A New Zealand reporter was unexpectedly hit in the face by a seagull while filming a news segment in Auckland, an incident captured on camera and since gone viral. The reporter, Jessica Tyson, known for her work on the current affairs programme Te Ao with Moana, was recording a piece on fast fashion when the bird hit her face, apparently carried by strong winds.
The incident occurred at Commercial Bay earlier this week, though Tyson shared the footage on social media on December 2. In the video, she prepares for another take before the seagull suddenly flies directly into her. Tyson recoils while exclaiming in shock, leaving the crew stunned.
A colleague on-site quickly asked whether she was alright. Tyson initially confirmed she was fine, but soon realised her eye was irritated. Moments later, her coworker noticed she was bleeding near her right eyelid. Tyson, who previously held the title of Miss World New Zealand, later posted the slow-motion clip on Instagram, revealing a visible cut above her eye.
Despite the alarming moment, Tyson did not require medical treatment. A passerby who witnessed the collision guided her to a nearby office building, where she received first aid. Displaying professional perseverance, she returned shortly afterwards to complete the shoot.
The video has since been widely circulated, drawing a mix of amusement and sympathy from viewers. Many praised Tyson’s resilience, while others joked about the unpredictable “hazards” of field reporting in coastal New Zealand.
