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Data Aotearoa: Applications open now for journalists

We are now accepting applications for Data Aotearoa, a free one-off intensive workshop focused on building the next generation of data journalists. Nau mai, haere mai!

We’re in an era where data is more accessible than ever, and our ability to filter, analyse and report on that data is critical: not only because of a rising public appetite for robust analysis presented in engaging and simple ways, but because of the function it plays in a healthy democracy.

Despite this, very few opportunities exist for journalists looking to develop skills in data analysis and visualisation. Presented by New Zealand Geographic and the Science Media Centre, Data Aotearoa seeks to address this gap.

Taking place in Tāmaki Makaurau from Friday 11 August — Monday 14 August, this wānanga will bring together up to 18 journalists from across Aotearoa for a hands-on intensive led by Māori technology ethicist Dr Karaitiana Taiuru, Pulitzer-Prize winning data journalist Matt Carroll, and Kontinentalist Co-Founder Pei Ying Loh. Participants will work on developing a story through the duration of the wānanga, while covering issues around data sovereignty and learning more about how to find and tell stories with data.

This programme is designed for journalists who are either looking to expand their work to incorporate data journalism, or who are currently incorporating data journalism in their role but are looking for an opportunity to deepen this work. You don’t need to have any previous experience, but will need to demonstrate a commitment to using what you learn in your job.

We strongly encourage journalists who are currently under-represented across the industry to apply.

This opportunity is open to anyone residing in Aotearoa and we will contribute to travel expenses for those who need to travel in order to attend. We will also cover catering and accommodation as part of the wānanga.

Paearu tuku

For more information and to apply, just fill out this form. Submissions close on Tuesday 27 June at 5pm.

If you have any pātai, please contact Rosabel Tan at rosabel@gmail.com

This initiative is made possible with the support of NZ On Air’s Public Interest Journalism Fund

About our speakers

Dr Karaitiana Taiuru, JP, ACG, MInstD, RSNZ: Ngāi Tahu (Koukourarata, Puketeraki, Rāpaki, Taumutu, Tūāhuriri, Waewae, Waihao, Waihopai, Wairewa); Ngāti Rārua; Ngāti Kahungunu (Ngāti Pāhauwera); Ngāti Hikairo; Tūwharetoa (Tamakopiri); Ngāti Hauiti (Ngāti Haukaha); Ngāti Whitikaupeka; Pākehā) is a visionary leader who explores the application of Māori rights and beliefs in the realms of digital and biological sciences.He is a leading authority in Māori technology ethics specialising in Māori Data Sovereignty, mātauranga, tikanga, Te Tiriti and Governance with emerging digital technologies.

 

 

Matt Carroll is a journalism professor at Northeastern University. Previously he ran the Knight Foundation-funded Future of News initiative at the MIT Media Lab, where he ran conferences on thorny issues confronting journalism and worked with students to help create tools for newsrooms. Before that, he worked for 26 years at the Boston Globe, specialising in data storytelling. He was a member of the Spotlight team, the newsroom’s investigative unit, when it won the Pulitzer Prize for Public Service in 2003 for its coverage of the Catholic priest sexual abuse scandal.

 

 

Pei Ying Loh is the co-founder of Kontinentalist, an award-winning data-driven editorial studio that aims to bring Asia to the forefront of global conversations. As a data storyteller, she works with all types of organisations to communicate better with the public, transforming their research into visually stunning and interactive essays. She is passionate about telling stories with history, exploring cultural contexts and nuances, and helping others understand the systems that societies inherit and continue.