Back left: Sophie Douglas, Caelum Johnston, Rylan Richardson, Daniel Voeroes, Kendall Miles, Krystina Sdeoung. Front: Danna Smagge, Jessemy Gouws, Jamie Day, Aleesha Cornelissen. Photo / Geoff Ridder
High school media students descended on Wintec today for a crash course in journalism
Students from Hillcrest High School, Te Awamutu College and Sacred Heart Girls’ were sent out to question the public over the up-coming election on September 23.
Aleesha Cornelissen, Krystina Sdeoung and Kendall Miles targeted Wintec staff member Justine Thomas, who said that a woman leader in parliament again will be a good move for New Zealand.
“I think Jacinda Ardern plays fairly and she is a very articulate speaker. I think to have a woman representing in parliament will be fantastic and she will be a top representative,” Thomas said.
Thomas’s views however are the opposite of Wintec receptionist Tash Monk, who was quizzed by Rylan Richardson, Jamie Day and Daniel Voeroes.
“I am voting for National because I like their policies,” Ms Monk said.
Monk has been a firm National supporter for several years, and would not be swayed to change her mind unless the National Party legalised cannabis.
She also raised concerns over Labour’s first year free education policy, that could encourage students to apply for a education at a university and then not finish that course.
Matthew Hammond, on his last day as a tutor for Tourism and Trades Academy at Wintec, was interviewed by Jessemy Gouws, Caelum Johnston, Sophie Douglas and Dana Smagge.
Hammond is keen on Ardern, who could bring something new to government, however was worried about the tax issues surrounding the party.
“There’s no easy way out, they’ve got to get their funding somehow,” Hammond said.
The students, who had been given a morning crash course, believed they came away with some new thoughts regarding the media.
The day involved them identifying different types of media channels, before breaking down a news story and practising photography.
The natural talent and persistence displayed by all the students could mean a bright future for the media arts work force.
