Joanna Hunkin: Goodbye to all that

Five years ago, nearly to the day, I wrote my first story for TimeOut, while on internship. It was the school holidays and Russell Baillie, my editor, sent me to St Lukes to interview children about the best kids' movies on offer.

It wasn't the most glamorous of assignments - nor the easiest. Children have an unfailing tendency to think everything is "good". Or occasionally, "really good". But I got my story and, eventually, a job.

(Not before I was subjected to a few more tests of dedication, including having to jump about like an idiot in the background of a Scribe music video on a wet and windy Friday night. You can spot me up the back if you look closely, I'm the one who looks like she's reconsidering her career options ... )

Over the years, I've worked my way around various departments at the Herald but today, curiously, I sit at the very same desk I started on, where I wrote that very first story.

And it's at that desk I am writing this, my final piece for TimeOut - and the Herald.

It was also here I wrote this week's cover story, about New Zealand's newest local production The Cult. Having seen the first episode, I can testify it is telly worth watching.

Five years ago, The Cult wouldn't have been made. It couldn't have been made. The country would have groaned at the idea of a locally produced psychological thriller. People wouldn't have watched it on principle.

But things have changed. Outrageous Fortune came along and didn't get cancelled. Some people started watching it (it is a great myth that OF was an instant hit. It wasn't. It took about three seasons for it to become a top-rating show) and it won a stack of awards.

And it opened a gate for others. For the first time, local dramas were being commissioned - and renewed.

At Saturday night's Qantas Film and TV Awards, new productions dominated the nominations - The Jaquie Brown Diaries, Piece of My Heart and Until Proven Innocent all came away winners.

We've even got over the cultural cringe of local comedy, thanks to Jaquie, The Pretender and, most recently, Jeremy Corbett's 7 Days.

In fact, it's fair to say New Zealand telly's never looked so healthy.

It might not all be sunshine and light - just this week we learned Top Model won't be returning this year due to a lack of funding - but it's a hell of a lot better than it was.

We are now at a point where someone can not only make a high-concept drama (and get it funded, which is no mean feat) but there's a good chance we'll actually watch it.

There is a genuine air of excitement and anticipation surrounding The Cult.

It's a pretty impressive journey over the course of five short years - and one that's not over yet. But for me, this is where I alight. For now, at least.

Thanks to all those who have been a part of the ride. It's been choice.

Over and out.