Shock horror as N8N scoops top media prize

N8N staff were speechless earlier today when they learned they’d won what has been described as New Zealand’s most coveted media prize.

The community website, launched in Gordonton just seven months ago won the latest Alcohol Sponsorship Press Award, beating finalists from the Business Herald, the Otago Daily Times, the Taranaki Daily News and Little Treasures.

The story that landed the coveted prize was N8N’s ongoing investigation into a caterpillar found under a plane tree by a local grader driver.  In particular, a gritty follow-up into the wee beastie’s pupation.

“Can’t wait for the next instalment,” said Metro hack and awards convenor Steve Braunias.

“The photography is excellent, the science reporting is simple and specific, and the sense of wonder is contagious.

“This is a great series – and totally in keeping with the rest of Number 8 Network, which the judges find consistently entertaining and informative, with stories ranging from the history of cow sheds to concerns about the deceptive corner on Horsham Downs Road.”

Number 8 Network, he said, is run by Annette Taylor and her daughter Iris Riddell – described by judges as “one of the best young journalists in New Zealand” – but failed to single out Taylor for the acclaim she rightly deserves.

“I’m still trying to deal with that,” said a dejected Taylor, from her Woodlands Road home.  “However, on the bright side, there is a bottle of award-winning Stolen Rum coming in the post.  Hope the Rural Delivery man brings it to the right address.”

Close friends have described her as “ecstatic” and “a little bit annoying” about the win.

The Alcohol Sponsorship Press Awards, established last year, are held in association with Stolen Rum, and are announced each Friday on the Twitter account @SteveBraunias.

The award recognises excellence and strangeness in New Zealand media, including social media, and is open to editors, reporters, subs, weblog writers, photographers, illustrators, critics and even press secretaries.

The judging panel comprises a seasoned media professional in each of the four main centres, as well as Hastings and Rangiora.

  • Watch this space soon for a taste test report on a certain bottle of rum.
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14 thoughts on “Shock horror as N8N scoops top media prize

  • February 7, 2012 at 9:26 am
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    Congratulations! A richly deserved award for your much admired plumbing of the depths of caterpillar pupation.

    Reply
  • February 7, 2012 at 9:55 am
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    Congratulations to everyone involved- well deserved
    Keep up the great work

    David McNair

    Reply
  • February 8, 2012 at 4:51 am
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    Congratulations!!!!Hope you recovered from the shock! You are famous even here in Germany! (since we showed your summer-reading-story and our picture anyway!)

    Reply
  • February 9, 2012 at 9:33 pm
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    well done you two, great news, richly deserved tho’ rather rum news about Annette feeling left out of the top accolades. See you at PMM on Saturday.
    Alan Leadley

    Reply
  • February 14, 2012 at 9:35 am
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    “Watch this space,” you advised two weeks ago, “for a taste test report on the rum.”

    Reply
    • February 15, 2012 at 8:48 am
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      Heaven forbid we enter into this lightly. Research must be undertaken, limes and the finest quality ice obtained, and an experimental double-blind taste test protocol established.
      In other words, we need to find a time when our drinking expert is available to partake.

      Reply
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  • February 28, 2012 at 2:08 pm
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    At every risk of repeating myself: “Watch this space,” you advised two weeks ago, “for a taste test report on the rum.”

    Reply
    • February 28, 2012 at 2:31 pm
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      Good things take time, and gooder things even longer! However, you will be delighted to know that we have agreed upon a time (this Thursday) and a place (Gordonton) for Ye Great Rum Tasting. We even have a keen team of professional… dipsomaniacs willing, nay, eager, to partake.
      So – do watch this space! (And feel free to come out if you’re in the neighbourhood.)

      Reply
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