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RNZ supports future journalists with five scholarships
RNZ 100 Scholarship recipients (top left to right): Eva Perese-Wood, Marcus Allan, Alyssa George, Madleine CarrWhite, Hafsa Hussain.
RNZ has confirmed the recipients of its Centenary Scholarships, with five journalism students from across Aotearoa receiving up to $8000 to assist in their studies.
The scholarships, launched last year as part of RNZ’s Centenary celebrations, also offer an internship in an RNZ newsroom, mentoring from a senior journalist and training with RNZ’s director of editorial quality and training Jane Patterson.
Exceptional potential
Patterson is one of RNZ’s most senior journalists and a former political editor. She says at a time when the need for strong public media has never been greater, it’s always encouraging to see such commitment and enthusiasm from future journalists.
“Each one has demonstrated exceptional potential in journalism and a dedication to the values of public broadcasting. I am looking forward to supporting them as they hone their craft.”
In consultation with the Journalism Education Association of New Zealand (JEANZ), one scholarship was allocated to each of the five main journalism courses in New Zealand. The scholarships have been awarded to:
- Hafsa Hussain: New Zealand Diploma in Journalism Wintec, Hamilton City Campus
- Alyssa George: Bachelor of Communication majoring in Journalism, University of Canterbury
- Eva Perese-Wood: Bachelor of Communication Studies in Journalism, Auckland University of Technology
- Madleine CarrWhite: Bachelor of Communication in Journalism, Massey University, Wellington
- Marcus Allan: Bachelor of Broadcasting Communications in Journalism, New Zealand Broadcasting School, Ara Institute of Canterbury
The values of journalism still exist
JEANZ president Greg Treadwell says the calibre of the students who applied was heartening at a time when that career path is under extreme pressure.
“New Zealand has fewer journalists now than in any time in recent history. Those that are still working in the industry are being asked to do more with less, but when you look at the successful recipients of these scholarships you see hope that the clear values of journalism still exist.”
Wintec recipient Hafsa Hussain says that RNZ’s commitment to public media aligns strongly with how she hopes to approach storytelling.
“I have always been quietly drawn to journalism. Observant and reflective, I listen first and think carefully before I speak. Over time, I have come to understand that these qualities are not a disadvantage in journalism, but a foundation for it. The kind of media I admire most is careful rather than loud, grounded rather than sensational, and guided by responsibility rather than certainty.”
Massey University recipient Madleine CarrWhite says: “I want to show the stories of the unheard. This scholarship supports my goal of contributing to RNZ’s public-service mission and producing journalism that is fair, rigorous and grounded in the lived experiences of people across Aotearoa New Zealand.”
