Qantas Awards presentation moves to Wellington

Tuesday, 24 August 2004, 2:51 pm
Press Release: Qantas Media Awards

24 August 2004

The Qantas Media Awards recognising excellence in print journalism are to be presented at a gala function in Wellington on Friday, May 13, next year. It is only the second time in the 31 year history of the awards that they have been presented outside Auckland.

Director of the awards, Barry Young, said the move had been made following requests from the newspaper industry.

“We are very pleased to be able to do this. The last time we presented the awards in Wellington the then prime minister David Lange and his deputy Geoffrey Palmer dropped by to have a look at the cartoons of themselves.

“The awards are now somewhat larger and recognise excellence in just about every journalistic discipline in the newspaper and magazine industries. Consequently we now need a venue that can cater for up to 500 in both a theatre and dinner format.

“We looked at bringing the awards to Wellington a couple of years ago but it was just impossible to co-ordinate appropriate venues. By working with the management of the Michael Fowler Centre and the Town Hall we have now been able to book both venues for the one night at the right time of year,” said Mr Young.

Wellington Mayor, Kerry Prendergast, said she was delighted the Qantas Media Awards were coming to Wellington.

“This is a fantastic opportunity for Wellington, the capital and the hub of news and current events in New Zealand. I am sure Wellington journalists will relish the opportunity to attend their awards ceremony in their home town. Our location also makes it easier for print journalists from around the country to attend. I’m sure they’ll have a great time here. Wellington looks forward to continuing to host the Qantas Media Awards.”

The Qantas Media Awards for television and radio will continue to be presented in Auckland and Mr Young said the print awards are likely to be alternated between Auckland and Wellington.

“Such an arrangement will make it more convenient for print journalists from different areas of the country to attend the awards,” said Mr Young.

The broadcasting awards will be held in Auckland on Friday, May 27, 2005.

ENDS

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