Faces of Selwyn relives traditions
Selwyn District Council media release: 11th September 2023
Faces of Selwyn returns for its third time on air - to celebrate CultureFest and the many migrants that choose to call Selwyn their home.
The popular series engaged a total of 1,527 listeners last year - an increase of 100 listeners from 2021. These numbers are expected to rise again this year.
The series has come full circle, by reintroducing a student collaboration. The University of Canterbury (UC) Journalism Diploma students helped write the stories in the series’ first year in 2019.
Three New Zealand Broadcasting School students - Charlotte Mulder, Katie Oliver and Davina Zimmer - have stepped onboard to host Faces of Selwyn 2023.
Council’s Communications Advisor and former UC Journalism student and host, Hayley Tate says it feels good to pass the baton on.
“I think it’s an amazing opportunity for these students. I hope they make the most of it.”
Broadcasting student Davina says the experience so far has been incredibly rewarding.
“To be able to sit down with these individuals and listen to their stories of how they came to call Selwyn home is so interesting. You read about Aotearoa having a high population of immigrants, but this project puts faces to the numbers which is really nice.”
This year’s participant Becky Buada from the Philippines says she loved the opportunity to share her journey about what brought her to Selwyn and why she lives here now.
Listen live online to PlainsFM or on 96.9FM at 5pm on Wednesdays and Fridays from 13th to 29th September to hear how six Selwyn residents celebrate cultural traditions in their new home away from home. The residents come from many different countries including Argentina and Nepal.