Public Interest Journalism funded through NZ On Air
A new cohort of cadets will begin the year-long Te Rito Journalism Project which kicked off this week with a special pōwhiri held at Hoani Waititi Marae in Auckland.
The programme, in its second year, is supported by the Public Interest Journalism Fund, through NZ On Air.
The aim is to create a path into the news media industry for candidates from diverse backgrounds.
Twelve cadets from across the country who are of Māori, Indian, Niuean, Tongan and Samoa heritage have the opportunity to gain real world journalism experience working with industry professionals.
The cadets have come from a range of backgrounds – some are fluent in Māori and Pacific languages – and have come from different sectors including health, politics, education and social services.
NZ On Air Head of Journalism Raewyn Rasch encouraged the cadets to seize the opportunity given to them saying, “funding is scarce and the opportunity might never come again.”
Te Rito Programme manager Lois Turei says she is excited to work with the new cadets and says, “the aim of Te Rito is to effect change and bring our perspectives and whakaaro into the newsroom.”
All of the 21 graduates from the first cohort in 2022, were offered roles in newsrooms across the country. Sponsors for the Te Rito Journalism Project are NZME, PMN News, Newshub and Whakaata Māori.
