Whangarei - The biggest test yet.

It wasn't long ago that I thought the only creditable thing that came out of Whangarei was the Northland NPC team, the Taniwhas.

That team that never really did well, but you always supported because whenever they upset a 'good' team (Auckland - this is you) then you felt that their support was worth it.

Well, I'll be honest, those days are still here for me.

But not for long.

Tomorrow morning I embark on the biggest mission on my journalism path to date: Five days at a newspaper I've never read, in a city I've been to once at night (for a 21st) with a bunch of people who I met at the start of the year.

To put it bluntly, this will be the biggest test of my life as a journalist. Actual deadlines, real journalists, a legitimate newsroom, and probable criticism from the public.

But that's what drives you, right?

My mate Sam has a tattoo on his arm that says 'Sweeter through struggles" (or something like that - sorry Samo!)

But that's the whole deal - strength through adversity - what doesn't kill you make you stronger - you get the drill!

So on the way up to Whangarei, I'll be readying myself for my biggest test to date - one of the bigger tests of the year - life in the newsroom. I'm going up, admittedly, with a great group of people who I'm sure I will get to know and appreciate from day one :)

What'd you learn today, Matiu?

Today I learnt that I have people that read this blog :) It's a strange feeling knowing that people are genuinely interested in what you write - and I guess as a journalist I will be coming to appreciate that in the long term. But for now, it's cool :)


I'm also, as some of you know, an interested songwriter. I'm currently working on my third song at the moment, but won't reveal any more than that :)

Until next time, that was your news for tonight.

Tune in next time on TJI.