Documenting Family Memories and Stories: Best Storyworth Alternatives in New Zealand

In today's fast-paced world, preserving family memories has become more important than ever. In the US, Storyworth® has gained meaningful popularity as an easy way to capture the memories and stories of a loved one through their email-based collection methodology. Each week, a new prompt is emailed to a loved one. At the end of a year, responses to these prompts are compiled into a book of stories designed to be passed across generations. 

This article explores the best Storyworth alternatives available in New Zealand.

Context: Why Preserving Family Stories Matters

From the vibrant cities of Auckland and Wellington to the serene landscapes of the countryside, family stories are the threads that weave together our national tapestry. Preserving these stories is more than just a sentimental exercise; it's a vital link to our past and a guidepost for future generations. Family narratives provide context to our personal identities, helping us understand our roots and the journeys that brought us to where we are today.

Specifically, the process of documenting family stories:

• Strengthens family bonds: Fosters closer connections and understanding, enhancing familial relationships and support networks. (Learn more)
• Builds resilience in children: Learning about family stories, including past challenges and triumphs, can help children develop resilience by understanding the strength and perseverance demonstrated by previous generations. (Learn more)
• Supports enhanced cognitive function: Recalling and narrating stories engages memory and cognitive processes, potentially improving mental acuity and memory retention. (Learn more)
• Spurs validation and affirmation: Receiving acknowledgment and appreciation for one's life story can bolster self-esteem and confidence. (Learn more)
• Reduces feelings of isolation: Engaging with family through storytelling can alleviate feelings of loneliness and isolation, promoting a sense of belonging. (Learn more)

By capturing these stories, we not only honor the experiences of our elders but also create a legacy of resilience, wisdom, and shared values that can inspire and guide our children and grandchildren. 

Remento: A Leading Storyworth Alternative in New Zealand

Remento has emerged as a top choice for families in New Zealand excited about the prospect of preserving stories, but who find the prospect of writing them all down intimidating. Remento makes it easy to document the memories of a loved one without them having to write a single word. Their AI-enabled platform turns recordings of precious memories into a book of written stories, full of QR codes that link to the original recordings.

Each week, Remento storyteller's receive a new story prompt in their inbox. Unlike Storyworth, prompts can be customized by anyone in the family and include either a photo or question from the Remento question bank. The storyteller is invited to record their spoken response right from any smartphone, tablet, or computer - no downloads, logins, or passwords required. The recordings of these reflections are then processed by Remento’s Speech-To-Story™ technology and turned into beautifully written stories. These written stories are shared across the family each week and ultimately printed into a hardcover color-printed book, featuring QR codes that link to the original recordings when scanned.

Unlike Storyworth, Remento makes the preservation of family stories a shared family experience - not an isolated homework assignment. The product makes it easy to invite an entire family to participate in the exploration of a loved one's stories each week - asking questions, voting on prompts, adding photos, and sharing personalized reactions.

Whether used to document memories of grandpa’s childhood or capture the memories of his granddaughter’s first year as they unfold, Remento helps families preserve their memories like never before.

Remento vs. Storyworth: Key Differences in New Zealand

While both Remento and Storyworth aim to help families capture their stories, Remento sets itself apart in several ways:

• No writing for them: Remento turns spoken reflections into written stories. They just press record on any device and start talking – no downloads or logins required. 
• No tedious editing for you: Enjoy a transcription of the memory, or let Remento transform the recording into a written narrative - that means to time-consuming copy-editing.
• Learn about old photos: Remento lets you go beyond generic questions and collect memories about old photos - not just add them to existing stories.
• Invite family to help select prompts: Select prompts by polling family and friends. Chose from Remento’s library of expert-written questions, or write them yourself.
• Print memories in a full-color keepsake book: Remento prints all photos and stories in a beautifully bound hardcover book, featuring color-printed pages - no additional cost.
• Scan the book to hear each recording: Scan the QR code on any page of the book to play the original recording.

