| News Release Charmain Smith wins Excellence in Engineering Journalism Award Otago Daily Times Feature Writer Charmian Smith has won the 2009 New Zelaland Award for Excellence in Engineering Journalism, for her article ‘The Anatomy of a City’. The award recognises a journalist who has most improved the public’s understanding of the engineering industry’s role and contribution to society. The award is open to print, radio and television journalists, and a specialist judge is appointed for the category. The New Zealand Engineering Excellence Awards are the premier awards for the engineering professionals of New Zealand. The awards are presented in two major areas: Awards Recognising People, that recognise leadership, innovation, entrepreneurship, achievement in journalism and our young engineers; and Product and Project Awards that recognise achievement in the various industry areas. Ms Smith received her award and a cash prize a gala dinner in Wellington last night, attended by more 400 guests and dignitaries. The Anatomy of a City did a great job of communicating to a lay audience the vital role that engineers played in developing the city of Dunedin. ‘I hoped the story would make people aware of some of the less spectacular but essential things that engineers have done in the past and continue to do today, also a little of the politics and issues they have to face to get the job done’ says Charmian. The article, which appeared in the Saturday edition in April, looked at the city’s pioneering engineering works, including laying the sewerage system, building bridges and undertaking land reclamation of the harbour. Charmian interviewed engineers and trawled through old newspapers, photographs and maps to research the story. The article also highlighted the Dunedin’s new heritage trails, which are proving very popular with engineers and non-engineers alike. For more information contact: Rebecca Adams
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