The Power of Telling Stories (taken from Village News, Mairangi Bay publication, p. 29, June 2025, Issue 174)

By Ruth Greenaway (ANCAD – Writer and Storyteller – contractor).

One of the best ways to learn about history is sitting with someone older and listening to their story. Members of the Bays Youth Voice, which is a local youth initiative in the heart of Browns Bay, have done just this. In April, students from Bays Youth Voice filmed interviews with some of the members of East Coast Bays RSA as it celebrates its centenary this year.

Final videos were shared with Auckland Council for use in this year’s Brown Bays ANZAC commemorations. Interviews were undertaken with the president of the ECB RSA, and some of its older members. Stories included personal experiences of WW2, being a jet fighter pilot, joining the army at the age of 15 years, and witnessing French nuclear testing at Mururoa in the 1970s.

The goal of intergenerational dialogue is to foster a more inclusive and participatory society by recognising the value of diverse perspectives and experiences across generations. It also promotes empathy and understanding between different age groups, fostering a sense of community and shared responsibility.

Oral history interviewing is an art and is formed in relationships. For the younger person, participating in storytelling provides opportunities to develop crucial skills, the power of sharing stories and learning from diverse perspectives; fostering personal growth and development.

One RSA interviewee said that his greatest life lesson learnt while being in the Defence Force was perseverance, “getting the job done, seeing it through to the end.” This rings true for the goals that members of Bays Youth Voice have, as they plan for the year ahead.

Goals include finding opportunities for youth internship and work experience, creating a full youth council for the Hibiscus and Bays Local Board, with representatives from across East Coast Bays secondary schools, having a presence at future Auckland Youth Voice annual events.

To find out more about Bays Youth Voice contact
Deb Humphries: deb@ancad.org.nz