Hannah Pratt, narrator for Weeping Angels by Riley Chance
Emma-Jade Mechan, narrator for Dead Man’s Axe by Bing Turkby
At its core, the Manawatū Storytellers Collective is driven by a belief that storytelling should be accessible, inclusive, and led locally. By partnering with organisations like Manawatū Peoples Radio, other community studios, and arts organisations, the MSC seeks to expand access to literature for people who may not engage with traditional print formats, including seniors, people with disabilities, and rural communities.
While operating independently, the MSC has partnered with MPR to build lasting infrastructure for literary production and to establish the Manawatū as a recognised centre for community-based storytelling and audiobook creation. Its long-term vision is to create a sustainable platform that celebrates regional creativity, provides fair opportunities for local talent, and enables Manawatū stories to reach audiences throughout New Zealand and beyond.
Riley Chance, Fraser Greig, Margie Comrie, Hugh Dingwall and Bing Turkby sign the MOU between MPR and the Manawatū Storytelling Collective
Selection
It is important that authors and narrators understand the nature of the partnership needed.
Liaise
Time is needed for the narrator to become familiar with the material and characters through engagement with the author.
Recording
The book is recorded in one-hour sessions over (around) 20 weeks. The exact process will be different for each book.
Review/editing Process
The author takes responsibility for ensuring the audiobook is free from major errors and “stumbles”.
Mastering and Finishing Touches
This process readies the book for release by the author.
The Process
