2024 Award Winners

The end of the year is a special time at NZBS, where we take the opportunity to celebrate the hard work and achievements of our outstanding students.

This year Tobias Macintosh has been awarded the John Foy Memorial Award, which honours excellence in radio news. Joshua Bedggood received the TRB Jac Kluts Award, recognising his exceptional skills at building professional relationships.

The John Foy Memorial award is a way to recognise emerging talent in the radio broadcasting news industry. John was passionate about developing young journalists so they could confidently, and skillfully, tackle the most difficult of newsmakers, and then produce fast, crisp copy that required little, if any, editing.

Sponsored by the TRB, this award recognises the student who demonstrates a high level of professionalism, and who has strengths in building quality, professional relationships with colleagues, tutors and the industry. Jac Kluts was a larger than life character – emotional and passionate – who lived his life with a love for music, radio and his many friends and family. Jac passed away from MND in 2018 and is remembered through this award

Tobias Macintosh - John Foy Memorial Award winner for 2024

From Tobias

"Kia Ora, I want to give the biggest of thanks for the 2024 John Foy Memorial Award.

For me there was only really one option, pursue the art of storytelling, but pursue it in a way that really connects with others. After growing up in awe of the journalists I saw around the country and finding out most of them are from the New Zealand Broadcasting School, I made the step myself. Becoming a B-School student was a no brainer.

For the past two years I’ve worked alongside the most talented students, being guided by the most talented tutors, and making the most awesome memories. The NZBS has prepared me in more ways than I can imagine for the next steps, and although I’m upset that my days on Madras Street are over, I will be forever grateful for the preparations and lessons I have been given, to step into this exciting industry.

Thank you to my classmates for working together to be the best and becoming some of my closest mates. To the staff at the NZBS, for your wisdom and help, thank you. It is because NZBS, I am able to leap into the changing landscape of Journalism."

Joshua Bedggood - TRB Jac Kluts Award winner for 2024

From Josh

"I am incredibly honoured to be presented with the TRB Jac Kluts Award for 2024.

Ever since I was 13 and my best friend signed me up for morning shifts on our school's radio station, I've known that the broadcasting industry was where I wanted to end up. And now that I'm almost there it's clearer than ever I wouldn't be here without the belief and support of the many who have guided me along the way.

As the media industry in Aotearoa continues to fight many hard battles, it has been the tutors of the Broadcasting School, the veterans of this industry and my incredible classmates that have proven that they are battles we can and will overcome. There are so many things I can't wait to do, so many people I can't wait to work with and so many things I can't wait to learn when I begin my placement with MediaWorks in January.

Thank you to everyone who believed in me."