Mana Journalist Wins New Diversity Award

http://www.tewahanui.info/news/070328_awards-lauradanna.shtml

By Lauradanna Radesic

AUCKLAND (TWN Online/Pacific Media Watch) - AUT University’s first ever journalism award for the reporting of diversity issues has gone to Mana journalist Qiane Corfield.

Corfield, 21, won the prize, presented at the School of Communication Studies annual graduation awards ceremony.

Corfield’s work is made up of “inspirational people telling their stories”, she says.

“Diversity is about getting a different perspective.

“Often the mainstream media can’t be bothered with these people and the stories they have to tell.”

Te Anga Nathan, head of news and current affairs at Maori Television Service, presented Corfield with the MTS prize and the Storyboard Award.

Nathan says he was impressed with the quality of Corfield’s portfolio work, especially her moving tribute on the passing of the Maori Queen, Dame Te Arikinui Te Atairangikaahu.

“I can definitely see potential in this young journalist.”

Corfield, also an accomplished artist, says that she is extremely privileged to be given the award because it doubles as a piece of art.

The Storyboard Award, donated by associate professor David Robie, is a traditional Papua New Guinea wood carving mounted on rimu.

“The carving comes from an East Sepik village * it’s a traditional storyboard. It was given to me by the people when I lived in PNG in the 1990s and it seemed an ideal incentive for diversity reporting here,” says Dr Robie.

Corfield is currently employed as a staff writer and production assistant at Mana magazine. She says the small team environment gives her opportunities a large news organisation may not.

“I get to dip my fingers in all pots. This month a photo I took is on the cover of Mana.”

Corfield says her communications degree has given her the necessary skills to approach different situations as a journalist.

“It has given me the confidence to put myself into my work, to really write and tell people’s stories.”

Corfield says the secret to her success is to not take life to seriously, to laugh and have fun with what she’s doing.

“You need to have confidence in yourself - and don’t be afraid to pick up the phone for that elusive interview!”

Ends

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