Award-winning student journalism
Third-year AUT Journalism student Aisha Campbell (Ngāti Ruanui, Ngā Rauru, Ngā Rhine, Te Atiawa, Taranaki), won the John Newfong Award Reporting on Indigenous Affairs (Individual, Undergraduate or Postgraduate, Any Medium) at the 2025 Ossie Awards, the Australasian student-journalism awards.
The judge, journalist Bronte Charles (NITV/SBS), said the following about Aisha’s entry, a transmedia feature on the fight for the survival of distinct dialects in te re Māori:
Aisha Campbell's report reveals an innovative approach to preserving te reo Māori through AI, combining technological advancement with deep cultural significance. By centering Dr Te Taka Keegan and Te Kōpae Piripono, it delivers personal insight alongside expert commentary, demonstrating the real-world impact of revitalising language. Its interactive, technology-driven storytelling showcases how the future of journalism can engage readers while situating these initiatives within broader social and historical contexts.
Congratulations to Aisha and the journalism teaching team in the School of Communication Studies!
Find out more about te reo Māori revitalisation and local dialects in Aisha’s entry.