Talisker Scott Hunter
Stroud
Summary
Freelance reporter with a proven track record in international journalism. Adept at feature writing, with articles often complemented by original artwork. Previous experience in operations, digital marketing, and international teaching means my reporting is cross-cultural, empathetic, and data-driven.
Overview
6
6
years of professional experience
Work History
Freelance Journalist
Self-employed
01.2025 - Current
- Produces reported feature articles for a range of publications across Asia and Oceania, including The Japan Times, The Diplomat, The Spinoff, and The Christchurch Press
- Interview subjects include musical artists Natasha Bedingfield, Songer, and P-Money, alongside teachers, politicians, activists, and dedicated civil servants
- Collaborates with editors to refine content, ensure accuracy, and hit deadlines
- Explored micro-macro stories to contextualize local narratives within global frameworks
- Created original illustrations to enhance understanding of articles
Operations and Events Coordinator
Young Enterprise Trust
Wellington
02.2024 - 12.2024
- Managed event logistics, ensuring seamless execution and high participant engagement.
- Coordinated educational programs that fostered entrepreneurship, contributing to youth development.
- Facilitated workshops, promoting active student participation and collaboration in projects.
- Supported data collection and analysis to improve program effectiveness and reach.
Assistant Language Teacher
Jōetsu City Municipal Board of Education
11.2021 - 08.2023
- Developed engaging lesson plans for primary and middle school students in rural Japan
- Facilitated open days, club activities, and extra-curricular events
- Learned intermediate Japanese (N3 equivalent)
Digital Marketer
Meta Digital
03.2020 - 10.2021
- Developed data-driven advertising campaigns for social platforms and search engines, enhancing audience engagement
- Analyzed consumer behavior data to optimize marketing strategies and tactics.
- Coordinated content creation for social media, blogs, and email newsletters, increasing brand visibility.
- Applied SEO techniques to boost website traffic and improve search rankings, driving organic reach.
Community Ambassador
Ministry of Awesome
Christchurch
12.2019 - 03.2020
- Facilitated community engagement initiatives to strengthen local partnerships.
- Collaborated with diverse groups to align efforts for community development projects.
- Produced data-driven marketing campaigns
Digital Marketing Intern
Inspiring Teachers (formerly Limited Resource Teacher Training)
11.2019 - 03.2020
- Wrote web content for marketing
- Liaised with stakeholders, including NGOs, civil servants, and teachers
- Created engaging social media content to promote teacher training initiatives.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - History and Economics
University of Canterbury
Christchurch, New Zealand12-2019
High School Diploma -
Cashmere High School
Christchurch12-2015
Skills
- Feature Writing
- Illustration
- Data Analysis
- Interviewing
- Shorthand
- Teaching
- Google AdWords, Analytics, Data Studio, Facebook Ads and Search Console
- The Adobe Suite, including Photoshop, Premiere Pro and Illustrator
Awards
- Nationwide Best Culture and Lifestyle Writer - Aotearoa Student Press Association
- Kizuna Ambassador Certificate, for services to Jōetsu City - Jōetsu City Municipal Board of Education
Languages
Japanese
Upper Intermediate (B2)
B2
Websites
Leisure interests
I enjoy hiking, and spent two months last year walking the length of Armenia as part of a year-long backpacking trip that took me from China to Turkey. My favourite book is The Things They Carried by Tim O’Brian. I paint whenever I can, finding it a great way to pick apart the world and examine it piece by piece. My favourite commedian is Norm MacDonald.
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Freelance Journalist
Self-employed
01.2025 - Current
Operations and Events Coordinator
Young Enterprise Trust
02.2024 - 12.2024
Assistant Language Teacher
Jōetsu City Municipal Board of Education
11.2021 - 08.2023
Digital Marketer
Meta Digital
03.2020 - 10.2021
Community Ambassador
Ministry of Awesome
12.2019 - 03.2020
Digital Marketing Intern
Inspiring Teachers (formerly Limited Resource Teacher Training)
11.2019 - 03.2020
Bachelor of Arts - History and Economics
University of Canterbury
High School Diploma -
Cashmere High School