What happens to the stories that are never written down? Jenny Janif MNZM and Esteban A. Espinoza explore how poetry and storytelling preserve cultural memory, carry migrant histories, challenge injustice and honour those who came before us.

Growing up across China, Vanuatu and New Zealand shaped Rachel Gu into a bridge between cultures, generations and communities. Her story reveals why young people must be genuinely heard, supported and included in decisions about the future they will inherit.

After losing her father to suicide at 12, Dr Shelley Brunskill-Matson transformed her lived experience into a commitment to ensuring bereaved children are seen, heard and given a voice. Through her research and the creation of Tony’s Place, Shelley reveals how meaningful care begins with listening—and how knowing we matter can help all of us come home to ourselves.

Katie’s journey from New York’s corporate fashion world to yoga, Reiki, spiritual exploration and travel is a story of courage and self-trust. Through uncertainty, resistance, and unexpected turns, she learned to listen to her inner voice and follow a life that felt authentically her own.  

What does real grassroots leadership look like?

In this conversation with Eva Chen MNZM, we explore the quiet work behind Wellbeing Charitable Trust—listening to families, responding to unmet needs, building trust, and helping communities support one another. From parenting programmes and family violence advocacy to COVID-19 support and culturally responsive emergency response, Eva's journey shows that meaningful change often begins with one relationship, one act of care, and one person willing to step forward.

At 27, Charline left France for New Zealand—not because she had already found herself, but because she was ready to discover who she could become. Through courage, unexpected kindness, her grandmothers’ encouragement and the freedom she found in dance, Charline learned to choose herself without apology. This is a story about refusing to be diminished, protecting your energy and having the courage to live fully as yourself.

Some people leave an impression because of what they achieve. Helen Lee leaves an impression because of who she is.

In this reflection, Helen shares a journey shaped by migration, family, community, and loss. From growing up in her parents' café to discovering her purpose through volunteering, and from grieving the loss of her father to finding hope in serving others, her story is one of quiet resilience and continual growth.

This is not just a story about success—it's about becoming the kind of person whose life makes others feel seen, connected, and hopeful.

Some people are remembered for what they achieved. Others are remembered for how they made people feel.

When I spoke with Mark, I realised his story wasn't defined by the hardships he endured, but by the generosity with which he lived. From surviving discrimination and the HIV/AIDS epidemic to living with Parkinson's disease, every chapter of his life reveals the same quiet truth: despite everything, he never stopped finding ways to bring hope, kindness, and dignity to others.

This is not simply the story of one man. It is a reflection on resilience, community, ageing, and why we must never forget the generation that helped shape the freedoms we enjoy today.

What does it mean to keep becoming?
Inspired by my conversation with Sophie Jing, this reflection explores identity not as a destination but as a lifelong journey. From the wisdom of her grandmother to her work as a mother, marathon runner and PhD researcher, Sophie's story reminds us that curiosity, reflection and openness shape who we become. It is an invitation to honour those who came before us while continuing to grow into our most authentic selves.

At first glance, Kevin McAfee's work appears to be about football, artificial intelligence, and mental health technology. But spend an hour listening to him, and you quickly realise those are simply the vehicles. At the heart of everything he does is one simple question: How do we help people feel valued before they reach breaking point?