Changing the Narrative

April 1, 2019

Shonaleigh - Jewish storyteller

20min listen 

Shonaleigh Cumbers is a storyteller. Not just any storyteller. She’s a Drut’syla. She’s a living tradition holder. It’s a tradition that flourished in Jewish families, but that was wiped out during the holocaust. Almost wiped out. As far as we know, Shonaleigh is the last Drut’syla.

Land Stories

By John Sellwood • June 27, 2025
Treaty settlements with Maori try to redress past wrongs. In Christchurch, you might think all was fair until you hear the wretched story of Kemp's Purchase.

Water Cremation

By John Sellwood • June 27, 2025
A sponsored story explaining how water cremation or alkaline hydrolysis works, providing a clear picture of the process and the basic science behind it. New Zealand's first Water Cremation service was opened in 2025 beginning a new era in funeral practices in Aotearoa. This story gives the background.