Kataraina Anneff
Te Karere Digital Producer, Television New Zealand
Bachelor of Māori Development in Māori Media
She loves telling the stories that matter to Māori communities, says Māori media alumna Kataraina Anneff who is now a digital producer for TVNZ’s Te Karere.
“What I enjoy most about my job is meeting new people and being part of a team that continues the legacy of the Te Karere. I love attending different events, like Te Matatini, and having the chance to tell stories that matter to Māori communities. It’s fulfilling to contribute to a kaupapa that keeps our voices heard and our culture represented in the media.”
Kataraina’s journey towards the career she has now began when she was in her first year at university.
“In the first semester of my first year at AUT, one of the TVNZ staff came into my class and asked if any of us were interested in pursuing a career in journalism. I wasn’t really interested in journalism at the time, but I saw it as an opportunity to put my foot in the door. It started as a small casual role for 1News, but it eventually led to more opportunities, including work with Te Karere Māori News. Three years later, I’m still with Te Karere and was even part of the team winning the NZTV award for Best Reo Māori Programmes. I’m grateful for how far I’ve come.”
A passion for Māori media
Her passion for Māori media began when she had the opportunity to travel across the country with her dad, who worked on the show Marae DIY, Kataraina says.
“This experience inspired me to study at AUT, as it was the only university offering a degree in Māori media. Plus, Auckland provided countless opportunities to build a career in the industry after graduation.”
She still has many fond memories of her time at AUT.
“At first, I was terrified of making the big move from Taranaki to Auckland, but the AUT Māori whānau room quickly became a home away from home. It was a space where everyone was in the same boat; moving to the big city from small rural towns or wherever we came from, and we all formed a strong bond. The friendships I made, the support from the whānau room and securing my first job in the media industry in my first year all played a huge role in my journey.”
Advice for other students
Kataraina, who graduated from AUT in 2023, has some great advice for other students.
“Tūwhitia te hopo, mairangatia te angitū. If you feel like giving up, just keep on going.
“There will be moments when things get hard and you might want to quit, but keep pushing through. The challenges you face now will help shape you, so don’t be afraid to struggle. Keep moving forward, even if it’s just a little at a time, and trust that persistence will lead to success.”
