She has a degree in broadcast journalism and worked as a producer for TVNZ's Breakfast for almost two years and later for NewstalkZB for just over a year.
But despite her work experience at some of the country's best-known media outlets, and being enthusiastic and young, she failed to secure a job until last month.
Reaction to her piece on nzherald.co.nz was strong. Many were sympathetic to her plight, and she said she was inundated with offer of support.
"I have had so many people reach out to me who have either lived in London recently, are living here now, or are coming over in the coming months, wanting to share their stories or ask for advice. The reaction has been overwhelming," she told the Herald yesterday.
Ms Hazlehurst said her comment about being blonde was meant as a joke. Photo / Supplied
She said there had been job offers, families offering a place to stay in the southwest of England if she needed a break, and Kiwis living in London who just wanted to meet for a coffee to chat.
Others were not so sympathetic, and she came under fire from many on social media.
Viral news site Buzzfeed UK seized on the story and in its headline ridiculed Ms Hazlehurst's struggles. It's article was headlined: "This 'Hard-Working' Blonde Woman Got Job Offers After Writing About How Tough Her Life Is".
It also promoted the story as "In London, I'm irrelevant".
I work in the media, so I am not naive when it comes to getting backlash. But never ever did I think, that after an article which intended to help others was published, I would be labelled around the world, as a small-town, entitled, fame-hungry, privileged, arrogant, white, racist, lying, dumb, alcoholic whore.
I am someone who wrote about my experience. An experience that was, and is, like many other experiences of those who move to London. But it is also an experience that may not be like others. And to them, well, we are all different, and I guess you were one of the lucky ones. However, that doesn't mean my story has any less weight.
In my article, I wrote about how I worked on reception for three months. That was after I had pounded the pavement where I live, giving my CV to burger joints, cafes and retail outlets - something I didn't write about. And yes it was a shock, because after three years at university, a six month internship and three years full time work in my industry, it was a hard pill to swallow. Nevertheless, I got on with it, worked for a piddly wage to pay my rent, and I hoped for the best.
Anyone who knows me, knows I am the first person to knuckle down and get on with it. For years Kiwis and Aussies have moved to London to find more experience and better money - a plan that has helped them get set up when it is time to go home. I have just grown up being told that Brits love us, and we can get a job (in our industry) no problem. I naively thought that was still the case, but judging from my experience, it seems times have changed.
As for saying I'm blonde (I mean, I am), that was intended to be a humorous, tongue in cheek comment. Sadly, the point I was trying to make got lost in a social media storm over my hair colour.
