Daniel Alvey and Sam Coughlan

Two of our journalists have been recognised at the Community Newspaper Association’s annual awards.

Selwyn Times reporter Daniel Alvey was named Best Junior Reporter of the Year. Judges praised his spot news reporting and thoughtful coverage of the Greenpark Huts eviction. His story on council rates was noted for being informative without drowning readers in jargon. Another standout was a human-interest piece involving a deputy mayor saving his father-in-law’s life, the kind of story, they said, “that would have been read from start-to-finish.”

The judges also said the future augured well for journalism given the standard of entries in the junior reporter category.

Christchurch Star and Bay Harbour News reporter Sam Coughlan was runner-up in the Sports Reporter category. Judges said he told great stories about people and that his work was “a pleasure to see.”

Star Media editor Barry Clarke said the recognition reflected a strong year.

“Week in, week out, Daniel and Sam are producing top stories which has contributed significantly to our growth.”