Write Your Story

Following a major restructuring of New Zealand's road safety education programme in the late 1980s, Angela found herself navigating an unexpected career transition. In this career vignette, she reflects on the challenges of change, the opportunities that emerged through driver education, and the experiences that helped shape her professional journey. From community programmes and defensive driving courses to army training in Waiouru, this is a story about resilience, reinvention, and embracing new directions when life takes an unexpected turn. Write your Story is a series of stories, written and narrated by their authors. These "new" authors bring us a story they have put together recently and share with us all.

This episode was first broadcast on Coast Access Radio, a Community Access Media Alliance station amplifying the voices of Kāpiti and Horowhenua. Supported by NZ On Air. Visit coastaccessradio.org.nz

In this deeply personal story, Kate Daellenbach reflects on her father’s journey with primary progressive aphasia, a condition that gradually took away his ability to communicate. As she watched a brilliant academic and devoted family man struggle to find words, Kate found herself on an unexpected path of learning, advocacy, and ultimately a new career. A moving story about family, resilience, and the lasting impact one person can have on the lives of others. Write your Story is a series of stories, written and narrated by their authors. These "new" authors bring us a story they have put together recently and share with us all.

This episode was first broadcast on Coast Access Radio, a Community Access Media Alliance station amplifying the voices of Kāpiti and Horowhenua. Supported by NZ On Air. Visit coastaccessradio.org.nz

In this episode, scientist Fred Davey shares a remarkable chapter from his life story, recounting his first voyage to Antarctica aboard the Royal Navy ice patrol ship HMS Protector in the 1960s. What began as a short-term assignment looking after a marine gravity meter became an unforgettable six-month adventure spanning Antarctica, the Falkland Islands, South Africa, Ascension Island, and beyond. Along the way, Fred faced icy isolation, naval traditions, scientific challenges, and chance encounters that would shape the course of his life. It's a fascinating tale of curiosity, resilience, and opportunity from an era when young scientists were given extraordinary responsibilities. Write your Story is a series of stories, written and narrated by their authors. These "new" authors bring us a story they have put together recently and share with us all.

This episode was first broadcast on Coast Access Radio, a Community Access Media Alliance station amplifying the voices of Kāpiti and Horowhenua. Supported by NZ On Air. Visit coastaccessradio.org.nz

In this episode of Write Your Story, Angela covers a range of ways to kickstart your career story, whether it be one born from a difficult time in your life or a time when you simply needed a fresh start. She shares the story of wonderful mother and son duo who set out to ensure people in the 50+ age range could stay connected in our ever disconnected world. Write your Story is a series of stories, written and narrated by their authors. These "new" authors bring us a story they have put together recently and share with us all.

This episode was first broadcast on Coast Access Radio, a Community Access Media Alliance station amplifying the voices of Kāpiti and Horowhenua. Supported by NZ On Air. Visit coastaccessradio.org.nz

In this episode, Angela shares a vivid vignette from her own working life, recounting her unexpected transition from accounting into the Ministry of Transport as a Road Traffic Instructor in the 1980s. From teaching road safety in schools and communities to completing enforcement training and travelling across rural New Zealand, Angela reflects on the challenges, friendships, achievements and moments that shaped this unique chapter of her life. It's an inspiring reminder that even the seemingly ordinary experiences from our working years can become treasured stories worth preserving. Write your Story is a series of stories, written and narrated by their authors. These "new" authors bring us a story they have put together recently and share with us all.

This episode was first broadcast on Coast Access Radio, a Community Access Media Alliance station amplifying the voices of Kāpiti and Horowhenua. Supported by NZ On Air. Visit coastaccessradio.org.nz