Awards in Oral History announced

The panel for this year's Awards in Oral History have selected 17 oral history projects out of over 60 applicants to receive funding support. Projects span the length and breadth of the country from Lake Omapere in the far north to Dunedin in the south, and way down south to Antarctica.

The stories to be recorded are equally diverse, including an oral history of small rural Māori community of Te Rawhiti between the 1920s and 40s, dancing competitions in Dunedin, New Zealand 's early role in Antarctica, the Burmese community in New Zealand and interviews with New Zealand cartoonists.

'We had a substantial increase in the number of applicants for the awards this year, indicating a strong interest in oral history around the country,' said Megan Hutching, Senior Oral Historian with the Ministry for Culture and Heritage.

'Recording oral history gives us personal stories and experiences in the words of the people who were there, and often provides insights into the day-to-day lives of people that would not otherwise be known.'

The Awards in Oral History are awarded annually to provide financial help for projects using oral resources relating to the history of New Zealand and New Zealand 's close connections with the Pacific. About $75,000 is available for distribution each year to individuals, groups, communities or institutions for a limited period and can be used to fund equipment, travel and other costs related to the project.

Find out more, including a list of this year's successful recipients

For further information please contact:

Helen Mojel
Ministry for Culture and Heritage
04 474 3307 or 027 256 7778