Kia ora my name is Omar Arekatera Te Ra and I am a second-year student in the journalism stream. I can speak basic level Te Reo and my pronunciation is excellent, I am currently on a waiting list for a Māori course to improve my skills. This is something that is important to me.  Being Māori myself, I have grown up with high level speakers and have seen the many benefits Te Reo has brought to their life. 

During this school year I have embarked on the practical side of broadcasting and learnt many new skills that will guide me through internships. I have learnt to locate a news story, gather the facts and compress it into a radio writ which has then led to me reading the news out on live radio. News reading is something I am passionate about because of the exciting and challenging factors that live news brings. 

I am a person who excels in a team setting and is good at taking feedback onboard and learning from my mistakes. 

Another skill I have found to be beneficial is video journalism where I recorded and edited a story using my phone. For this story I found a compelling talent that led me to the New Brighton Power boating club where I was able to get videos and interviews with women who are going to Italy for the World Dragon Boating Championships. Chasing stories is something I have found interesting with this one being no exception. 

I am excited for the opportunities that placement will bring me and look forward to expanding my knowledge in the Broadcasting world.