Massive wins Best Publication at student media awards
For the first time ever, Massive won Best Publication at the Aotearoa Student Press Association awards, held on Saturday at Victoria University.
Massive took home 23 awards in total, 13 of which were first place.
The Spinoff judged the writing categories, with the editor Mad Chapman calling Massive a “clear and deserving winner”.
“This year’s winner was clear on first read, and if there were an award for Most Improved Publication it would win that too.”
“Massive’s submission was exceptionally strong, with all three issues showcasing exclusive news stories that affected Massey students, particularly ongoing reporting on scandal and disruption within the student association.”
“Despite being the smallest in terms of pages per issue, Massive packed a punch. The editorial team regularly questioned the powers that be on campus, even when it went against their own interests.”
“The design was unique, coherent and not too busy, and beautiful original photography added a clear vision and gravitas. I was also impressed with how the editorial team reported on multiple campuses while keeping enough ‘generic’ student content to not alienate any one campus.”
“It’s clear that Massive was put together by a team of deeply passionate writers, editors, designers and illustrators on a much smaller than average budget.”
“A clear and deserving winner that proves the best magazines are always greater than the sum of their parts.”
A highlight of the awards was Massive winning every single design award.
Judge Sara Moana said Massive’s designer, Luka Maresca, is “on another level. A word that keeps coming through is, ‘consistency’. Each issue has a clear focus and it then matches it with a solid execution that is incredible to see. The designer knows their vision yet simply captains the ship full of creatives that each play a role to the success of their magazine”.
Editor Sammy Carter and designer Luka Maresca. Photo / Massive
Massive editor Sammy Carter took out the Best Profile with her interview of vice chancellor Jan Thomas.
Judge Joel MacManus, Wellington editor of The Spinoff, said the article was “perfectly executed”.
“A deeply informed, fair, critical, and oftentimes biting profile of an important figure. The story highlighted the power imbalance between university leadership and students, and the subtle attempts to control the student media narrative. It shows Sammy’s courage in interviewing and writing - exactly the kind of strong, rebellious attitude that media needs more of.”
Both Sammy Carter and staff writer Jessie Davidson placed in the Best Feature category, with Carter coming first and Davidson in third.
Judge Shanti Mathias said Carter’s article about Massey University’s stance on genocide took a heavy subject and made it “sparkle”.
“The introduction to this piece stands out, as does Carter’s ability to bring that vivid opening scene back in the final paragraph. It’s a treat to read a piece as elegantly structured as this. I also appreciated getting to see through the writer’s eyes, with details like ‘squeezing me in between PhD students. Like Irvine, he seemed nervous to speak to me, answering questions in a pre-rehearsed tone’ making the writing vivid. Carter talks to a number of people, presenting a nuanced view on a complex issue with clear relevance to students, making this feature sparkle despite the heavy subject.”
Massive won Best Māori Coverage for the second year in a row, the win heavily led by the work of Te Ao Māori editor Aaria Hunia and Te Ao Māori illustrator Keelin Bell.
Aaria Hunia also led the win for Best Creative Writing with her skill for short stories.
With this year’s Fergalicious music video, Art exhibition, and news TikToks, the magazine came first in Best Multimedia Journalism too.
With stories on Pro-Palestine protests, a cult infiltrating the Wellington campus, and turmoil within the student association, Massive won Best News Coverage.
Judge Stewart Sowmun Lund said, “An excellent portfolio that included reports on timely and relevant subjects that would be of direct importance to the intended audience. The range of issues tackled by Sammy was admirable as were the different approaches to each.”
Illustrator Keelin Bell won Best Illustrator, with Judge Sara Moana saying, “BAM! Energy, life and colour. Beautiful work, captures the viewer from the get-go.”
Coming running up, writer Maisie-Arnold-Barron received Best Culture Writer, and Aaria Hunia received Best Personal Essay.
First place
Best Publication
Best Design
Best News Coverage
Best Multimedia Journalism
Best Māori Coverage
Best Feature - Sammy Carter
Best Profile - Sammy Carter
Best Creative Writing
Best Illustration
Best Illustrator - Keelin Bell
Best Photographer - Luka Maresca
Best Cover
Best Centrefold
Runner up
Best Social Media Presence
Best Reviews
Best Humour/Satire
Best Headline
Best Sports Coverage
Best Culture Writer - Maisie Arnold-Barron
Best Personal Essay - Aaria Hunia
Third place
Best Feature - Jessie Davidson
Best Investigation
Best Editorial - Sammy Carter