Life Story Writer - Far North Community Hospice
In this deeply meaningful role, you will work alongside our patients to record their stories, memories, values, and messages — creating lasting taonga to be shared with their loved ones and whānau. You will gently listen to and document patients’ life stories with empathy, dignity, and respect. Build trusting relationships that allow people to reflect, remember, and be heard. Create written narratives that celebrate identity, heritage, resilience, and love. Support patients and whānau by helping preserve meaningful legacies while working within the values and care philosophy of Far North Community Hospice. Thorough training will be provided on how to record and put together each individual life story while managing challenges you may face along the way.
This role is about presence as much as writing — walking alongside people at an important moment in their lives.
Requirements
You may be a writer, journalist, storyteller, or someone with strong communication skills and a deep sense of compassion. You will bring:
Exceptional listening and writing abilities
Cultural sensitivity and respect for diverse worldviews, including te ao Māori
Emotional maturity and confidence working around serious illness and end‑of‑life care
The ability to create calm, safe spaces for sharing personal stories
Empathy, patience, and confidentiality at all times
Experience in storytelling, counselling, health, or community work is valued, but we welcome people from varied backgrounds who share our kaupapa.
A Police background check is required for this role.
Time commitment
Time commitment is dependent on how much information is gathered within a session. Most patients generally give a good overview of their life in the first session (which tends to last around an hour) where you could potentially draft something up. Generally, by the second session the patient is able to provide their feedback on the draft. Of course everyone is different, some may give more, others may need a bit longer to open up. You will work alongside the patient at a pace that works for you both.
Getting Started
The first step is to express your interest by filling out the form below. We will then put you in touch directly with the organisation for more information on the role and how to proceed.