The National Fours were held in Central Otago in February and my family were hosting some bowlers for dinner one night.
They told us about the news that had shaken the clubhouse: the tournament had been interrupted by a very speedy streaker, who had dashed across the green while the game was being livestreamed.
We all had a good laugh and moved on.
The next morning I presented this information in the newsroom and was told it was a newsworthy story I should chase.
First I had to confirm it.
I spent most of the afternoon trawling through a broadcast of our country’s finest bowlers.
When I finally saw the pale bottom emerge from around the side of the clubhouse, it was a relief to know I had not made the story up.
This led to a busy afternoon, ringing up bowls officials and asking their opinion on the streaker.
Some were happy to talk about it, others were not and wanted to focus on the bowls.
The first draft of the story was a bland summary of facts that was reworked to give the story the sense of fun it deserved.
The next day my story was on the front page of the Otago Daily Times.
It then showed up in other national media, including television's The Project.
Seeing the response the story got still gives me a bit of a rush.
It showed me how my work could inform but could also entertain.
It felt really good to see so many people enjoy my words and work.
It is also nice to look back on the story and see how I have improved as a reporter.
