Rotorua Reunion for Maori Journalism Graduates

Publicity Release
Friday May 6 2011

Rotorua Reunion for Maori Journalism Graduates

Organisers of a Maori media reunion are trying to track down hundreds of Maori journalism graduates.

Waiariki Institute of Technology – then known as Waiariki Community College – launched the country’s first full-time Maori journalism course more than 25 years ago in response to a dire shortage of bicultural reporters.

While the media training has launched the careers of many top journalists, broadcasters and communications practitioners, the percentage of Maori workers in the industry today is still pitifully low.

‘Maori Journalism in Aotearoa – Past, Present and Future’ will be held at Tangatarua Marae at the institute’s Mokoia Drive campus in Rotorua on Saturday July 2.

Course co-ordinator Craig Tiriana says the get-together will discuss the current impact and future direction of Maori journalism in New Zealand.

Past Waiariki graduates include former One News international correspondent Maramena Roderick, film archivist Lawrence Wharerau, communications consultant Damiane Rikihana, writer and filmmaker Brad Haami, Marae Investigates presenter and reporter Jodi Ihaka, and Maori Television general manager of news and current affairs, Te Anga Nathan.

“Waiariki has long been the leading establishment for the teaching of bicultural journalism and the reunion provides an opportunity to resurrect links and strengthen relationships with Maori media organisations and individual reporters for the long-term benefit of the course.

“We are keen to reach out and reconnect with the Waiariki graduates from as far as back as 1985 as well as with Maori media workers in general.”

The reunion is open to all Maori journalists, Maori working in the production of news and current affairs across all mediums, Maori public relations and communications practitioners, Maori journalism students and tutors, and interested parties whose work involves Maori issues, media and communications.

For more information or to register to attend, email maorimedia2011@gmail.com or join the Waiariki Journalism group on Facebook.

ENDS

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