The team behind the Waikato Independent
Waikato Independent reporters have Maadi covered.
Maadi Cup is New Zealand’s largest regatta. With 2196 pupils from 122 schools, and 600 races across 52 events, it’s an experience for everyone involved.
Wintec journalism students are covering the event for the Waikato Independent.
For most of the students, it’s their first major reporting assignment.
One of the students is Kyra Dawson.
Kyra says the Maadi Cup is an amazing platform for the kids competing. “It’s pretty big, boats everywhere. But it’s pretty cool. Pretty cool that kids actually get to participate in something like this, because this is very good experience for later on.”
She is excited about her own experience. “It’s overwhelming to begin with, and I wasn’t sure of where to start. But yeah, have now gotten into scheme of things.”
Kyra has written seven stories, with more in the pipeline.
Fellow journalism student Christopher Reive talks about the fun that he had at the Maadi Cup. “Get a few stories, meet some people, get some contacts, take some cool photos. It’s been good.”
Despite hating to wake up early in the morning, Christopher says it’s fun being out of the class and doing some real work. “I would rate [my experience] at 8/10.”
Chris also talks about learning new stuff at the Maadi Cup. “I have learnt some new stuff. I have talked to a safety guy yesterday, and he was full of new knowledge. I have been learning how to take better photos, at least I think so.”
Another student Paul Mitchell points out that a lot of stuff has been going on at the Maadi Cup. “It’s big. It’s always hard to try and catch the rowers.”
Paul has set himself a target to get two stories every day. “Apart from the first day, I have made that so far.”
Wintec students have also uploaded some videos that go in line with their articles, but Paul describes that as a tricky experience.
Despite being a first major assignment to most of the students, they say it helps in their career. Paul finishes off perfectly: “It shows that you can go to the events, and get the stories out. You can find many stories, apart from the incredibly obvious rowing stories. It shows us that you can do a bit of everything.”
