Where are they now? Jordyn Oppert

Christchurch Mosque Mt Hutt Cup Day, Christchurch TVNZ Awards

WHERE ARE THEY NOW?

By Jordyn Oppert

Can you tell us about your journey to become a

news reporter? Where you’re at now? and any future ambitions?

I had always wanted to be a journalist, that stemmed from a very young age when I’d sit in front of the telly every night to watch the 6pm news and mimic the presenters! It all started slowly becoming a reality in High School when I could choose key subjects – lots of “English rich” subjects. I also spent quite a lot of my spare time (school holidays and weekends) getting work experience in various newsrooms. In year 13, I applied for the New Zealand Broadcasting School in Christchurch – to do a two and a half year degree in Broadcast Journalism. Fortunately I was one of 20 to get in, and I’ve never looked back!

My career started off at Sky Sport where I completed my internship, before moving to TVNZ where I’ve been ever since. I started off at TVNZ doing the Assignments Desk (answering newsroom calls, emails and keeping across our stories, reporters, cameras and breaking news), then a few months later moved back to Christchurch to be the Breakfast Reporter. I worked on the show for just over two years (waking up at 330am everyday..), before taking on a secondment to the 6pm news in late February last year. 12 months later I am now on a secondment to the 6pm sports news where I’ll be until the end of the year, and then either stay on or move back to news! (Yes, she’s a fast paced industry – and that’s what I love about it! It keeps you on your toes!).

Becoming a correspondent for TVNZ one day is the dream, but for now I am happy and content where I am – I work alongside the best journalists and camera ops in the country (might be a little biased there) and I’ve still got so much to learn and experience to gain.

Key events that affected you?

Christchurch has had its fair share of disasters/tragedies over the past decade. Whilst I’ve continued to help cover the aftermath of the Canterbury Quakes, the Port Hills fires and Pike River – the one I covered on the day, and ever since, was the March 15 terrorist attack. I had only been on the 6pm news for two weeks when it happened – and it’s a day I’ll never forget. Parts are a blur, but parts I remember vividly. I was outside Al Noor Mosque within 30 minutes of it happening, and then at Linwood Mosque where the second shooting happened in a similar time-frame doing live crosses well into the night. Since then I’ve done dozens of stories with victims and their families, and also covered the week long sentencing in August. It’s crazy to think, and I hope like anything, it will be the biggest news event I will cover in my career.

How PHS helped you to succeed? Staff who helped you?

PHS has such a broad range of subjects, there’s something for everyone. The beauty of High School is that you can also try things. I knew I wanted to be a journalist, but I also did Business Studies which I loved and it broke up all those English rich subjects I took. I also strongly believe taking every opportunity, whether that be co-curricular or a prefect role as invaluable – it helped my build connections, confidence and life skills.

But it was the belief of my teachers and particularly my form room teacher Mr LeFerve that meant the most. I remember in Year 12, at parent teacher interviews my Mum and Dad were concerned I was putting all my eggs in one basket and set on entering an industry with few jobs – which was a valid point as I’d dropped maths and science and opted for those “English rich” subjects. Mr Leferve turned to them and said “well if Jordy wants it bad enough, why can’t she be a journalist?”. That is something that will stick with me and parents forever.

My advice to fellow PHS students?

Don’t be afraid to ask for help, try new things and take every opportunity. You only get one shot at High School so don’t leave with any regrets!

I’d also just like to point out that while I always knew what I wanted to do, it’s not like that for everyone – nor is university for everyone. My brother Kerwyn, who was a year below my at school, has just about finished his building apprenticeship and he couldn’t be happier, and we couldn’t be prouder.

Find something you love, something that’s your passion and then pursue it.