Relocating journalism course adds 'new energy'

Taking a closer look at the news yesterday are Aoraki Polytechnic journalism tutor Stu Oldham (centre, at head of table) and journalism students (back, from left) Rachel Harris, Derek Seymour, Jack Salter, Rachel Hannan, Genevieve Robinson, Claire Emmerson, Siwan Gwynne and (front, from left) Tim Miller-McAuley, Julian Crawford, Michael Booth and Ben Guild. Photo by Peter McIntosh.

The Aoraki Polytechnic diploma in journalism course began at its new Dunedin venue this week and was already off to a promising start, organisers said.

Polytechnic officials said the course had earlier been "struggling for numbers", as fewer people sought to undertake journalism training in Timaru.

Course tutor Stu Oldham said the Aoraki diploma in journalism programme was well known and respected, having run since 1989.

The move to Dunedin had "given a new energy" to the course and boosted student numbers, from eight last year to 12 this year, he said.

The new arrangements were going well, and the 34-week course was well supported by the Otago Daily Times and other Dunedin-based media organisations, Mr Oldham said.

ODT editor Murray Kirkness gave an introductory talk to students earlier this week.

About half the class are from Dunedin.

Tim Miller-McAuley (23), who previously attended the Maniototo Area School, said he was enjoying the course, having long been interested in news and current affairs.