Juliet Speedy has a controversial opinion about pies
Wednesday, 3 July 2024
Juliet Speedy is undoubtedly one of the world’s foremost specialists on the great city of Christchurch. She’s been a journalist there for over two decades, covering major stories including David Bain’s 2009 retrial, the 2010/2011 earthquake, and the 2019 mosque shootings, among many others.
Having worked across broadcast and print in her career, for the last 13 years Speedy has been Newshub’s senior South Island reporter.
Stuff caught up with Speedy as she prepares to join its new 6pm bulletin, ThreeNews, on July 6.
If you weren't a journalist, what would you be doing and why?
A criminal lawyer. I'd still like to become one, one day but I'm fast running out of time. Law is in my genes, and I really enjoy reporting court. I often sit there mid-trial wishing I was behind a different bench to the media bench.
Preferably not in the dock though. Guess there is still time for that.
What's the best thing about living in Christchurch?
For me, it's my friends, family and access to the snow. I love to ski, and the Southern Alps is a form of therapy to me.
What's something you would love to see invented and why?
I wish the apparently genius AI cleaned my house, did my washing and cooked my family dinner.
As a single Mum to three busy kids with a mad working life, the to-do list seems to only ever grow, beside the washing pile.
What's a news story (from anywhere at any time) you wish you could have covered and why?
It would have to be from inside a big court case. The OJ Simpson trial or even the recent Donald Trump trial. It fascinates me that journalists can interview jurors mid-trial in America.
What's something most people don't know about being a TV journalist?
It is the opposite of glamorous. I've recorded my voice-over in a toilet, slept in a car, and had to do more than one bush wee (sorry, too much information there).
What's an issue that is really important to the people of the South Island that needs more attention?
Why do South Island pies never win the national pie awards when they are far superior to North Island pies.
Describe your perfect Sunday.
Skiing at Mt Hutt with my three beautiful children and a big packed lunch.