre of her web page reflects that. She is making a sure-footed contribution to the wellbeing of any community with which she is associated and it is a privilege to be a small part of that.
    Rev George Armstrong
    Peace Activitist and Theologian - Auckland N.Z
  • Ruth is a highly creative person with a unique ability to connect with people, both in the professional and personal spheres. She is an innate communicator and demonstrates great sensitivity and understanding towards her target audience
    Pratima Mathews
    Communications Specialist - London U.K
  • Ruth’s enthusiasm for history and community development, her ability to cross-reference and to notice important observations were a winning combination and because of this our book became a huge achievement.
    Yvonne Powley, CEO
    Auckland North Community and Development Inc.
  • Ruth was articulate and clear in her understanding of what she wanted the final message from the documentary to be, she also utilized her great interpersonal and culturally sensitive skills in dealing with a diverse group of individuals.
    Tayyaba Khan
    Relationship Manager (Investment) Tertiary Education Commission - Auckland N.Z
  • In this institutional history, Ruth Greenaway and Megan Hutching gather the threads of this community and church-led welfare service together with great skill.
    The Reverend Dr. Janet Crawford
    'Threads of Caring', 2021
  • ‘Places the formation of the ATWC and its precursor homes in the context of significant historical trends in social welfare and contributes to a deeper understanding of a broader New Zealand story. Above all, it evokes the voices of the children, the mothers, the staff – raising this beyond institutional history to a rich tapestry of New Zealander’s lives over more than 160 years.’
    Peter Lineham MNZM, Professor Emeritus of History, Massey University
    'Threads of Caring', 2021

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