Newshub political reporter Maiki Sherman has been named Māori journalist of the year - the first time the award has been handed out.
Maiki won the award at Massey University's Ngā Kupu Ora (celebrating Māori Books and Journalism) awards on Monday night for stories produced at Māori Television's Te Kāea news programme and Native Affairs in 2015.
Maiki, who is a native Te Reo speaker, joined Newshub at the start of this year.
Maiki Sherman accepting her award at Monday's ceremony (Native Affairs)
In a unanimous decision, the judges praised Maiki for "demonstrating consistent excellence".
"Her assured and compelling storytelling crossed from complex news stories to current affairs as well as English and Te Reo Māori," the judges said.
"All her stories broke new ground and ranged from in-depth political analysis to insightful cultural discussion."
It is the first time the journalist category has been included in the awards - and the first time any award of its kind has been issued.
Maiki's portfolio included a mix of stories in English and Te Reo:
Newshub.
