Open Justice Reporter (Fixed Term Contract)

AUCKLAND COURT & JUSTICE REPORTER

Are you looking for an exciting and rewarding new challenge? Got a passion for covering courts and justice‑related stories that really matter? If so, this is the perfect job for you.

We are looking for talented and passionate multimedia journalists to join NZME’s ground‑breaking Open Justice – Te Pātiti team.

We have a large team of Open Justice reporters throughout the country, and an opportunity has now opened in our Auckland office.

The role involves :

• Covering a full range of courts and tribunals : civil and criminal; employment and environment; human rights and immigration, and many more;
• Producing agenda‑setting journalism that explains the “why” as much as the “what”;
• Holding law‑makers to account;
• Championing the rights of everyone involved in the system.

What you’ll do :

You will produce multimedia content (text, video and audio) for New Zealand Herald and Newstalk ZB digital and print platforms, NZME’s five daily regional and 15 community mastheads and formal programme partners – Radio New Zealand and Top South Media. Content will also be shared with NZME’s pre-existing partners, including Whakaata Māori and Allied Press.

You’ll cover a mix of stories for multiple news cycles – shorter stories (including breaking news and coverage of hearings), features and long‑term investigations.

To become a successful applicant you’ll need a track record in identifying stories of significant public interest and telling them in an engaging and innovative way.

You’ll have a good working knowledge of ever‑evolving legal issues and the ability to converse with experts in a complex field. Training will also be provided in this area.

You’ll also be able to develop contacts, navigate the complexities of gathering information from the judicial system and be confident arguing for reporting rights in a courtroom environment.

While basic knowledge of audio and video editing techniques would be an advantage, training is available.

Training and support :

NZME is committed to the ongoing development of journalists working in this specialised area. We’re particularly passionate about devolving knowledge and skills to regional hubs.

Open Justice – Te Pātiti staff will join our ongoing legal training sessions led by external and in‑house counsel and newsroom leaders. Further sessions on more specialist matters will be arranged as required.

NZME provides a safe, inclusive and diverse working environment. We are committed to developing our understanding of the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and embedding them in all aspects of our work.

A copy of our Diversity Policy is here :

Please apply by sending your CV, covering letter and links to relevant work.

All applicants will be asked about their working rights in New Zealand (e.g., citizen, resident, visa, no visa, etc.).

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