New Zealand Reporter Struck by Bird During Outdoor Segment

AUCKLAND, New Zealand — December 4, 2025 — A New Zealand reporter was unexpectedly struck in the face by a low-flying bird while filming an outdoor segment, officials said. Jessica Tyson, 32, a reporter for the current affairs program Te Ao with Moana, was shooting a segment in Britomart Square in Auckland when the incident occurred between takes.

The moment was captured on camera and later shared on social media by Tyson, who humorously remarked that the seagull might need new glasses. Tyson sustained a minor injury, describing it as a small scar above her eye. The show’s host, Moana Maniapoto, confirmed in a TikTok video that Tyson has fully recovered but will now limit her reporting to indoor segments.

Tyson’s commitment to her work was noted despite the unexpected encounter with wildlife during the broadcast. The incident highlights the unpredictable nature of outdoor reporting, especially in urban environments where interactions with animals can occur.

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Maya Chen

Maya Chen reports on international politics, conflict and diplomacy. She specializes in explaining how global events shape U.S. security, trade and migration, and how decisions made abroad ripple into life at home.

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