Television New Zealand Pacific correspondent Barbara Dreaver has been made an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to investigative journalism and Pacific communities in a ceremony at Government House, reports 1News.
She has been the Pacific correspondent for 1News since 2002, breaking many stories uncovering social and economic issues affecting Pacific people living in New Zealand and the Pacific Islands.
Her investigative journalism has exposed major fraud, drug smuggling, corruption and human trafficking that has led to multiple arrests and government action.
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Dreaver said it was “quite emotional” to receive the honour.
“I didn’t realise how special it was going to be until it actually happened. I’m so honoured, it’s hard to put it into words which is unlike me.”
Dreaver received the honour for services to investigative journalism and Pacific communities in a ceremony at Government House today.
‘Incredible’ family
Receiving the honour in front of her family “meant everything”, she said.
“You don’t get what you get without friends and family. My family are just incredible and my parents right from the beginning have been there for me, and I think that’s a big part of it.”
When asked what was next, Dreaver told 1News it was “back to work”.
“Keep doing what we do, telling New Zealand stories, telling Pacific stories is something we have to keep doing, and I will.”
Republished from 1News.
