From covering famine in Ethiopia to reporting from the frontline of the war in Ukraine, Lisette Reymer has been at the forefront of major events around the globe.
And her journey to becoming one of New Zealand’s top journalists began in Christchurch at the New Zealand Broadcasting School.
Lisette, who graduated from the school in 2014, returned to speak to students at the beginning of term to share her experiences and give valuable advice to those aspiring to follow in her impressive footsteps.
Speaking to a rapt audience, she spoke about the dangers of reporting in a war zone in her role as Newshub’s Europe Correspondent, being ready to fly around the world at a moment’s notice, and why she loves journalism.
“The best part about journalism is getting an all-access pass to the most outrageous events in the world. So I’ve been to the Olympics and covered the 100 metre sprint, then you’re going to a war zone and you’ve got access to the frontline where civilians aren’t allowed obviously, then you’re going to the Rugby World Cup, then you’re going to the Coronation and you’re right outside Westminster Abbey when the King shows up to get his crown.
“Then you’re in Ethiopia and you’re talking to people who are living in famine, and you have a real big reality check about how lucky you are, and then you’re on a red carpet in the middle of London and Billie Eilish is arriving and everyone’s screaming and so excited about the new James Bond movie. You’re on the front of all of it, in the centre of all of it.”
Her impressive and gutsy news coverage was recognised when she took home the coveted Reporter of the Year gong at the NZ Television Awards in 2024.
And her Broadcasting School experience was invaluable in preparing her for life as a journalist.
“God, we just had so much fun, every day we were on the tools, which I think is not something you often get in a university. We spent more time out doing the job than we did sitting in a classroom and writing essays.
“Now having done the job, I go ‘wow that was actually quite realistic, what we did when we were 17’. I think at Broadcasting School you do learn all of the basics that you need to survive in a newsroom.
“You learn how to do an interview, what questions to ask, how to write a basic TV story. It stood out to me the minute I arrived in a newsroom, that I had been prepared for what I was dealing with.”
It wasn’t just the practical skills that Lisette gained at Broadcasting School, though.
“Honestly when I think about Broadcasting School, the first thing I think of is my friendships, and I still have some of my best friends from that class.
“It’s taken me all over the world, I’ve seen the most extraordinary places and met the most extraordinary people, and told stories that I could never have imagined.”
Fancy following in Lisette's footsteps? Apply for Broadcasting School today!
