Stephen Cook, a former Truth journalist, who was cast aside by the NZ Herald, has won a prestigious media award in Australia.

Cam worked with Stephen while at Truth and came to respect his news gathering abilities. It was Stephen Cook who also wrote the stories about Len Brown that won a Canon Media Award.

He left New Zealand a few years back and has been working hard as a photographer.

This was his photo on the front page of The Daily Telegraph which won him his award.

As an interesting aside, Cam once worked for the company credited by NSW Police for developing the software that enabled them to capture and convict Ivan Milat, the backpacker serial murderer.

Congratulations Stephen, you’ve made good on your promise as a quality and now award-winning photographer.

Here is his acceptance speech, that tells the story of his struggles:

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