High quality internship recipients selected

12 December 2006

High quality internship recipients selected

Fairfax Media is pleased to announce it has finalised the selection of its inaugural journalism interns.

After a rigorous selection process involving testing and interviews by editors and academics, 16 students have been selected as interns at 13 of Fairfax Media’s newsrooms. They will join the company following their 2007 study.

Fairfax Media Editor-in-Chief Peter O’Hara is pleased with the talent and diversity which has come forward to apply for the internships and believes those selected will be of great value to the company and to New Zealand journalism in the future.

“The candidates all gained their places in the face of strong competition and on merit. Their general knowledge and writing standards were high, and after an in-depth interview process it was clear that we had attracted excellent talent.

“A pleasing aspect was the diversity of the successful applicants which is an indication of the changing composition and culture of New Zealand. The varied backgrounds of our applicants, including a former police officer and a refugee worker, matched one objective of expanding the traditional talent pool.’’

O’Hara also acknowledged the input of the participating tertiary institutions, Wintec, Massey University, Aoraki Polytechnic and the University of Canterbury, in the selection process.

“Our partnership with the four tertiary institutions will ensure that the interns receive the best possible journalistic training next year before they begin their employment with Fairfax Media in 2008,” says O’Hara.

The successful applicants will study for a year at one of the four institutions and potentially undertake work experience during their course holidays. After successfully completing their courses, interns will have their fees reimbursed by Fairfax Media and they will commence employment at newsrooms around the country.

Over 230 people applied for internships with Fairfax, which had aimed to appoint 20 inaugural recipients. O’Hara said the final number reflected the rigorous selection process and the search for the best quality candidates.

Name City Publication
Tom Fitzsimons Wellington Dominion Post
Matt Calman Wellington Dominion Post
Allister Walker Hamilton Waikato Times
Ryan Evans New Plymouth Taranaki Daily News
Susana Talagi Auckland Suburban Newspapers
Scott Morgan Auckland Suburban Newspapers
William Mace Auckland Suburban Newspapers
Kathleen Graham Cambridge Suburban Newspapers
Jonathon Howe Palmerston North Manawatu Standard
John Hartevelt Otaki The Press
Katrina Lintonbon Hamilton Waikato Regionals
Lucy Johnston Wellington Marlborough Express
Joshua Reich Wellington Nelson Mail
Kimberley Villari Auckland Independent Financial Review
Priyanka Bhonsule Wellington Central Community Newspapers
Jeff Bell Rangiora The Timaru Herald
Erin Parke Wellington Stuff.co.nz

ENDS

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