NZ Journalist Sam Sherwood Sweeps Major Reporting Awards 2026

New Zealand journalism is having a moment worth celebrating, and Sam Sherwood is right at the heart of it. The RNZ reporter has swept some of the country's most prestigious media honours in 2026, cementing his reputation as one of Aotearoa's finest storytellers.

Sherwood's remarkable awards run began at the NZ Media Awards, where he took home three wins — an extraordinary haul that had the industry sitting up and taking notice. To follow that up with the coveted 'best journalist' title at the Radio and Podcast Awards is no small feat, and it speaks volumes about the quality and consistency of his reporting throughout the year.

The Radio and Podcast Awards recognise excellence across New Zealand's vibrant audio media landscape, celebrating the journalists, presenters, and producers who inform and inspire Kiwi audiences every day. Sherwood's win in the top journalism category places him among an elite group of communicators who have shaped the way New Zealanders understand the world around them.

For RNZ, the national public broadcaster, Sherwood's success is a proud reflection of the organisation's ongoing commitment to quality, in-depth journalism that serves all New Zealanders. It's a timely reminder of the vital role public media plays in keeping communities informed, connected, and engaged.

Ultimately, Sherwood's sweeping success is great news not just for him or RNZ, but for New Zealand journalism as a whole. It shows that rigorous, thoughtful reporting is still being recognised and valued — and that's something every Kiwi news reader and listener can feel good about.

Originally reported by RNZ New Zealand Headlines.