Journalism Awards Winners: Celebrating Excellence in New Zealand Media
The landscape of New Zealand media is defined by a commitment to truth, storytelling, and public service. The latest round of journalism awards highlights the individuals and organizations that have pushed the boundaries of reporting, from deep-dive investigative pieces to innovative digital storytelling. These accolades recognize the hard work of journalists across various platforms, including traditional newspapers, digital-first outlets, and broadcast media.
From the prestigious Reporter of the Year to specialized categories in science and environmental reporting, these awards showcase the diversity of talent currently shaping the national conversation.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]Key Facts
- Phil Pennington (RNZ) was named Reporter of the Year.
- New Zealand Geographic secured the title of Magazine of the Year.
- Stuff dominated several categories, including Best News Website or App and Best Team Investigation.
- The Spinoff was recognized as Website of the Year.
- University of Canterbury received an Outstanding Achievement Award for its 50-year legacy in postgraduate journalism education.
Top Honors in Reporting and Investigation
Reporting remains the backbone of the industry, with awards spanning general news, specialized beats, and high-impact investigations. Phil Pennington of RNZ took home the top honor as Reporter of the Year, while Tova O'Brien (Newshub) and Calida Stuart-Menteath (National Business Review) were recognized as the premier political and business journalists, respectively.
Investigative Excellence
Investigative journalism requires persistence and rigor. Nicholas Jones of the NZ Herald was recognized for the Best Individual Investigation. Meanwhile, Stuff earned the award for Best Team Investigation for their work on sex offender and motel investigations. Joint winners for the Best (single) news story/scoop were Madeleine Chapman (The Spinoff) and Nicholas Jones (NZ Herald).
Specialized Beats
The awards also highlighted critical niche reporting:
- Environmental/Sustainability: Charlie Mitchell (Stuff)
- Science and Technology: Eloise Gibson (newsroom.co.nz)
- Maori Affairs: Miriama Kamo (Sunday and Marae / TVNZ)
- Crime and Social Issues: Kirsty Johnston (NZ Herald / NZME)
Digital Innovation and Feature Writing
As media consumption shifts, digital storytelling has become a primary focus. The Spinoff was named Website of the Year, and Stuff won for Best News Website or App. Innovation in the field was specifically recognized through the "Caught" project by Stuff, which won Best Innovation in Digital Storytelling.
The Art of the Feature
Feature writing allows for deeper narrative exploration. Charlie Mitchell (Stuff) was named Feature Writer of the Year for long-form content, while James Borrowdale (VICE) took the short-form title. In the first-person category, Michelle Langstone (North & South) stood out for her essay work.
Visual Storytelling and Design
Journalism is not only about the written word but also the visual impact that accompanies it. Braden Fastier (Nelson Mail / Stuff) and Chris Skelton (Stuff) shared the title of Photographer of the Year.
Photography and Videography Highlights
- Best Portrait Photography: Alden Williams (Stuff)
- Best News/Sport Photography: Braden Fastier (Nelson Mail / Stuff)
- Videographer of the Year: Tim Flower (VICE)
- Best Team Video (News): Newshub / MediaWorks for their coverage of road toll devastation.
Summary of Major Award Winners
| Category | Winner | Organization |
|---|---|---|
| Reporter of the Year | Phil Pennington | RNZ |
| Website of the Year | The Spinoff | The Spinoff |
| Magazine of the Year | New Zealand Geographic | Kōwhai Media |
| Newspaper of the Year (>30k) | NZ Herald | NZME |
| Opinion Writer of the Year | Simon Wilson | NZ Herald |
| Student Journalist of the Year | Luke Kirkness | NZ Herald |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who won the Reporter of the Year award?
Phil Pennington from RNZ was named the Reporter of the Year.
Which organization won the award for Best News Website or App?
Stuff was recognized as the winner for the Best News Website or App.
Who were the winners of the nib Health Journalism Scholarships?
The junior scholarship was awarded to Hannah Martin (Stuff), and the senior scholarship was awarded to Catherine Hutton (RNZ).
Which publication was named the Community Newspaper of the Year?
The Beacon, published by the Beacon Publishing Group, won the Community Newspaper of the Year award.
Who received the award for Best Individual Investigation?
Nicholas Jones of the NZ Herald received the award for Best Individual Investigation.