Amanda Gillies speaks with media chaplain and broadcaster Reverend Frank Ritchie on his podcast re_covering, to unpack the one story that most impacted her personally and professionally. Gillies was on the way to an interview when she got a call confirming Newshub’s closure. Despite the shock, she continued on – and in the telling of a brave Te Kūiti amputee’s story was reminded what had first drawn her to journalism.

Watch the video version of the episode here.

After a tip-off, Amanda Gillies drove to Te Kūiti to meet Bev McIndoe – a woman who had survived a catastrophic accident that left half her body amputated, and who now faced losing her home after an ACC funding cut.

But just five minutes from her destination, Amanda’s phone rang with news that turned her own world upside-down: Newshub was closing.

In shock, she decided to push on – and in sharing Bev’s story of grit and generosity, found her own perspective shifting and a timely reminder of why she became a journalist in the first place.

In this kōrero with Rev Frank Ritchie, Amanda Gillies opens up about the moment she learned her workplace of 23 years was shutting its doors, reflects on her time fronting The AM Show, and talks about her new role hosting RNZ’s The Detail.

re_covering is a Media Chaplaincy New Zealand podcast series produced by not-for-profit production house Love It Media for RNZ.

If you know a media professional who'd appreciate a free, independent, and confidential chat, encourage them to get in touch at mediachaplaincy.nz.

Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

Bonus: Amanda Gillies speaks with Reverend Frank Ritchie on the re_covering podcast

The Detail

Bonus: Amanda Gillies speaks with Reverend Frank Ritchie on the re_covering podcast