AUT University is seeking a Pasifika journalist and/or journalism scholar to join its teaching staff and drive a new graduate programme.
This is a major new diversity initiative for a New Zealand university.
“We teach journalism in a New Zealand and Pacific context and we have, over a number of years sought to strengthen a Pacific focus,” said Dr Alan Cocker, head of the School of Communication Studies.
He cited the long-standing school support for a Pasifika communications scholarship, a partnership with the Pacific Islands Media Association, establishment of the Pacific Media Centre and research journal Pacific Journalism Review as examples of this initiative.
“This next step is an exciting one as we are framing a qualification specifically for the needs of Pacific journalism and journalists. It will also be a first for journalism education in New Zealand at this educational level.
“It also reflects the fact that our school is located in a city with a large and growing Pasifika community and the course will meet these needs as well.”
Welcoming the recruitment drive, Pacific Media Centre director David Robie, who spearheaded a drive to get this new programme established, said this development could usher in a new era for media diversity.
"What an exciting time for journalism education and upcoming journalists,” said New Zealand Herald Pacific affairs reporter Vaimoana Tapaleao, a graduate of AUT and winner of this year’s Qantas Junior Reporter of the Year award.
“The course will no doubt attract upcoming gems in the journalism world but most importantly help to take multicultural New Zealand into the newsroom.
“Having someone who is specifically Pacific will too, I think, help students have a deeper understanding of the issues in the Pacific and also be a key asset for those who are non-Pacific.”
Besides the core journalism skills, the new diploma will also offer specialist papers in Māori and Pasifika Media Industry and Reporting the Pacific Region with both Pasifika media and mainstream media internships available.
“Applicants need a thorough knowledge of reporting and production in one or more areas of the news media,” said the AUT advertisement.
“They are also expected to have outstanding Pacific and mainstream media experience and industry connections with strong roots and mana in the Pasifika community.”
As a minimum requirement, applicants are expected to have at least five years experience in an area of Pacific journalism and an undergraduate degree. A postgraduate qualification is preferred, but not essential.
Details of the advertisement are on the AUT new jobs website:
http://careers.aut.ac.nz/ Deadline: September 15
More information: david.robie@aut.ac.nz
Tel: (09) 921 9999 x 7834
Pacific Media Centre
