Places shape us quietly: a neighbourhood, a beach, a workplace, a school gate, a garden or a relative’s kitchen. A record of those places gives family history texture without needing to be a formal memoir.
Choose a small set of places
Begin with five. List the place, the period of your life, and one sentence about why it matters. The meaning can be joyful, complicated or simply familiar.
Describe what only you would notice
Add sounds, weather, routes, local rituals and ordinary landmarks. A bus stop or dairy may be more vivid than a broad description of a town.
Use a map with care
A hand-drawn map or a simple list of locations can help, but do not publish precise addresses or places that could compromise someone’s privacy or safety.
Respect whenua and community connections
When a place carries Māori, whānau or community significance, avoid claiming stories that are not yours to tell. Check names, ask permission where appropriate, and follow the wishes of people connected to that place.
Link each place to a memory
Pair it with a photograph, a short anecdote or a person who made the place matter. You can also connect it with a first-home memory or a life timeline.
FAQs
Which places should I include?
Choose places that changed your routines, relationships or sense of belonging.
Do I need exact addresses?
No. General locations are often enough.
Can I include a place I disliked?
Yes, if you write in a way that feels safe and fair.
Should I use historic place names?
Use names carefully and check current, respectful usage where possible.
Can I add a map?
Yes, provided it does not reveal private information.
Who owns the story of a shared place?
Many people may hold it; ask before sharing another person’s account.
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