WORKING IN NEW ZEALAND

Collects and analyses facts about newsworthy events by interview, investigation or observation and writes stories for newspapers, magazines and journals.

SKILL LEVEL:

The entry requirement for this occupation is a bachelor degree or higher qualification or at least 5 years relevant experience. In some instances relevant experience is required in addition to the formal qualification.

TASKS INCLUDE:

• researches and compiles news stories for newspapers, magazines and journals
• interviews people and observes events to obtain and verify facts and to develop leads for news items
• takes notes and reads publicity releases, copies of speeches or similar material to facilitate organisation and writing of story
• writes to meet deadline, referring to reference books, newspaper files or other sources to secure additional facts
• submits news stories for approval
• reads and evaluates news reports and suggestions for future stories
• critically discusses daily news topics in the editorial columns of newspapers and review books, films or plays
• may write particular segments of the publication, such as news commentaries or sports, fashion or educational segments

SPECIALISATIONS:

Feature Writer

Leader Writer

Newspaper Reporter