Learn more about the differences between Remento and Storyworth

Remento Reviews from New Zealand

• "I bought Remento as a gift for my dad, thinking it would be a unique Christmas surprise. But in truth, I was gifting myself endless stories too precious to lose." - Mia P. (Wellington)
• "The moment I realized I could hold our family's Remento book and flip through the memories of my parents, I knew I chose the right gift. You can't replace holding something in your hands." - Tane R. (Christchurch)
• "My dad has a wealth of stories from the farm. Thanks to Remento, he doesn't have to write anything. He just talks, and the magic happens. Perfect for him!" - Niko E. (Hamilton)
• 5. "Remento isn't just a keepsake; it's become a way for me to connect deeply with my kaumatua. We discuss memories weekly, strengthening our bond." - Manaaki H. (Dunedin)

Read more Remento reviews

Moving Memories: Professional Interviews

Moving Memories is a company dedicated to preserving family stories through personal documentary video memoirs. Founded in memory of Tony Parker, the company aims to capture the essence, voice, and personality of storytellers, ensuring that their stories endure for future generations. Through both online and face-to-face interviews, Moving Memories creates biographical documentaries that incorporate photos, music, and titles, offering a priceless gift for families who wish to hear and see their loved ones share insights and memories.

The company also offers additional services such as funeral tribute videos, night classes, and video coaching to accommodate varying needs. They provide tailored video packages and resources like life story interview questions to guide clients in sharing their narratives. Moving Memories emphasizes the emotional and validating experience of sharing one's life journey, positioning these video memoirs as invaluable legacies. By focusing on capturing memories that go beyond material possessions, Moving Memories ensures that family histories are not lost but cherished and remembered.

Origin Stories: Professional Interviews by Emily Anderson

Origin Stories, founded by Emily Anderson, a trained journalist and oral historian, offers a unique way to capture and preserve personal and family histories. Through video interviews, audio recordings, and photo story books, the company helps individuals share their life journeys and wisdom in a meaningful and lasting way. These life history interviews provide an opportunity for reflection while serving as a legacy for future generations, turning the recollections of loved ones into treasured family heirlooms. The process is designed to be relaxed and enjoyable, making it a perfect gift for special occasions such as retirements, birthdays, or anniversaries.

The company emphasizes the importance of personal narratives, offering services that ensure a lifetime of memories can be captured in just a few hours. Clients have shared that the interviews conducted by Emily are sensitive, insightful, and effectively capture the essence of their stories. Origin Stories aims to make preserving family heritage accessible and impactful, ensuring that every story, voice, and experience can be cherished and remembered by generations to come. Through their commitment to storytelling, they enable individuals to leave a lasting legacy and connect deeply with their family history.

Chapters: Professionally Conducting Interviews

Chapters is a storytelling service based in Wellington, New Zealand, committed to preserving personal and family histories through memory books, life story packages, and memorial books. The process involves personal history interviews, photographs, and creative writing to capture the essence of each narrative. Chapters caters to various needs including later life planning, recording special life lessons, and creating eulogies or funeral slideshows. Specialized services are available for families dealing with memory loss, ensuring stories are preserved before they fade.

The company emphasizes the benefits of storytelling, encouraging individuals not to wait until it's too late to share their memories. With a focus on empathy, creativity, and respect, Chapters promises a supportive experience for clients as their stories are carefully crafted into lasting legacies. Additionally, the company donates a portion of its profits to Dementia New Zealand. Founded by Suzee Wolstenholme, Chapters aims to provide a valuable storytelling experience while helping future generations connect with their past.

Moving Memories: Boutique One-On-One Interviews

Moving Memories, founded by Nicola Kane in February 2021, is dedicated to preserving family stories through personalized video memoirs. Inspired by the loss of her father in 2018 without recording his story, Nicola created this company to help others avoid similar regrets. With a background in IT and communications and experience in producing promotional videos, she finds joy in capturing the memories and life lessons that shape individuals. Moving Memories offers a collaborative approach, ensuring that each narrative reflects the storyteller’s wishes.

The process begins with a planning session to tailor the content according to the client's preferences. Moving Memories provides resources like a list of 30 life story questions to assist clients in sharing their narratives. Nicola emphasizes the unique nature of each story and strives to deliver results that clients are happy with. Her mission is not only to save personal histories but also to celebrate them, recognizing the importance of preserving these stories for future generations. Moving Memories serves as a heartfelt tribute to the legacies of loved ones, ensuring their voices and experiences are never forgotten.

Conclusion: A gift for the future

Preserving your family's memories is a priceless gift to future generations. With these Storyworth alternatives, customers in New Zealand have excellent options to capture their unique stories and experiences. Whether you choose Remento for its user-friendly approach and beautiful books or one of the local, white-glove memoir services, the most important thing is to start preserving your family's legacy today.