The continuation of the Te Rito Journalism Cadetship focused on training more Pasifika, Maori and Diverse journalists as well as supporting more Pasifika news and content on Pasifika platforms has been recognised in the latest journalism funding round.
The Te Rito Journalism Cadetship will get a second intake of cadets following the announcement of another year’s funding.
The Te Rito programme, established in February 2022, selected 25 Māori, Pacific and diverse cadet journalists to participate in a year-long training programme run through four partners – NZME, Whakaata Māori, Pacific Media Network and Newshub.
NZ On Air head of Journalism Raewyn Rasch says while the 2022 Te Rito graduates will make an important impact on the sector as they move into full employment, a second cohort in 2023 will cement the progress the PIJF has been able to create by further establishing this on-the-job training programme.
Funding of up to $1,719,407 will ensure the programme can continue for another year, while specific role funding has also been granted to four publishers which will see at least 11 graduates from the current cohort move directly into employment. Other cadets are expected to be hired in non-funded roles.
NZ On Air Head of Journalism, Raewyn Rasch, says by providing the first year of funding, the Public Interest Journalism Fund was helping to seed the Unit.
A total of 28 applications have been funded, from a total pool of nearly $12m.
Funding Decisions include:
Projects
Te Rito 2023, NZME, up to $1,719,407. A second year of funding for the successful collaborative training scheme between NZME, Whakaata Māori, PMN, and Newshub, to provide journalism training and work experience for 12 cadets from Māori, Pacific and diverse backgrounds.
Tagata Pasifika 2023, Sunpix, up to $2,019,190. A 2023 season of the flagship Pasifika current affairs and news programme.
#OurMoanaOurHome, Tikilounge Productions, 15 x 3min videos and 5 x 12 min talanoa panels alongside social media content for TheCoconet.TV, up to $169,340. A digital video series educating rangatahi on the impacts of climate change on communities across several Pacific countries.
PMN Te Rito Graduates, The National Pacific Radio Trust, up to $120,000, for two roles over one year. Two graduates of the PIJF-funded Te Rito journalism training scheme will join the PMN newsroom to boost newsgathering and reporting capacity, and upskilling of Pasifika journalists.
Digital News Producer, Tikilounge Productions, up to $75,000 for one role over one year. An additional year of funding to continue this role, creating engaging and high-quality news content for Pasifika audiences in TheCoconet.TV newsroom.
Social Media Editor, The National Pacific Radio Trust, up to $92,561 for one role over one year. Turn written news pieces into discoverable and engaging video content suitable for sharing across social media platforms.
