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Great Barrier Island reporter Di Simpson - Source: ONE News -
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A woman who makes sure everyone knows what's going on on Great Barrier Island is the latest ONE News Good Sort.
Far from a neighbourhood gossip, Di Simpson tells islanders the things they really need to know.
Simpson is an intrepid reporter, always on the eye for a story. But she doesn't write about sex scandals, celebrity babies or celebrity's babies' babies.
She writes in The Barrier Bulletin about the things on Great Barrier Island that actually effect islanders.
"I'm not actually making any comment, I'm simply reporting what happens at the meetings, what people have to say, what members of the community have to say," she says.
Simpson's beat is the Great Barrier Island Community Board. It's not sexy but it is important. She may be the only reporter left in New Zealand who regularly covers this sort of thing.
"I do simply because I have that skill over many, many years of being a secretary of this and that. I feel if you don't use those skills as they say, you lose them," she says.
Simpson has been doing it six years. Her wage is, well nothing. But that doesn't worry her.
"I couldn't tell you how much journalists get paid. That's not why I do it," she says.
The island is also full of time rich artists. And it was Simpson who eight years ago helped found the island's art gallery. The building cost $1 dollar and 100 people are members, not bad for an island of just 700.
"This is such a special place because before this building, there was not a place for people to regularly show their art," says Simpson.
Simpson is the type of woman every community needs.
"I do it because I love to do it and I want to support this community in every way I can," she says.
And that makes her, on Great Barrier Island at least, a good sort.
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Add a Comment:
Post new commentRuralWomenNZ said on 2011-06-17 @ 09:09 NZDT: Report abusive post
Hey! We thought you might be interested in the aftersocks projects that will raise money for the Chch Mayoral Fund. The idea came from two Cantabrian sisters called Justine and Jo Ottey. Check out the website www.aftersocks.co.nz from the 20th June or www.facebook.com/aftersocks.
Jazz1 said on 2010-05-24 @ 14:59 NZDT: Report abusive post
Love this segment! What great people!
margi21 said on 2010-04-07 @ 21:36 NZDT: Report abusive post
I have this guys heart i would be dead if it wasent for him , thanks barry !
Jankeal said on 2009-12-25 @ 23:57 NZDT: Report abusive post
Tim is my father and i'd just like to say that i'm proud of what he does bringing happiness to others lives and yet still finds time to talk and see his grandchildren. For a man who's had it rough the last 2-3 years it hasn't slowed him down and he still has time for everyone. Good on you dad/Pop!
TheHoltens said on 2009-12-21 @ 11:34 NZDT: Report abusive post
The piece about Mark Granthams brought tears to my eyes. What an inspirational young man. Has made me look at myself and realise what little I do for the wider community. Thanks Mark :)