They say no one gets into journalism for the money… But a career where you get paid to talk has got to make up for that, right?

I’ve always asked too many questions for my own good, so a career in journalism was probably inevitable.

Kia ora, I’m Caitlin Dufty, a second-year journalism student, with a passion for investigative storytelling and uncovering the “why” behind events. What some call nosey, I prefer to call curious.

Originally from Ōtautahi, I politely declined joining my whānau in the pumping metropolis of Blenheim, instead boarding at St Margaret’s College - where I developed a love for storytelling and performing arts. From age 12, I began learning te reo, and while I may not whakapapa Māori, the language and culture have become an important part of who I am and how I connect with others. 

The whakataukī, “He aha te mea nui o te ao? He tāngata, he tāngata, he tāngata” reflects why journalism matters to me. At the centre of every story are human experiences and voices that deserve to be heard.

At NZBS, I’ve covered everything from breaking news and politics to community stories and live reporting. Journalism has taught me resilience, adaptability, and how to stay calm when stories fall apart at the last minute.

I’ve never been one to take the easy road, and I’m always looking for a challenge. My passion for journalism is the anchor that drives my work, and I’m excited to keep growing into a journalist who informs, connects, and gives people a voice.