As politicians argued about solutions to poverty during the election cycle, Indira Stewart took the discourse to street level, giving a voice to teens working full-time on top of schooling to support their whanau.
Most aspiring reporters don’t have to juggle university, solo motherhood and a benefit to get their start in journalism. But Indira Stewart knew she was born to be a storyteller, and her determination to make it a reality against the odds would ultimately land her in one of the industry’s top jobs.
Despite her success, Indira has never forgotten her roots, using her platform to highlight marginalised groups whose stories too often go unheard. During the 2023 election cycle, this saw her give voice to teens working full-time on top of schooling to support their whānau.
In this kōrero with broadcaster and media chaplain Rev Frank Ritchie, Indira discusses her journey from reality TV star to journalist, her determination to be a role model to Pasifika women, and the courage required to tell truths that are hard to hear.