Key Takeaways
- TVNZ secured multiple wins at the 2026 New Zealand Media Awards, highlighting strength in current affairs, investigative reporting, Pasifika journalism, and video storytelling.
- Q+A with Jack Tame won Best Current Affairs (long) or Documentary for an incisive interview with former police commissioner Andrew Coster on the Jevon McSkimming scandal.
- Former Political Editor Maiki Sherman was named Political Journalist of the Year for her impactful coverage of Te Pāti Māori and a spontaneous interview with Fonterra’s Miles Hurrell.
- Indira Stewart captured the Le Mana Pacific Award for Pasifika journalism for the third consecutive year, praised for deep, human‑centred storytelling.
- Jessica Roden earned Local Journalist of the Year for a multi‑part investigation that exposed systemic safety failures at Nelson Hospital and drove community‑level change.
- Zoe Madden‑Smith won Video Journalist of the Year for the second straight year, recognised for her immersive video work on health‑system challenges.
- Tory Evans took Best Short‑form Video for The Queen of Drag, lauded for balancing fun and seriousness in a compelling human story.
- TVNZ received 19 nominations overall, with several runners‑up and finalists across news, digital, and specialist categories, reinforcing its broad newsroom excellence.
Overview of TVNZ’s Award‑Winning Night at the 2026 New Zealand Media Awards
TVNZ celebrated a standout performance at the 2026 New Zealand Media Awards held in Auckland, collecting wins across several prestigious categories. The broadcaster’s success underscored its commitment to “world class” agenda‑setting current affairs and investigative reporting, a theme echoed by judges and TVNZ leadership alike. With 19 nominations in total, TVNZ not only highlighted individual excellence but also demonstrated the depth and versatility of its newsroom teams spanning television, digital, and video production.
Q+A with Jack Tame Claims Best Current Affairs (Long) or Documentary
The flagship programme Q+A with Jack Tame secured the Best Current Affairs (long) or Documentary award for an exclusive interview with former police commissioner Andrew Coster. Conducted in the aftermath of the Jevon McSkimming scandal, the interview saw Coster contend that government ministers had overstepped by suggesting possible police corruption in the case. Judges lauded the episode for making “the most of an exclusive interview by scrutinising Coster’s every word with poise, calm and fairness,” noting Jack Tame’s sharp, sophisticated questioning and meticulous preparation. TVNZ Chief News and Content Officer Nadia Tolich described the recognition as “humbling,” praising Jack Tame and his team for delivering “world class” accountability journalism that should serve as a benchmark for emerging journalists.
Maiki Sherman Honoured as Political Journalist of the Year
Former Political Editor Maiki Sherman was crowned Political Journalist of the Year, a tribute to her compelling portfolio that included the first interview with Mariameno Kapa‑Kingi after her demotion by Te Pāti Māori and an impromptu conversation with Fonterra boss Miles Hurrell as he defended high dairy prices at Parliament. Judges commended Sherman for “bringing impact and on‑the‑ground reality to a powerful political story,” highlighting her ability to draw on contacts, knowledge, and insight to navigate a multi‑layered news environment. In her acceptance speech, Sherman acknowledged the personal challenges of recent weeks, expressed gratitude to the 1News team, and reaffirmed her belief in robust, fearless journalism across the political spectrum.
Indira Stewart’s Third Le Mana Pacific Award Win
Pasifika correspondent Indira Stewart captured the Le Mana Pacific Award for Pasifika journalism for the third consecutive year. Her winning portfolio featured a two‑part documentary on the history of Polyfest, an investigation into under‑age sex workers, and a story on a youth trust’s attempt to convert an Auckland state school into a charter school. Judges praised Stewart for taking stories “beyond the who, what, where, why, when and how,” delivering challenging, insightful narratives that reminded audiences of the subjects’ familial ties and complex lives. Her continued success reflects TVNZ’s dedication to amplifying Pasifika voices and issues with depth and empathy.
Jessica Roden’s Nelson Hospital Investigation Wins Local Journalist of the Year
Jessica Roden earned the title of Local Journalist of the Year for her exclusive, multi‑part investigation into safety concerns at Nelson Hospital. Roden’s reporting began with a single tip and evolved into a source‑driven series that exposed serious systemic failures linked to low staffing levels, prompting sustained public pressure for accountability. Judges highlighted the investigation’s “clear local consequence,” noting Roden’s clear communication and strong sourcing that connected with the community and facilitated tangible change. The award underscores the impact of diligent, community‑focused journalism in driving institutional improvement.
Zoe Madden‑Smith’s Video Journalist of the Year Achievement
For the second year in a row, Zoe Madden‑Smith was named Video Journalist of the Year. Her entry covered a range of pressing health‑system topics: chronic fatigue syndrome, recent rule changes for prescribing ADHD medication, and the government’s delay in releasing gender‑affirming healthcare guidelines. Judges applauded Madden‑Smith’s “innate ability to get up close with the talent,” allowing viewers to “walk in their shoes” as they navigate a broken health system. They noted her solid all‑rounder skills—research, reporting, production, and editing—along with her adept use of two‑camera setups while working solo, compelling narratives, and thoughtful use of music and unique access inside ambulances and laboratories.
Tory Evans Captures Best Short‑form Video for The Queen of Drag
Camera operator Tory Evans won the Best Short‑form Video award for The Queen of Drag. Judges described the piece as a “beautifully crafted piece of storytelling” that weaves striking visuals, a well‑paced edit, and a confident narrative, letting Nick’s story unfold in his own words. The award recognised Evans’ careful balance between the fun and more serious dimensions of drag, delivering a timely, surprising, and deeply human story that resonated with audiences while showcasing technical excellence in short‑form video production.
Additional Finalists, Runners‑Up, and TVNZ’s Breadth of Nomination
Beyond the winners, TVNZ garnered numerous runner‑up placements and finalist positions that illustrate the breadth of its talent. Pacific Correspondent Barbara Dreaver finished runner‑up in the News Journalist of the Year category and was also a finalist for Best Coverage of a Major News Event for her reporting on the New Zealand–Cook Islands relationship breakdown. The Marae team of Leigh‑Marama McLachlan and Joe Whitehead were runners‑up in the Best Current Affairs (short) section for their investigation into health issues faced by children of NZ Navy staff sent to Mururoa Atoll to protest French nuclear testing. TVNZ’s news website, 1news.co.nz, was a finalist in the Digital News Provider of the Year category. Other notable finalists included Janhavi Gosavi (Best Up and Coming Journalist), Gill Higgins (Gordon McLauchlan Journalism Award), and Phil O’Sullivan (Editorial Leader of the Year), among many others. In total, TVNZ received 19 nominations, a testament to the organisation’s sustained investment in high‑quality, impactful journalism across platforms.
Conclusion: TVNZ’s Commitment to Excellence in New Zealand Journalism
The 2026 New Zealand Media Awards affirmed TVNZ’s standing as a leader in agenda‑setting current affairs, investigative depth, Pasifika storytelling, and video journalism. Each winning piece—whether the incisive Q+A interview with Andrew Coster, Maiki Sherman’s fearless political reporting, Indira Stewart’s resonant Pasifika narratives, Jessica Roden’s hospital safety exposé, Zoe Madden‑Smith’s immersive video work, or Tory Evans’ evocative short‑form film—demonstrates a shared commitment to thorough research, ethical storytelling, and a desire to effect positive change. The accolades, coupled with the extensive list of finalists, reinforce TVNZ’s mission to inform, challenge, and serve New Zealand audiences with professionalism and compassion. As the newsroom looks ahead, these recognitions will undoubtedly inspire continued innovation and excellence in the pursuit of truth.