Jessica Tyson’s recent encounter with a seagull while filming a news segment in Auckland drew widespread attention not only for the unexpected nature of the incident, but also for the reporter’s composed and humorous reaction. The surprising moment, captured on camera and later shared on social media, offered a vivid look into the unpredictability of field reporting and the resilience required to continue working despite sudden setbacks.
Jessica Tyson , a former Miss World New Zealand and a journalist for Te Ao with Moana, was covering a story on fast fashion when strong winds carried a seagull directly into her face, leaving her with a cut just above her left eye. The incident quickly became a topic of conversation across online platforms, sparking sympathy, laughter, and fascination as more details emerged about what happened both during and after the collision.
The On-Camera Collision in Downtown Auckland
On Tuesday, December 2, Jessica Tyson and her crew were preparing to film a second take for a segment examining the impact of fast fashion. Filming in central Auckland often requires navigating unpredictable conditions, from sudden shifts in weather to urban noise, but few could have anticipated what happened next. As Tyson stood ready to begin, a seagull, lifted by a forceful gust of wind, flew directly into her face with enough force to jolt her head sharply to one side. In the footage she later shared, Tyson quickly turns away from the camera, raising both hands to her face in shock as she says, “Holy s—.”
The impact was immediate and disorienting. Colleagues could be heard rushing toward her, asking if she was alright. When one member of the crew told her, “You’re bleeding,” Jessica Tyson appeared surprised, touching the area near her eye before realizing the extent of the injury. Dramatic music played over the clip she posted online, underscoring a still image of the cut running from the outer corner of her eye to her cheek. Her first instinct had been to protect her face and check her vision, a natural response in an incident that came within inches of causing more serious harm.
Talk about a wild workday! 🐦➡️😅 Reporter Jessica Tyson was left bloodied after a bird flew straight into her face during filming.
— indy100 (@indy100) December 3, 2025
Sharing the video on instagram Jessica said, “Commitment to the job is real!”#Bird #Accident #NZReporter #TeAoWithMoana #MissWorldNZ pic.twitter.com/rgN2Y86PTn
Jessica Tyson later explained that either the bird’s beak or claws must have struck her directly. The cut formed just above her left eye and below her eyebrow—a narrow margin that, under slightly different circumstances, might have led to an injury to her eye itself. Despite the shock and the blood, she quickly regained composure, assessing the injury before stepping away to clean up. She hurried into a nearby corporate office, where she washed the wound and regained her bearings before returning to the filming schedule.
Aftermath, Reactions, and Social Media Response
In the hours following the incident, Jessica Tyson posted the video on Facebook and Instagram, and the response was immediate. Messages poured in from fans, colleagues, and viewers who expressed concern for her wellbeing, amusement at the surreal nature of the accident, and admiration for how calmly she handled the moment. Many noted that the incident seemed almost symbolic or strangely timed, prompting humorous speculation that the universe was sending a message.
Jessica Tyson acknowledged these remarks with good-natured replies, showing that she was able to laugh about the situation even while still nursing a fresh cut. She wrote on Facebook that the bird, despite its dramatic collision, appeared unharmed and quickly rejoined the flock nearby. Her own injuries, while startling, were relatively minor. She noted she was “left with a scar above my left eye, below my eyebrow — just missing my eyeball, luckily.”
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The remark highlighted the narrow escape from a potentially much more serious injury. Jessica Tyson also shared that this was only the latest in an unusual series of minor accidents. She had recently cut her finger and injured her arm after falling off her bike. The sequence of unexpected mishaps struck her as peculiar enough that she and colleagues performed a karakia, a Māori prayer, in hopes of restoring balance and preventing further incidents. Her willingness to incorporate cultural practices into her response reflected her work with Te Ao with Moana, a program dedicated to presenting news through a Māori lens and grounding stories in indigenous knowledge and traditions.
If the clip of the seagull collision drew startled reactions at first, the prevailing sentiment soon shifted to admiration. Jessica Tyson’s professionalism stood out: even after the blow, she remained focused on completing her assignment. Her Instagram caption, “The commitment to the job is real!” resonated with viewers who understood the often-challenging conditions journalists face on location. The footage also highlighted the teamwork of her crew, who immediately stepped in to check on her, offer support, and ensure she was safe before continuing.
Online comments reflected a blend of empathy and humor. One person wrote, “Omg Jess! You poor thing… Not me thinking, ‘Omg it’s a sign.’” Others expressed relief that the injury had not been more severe. Many who viewed the clip found themselves unexpectedly sympathetic toward Jessica Tyson’s new caution around birds. As she later wrote, “I can understand why people are so afraid of birds!” The relatable nature of that remark helped the story gain traction beyond traditional news audiences, spreading across social media feeds and discussion threads.
Tyson’s Background and the Broader Conversation Around Field Reporting Risks
While the seagull incident stood out for its unusual nature, it also provided an opportunity for many viewers to learn more about Tyson’s professional and public background. Before joining Te Ao with Moana, she gained national attention after being crowned Miss World New Zealand in 2018. Her broader career includes journalism, public speaking, and advocacy work. In her current role, Jessica Tyson often covers stories that highlight issues relevant to Māori communities and focuses on topics that intersect culture, policy, and social change.
Her reporting is known for its clarity, accessibility, and depth, qualities that have helped her build a strong following. Field reporting, despite its polished appearance on television and online, frequently involves unpredictable moments. Journalists working outside controlled studio environments must contend with weather shifts, passing vehicles, curious bystanders, and environmental hazards that may arise suddenly.
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Jessica Tyson’s encounter, though rare, demonstrates how quickly circumstances can change. Even in urban settings like downtown Auckland, wildlife interactions can be abrupt and surprising. Seagulls, familiar fixtures in coastal cities, are known for their boldness around crowds and food sources. High winds can also alter their flight patterns, increasing the likelihood of mid-air collisions.
The incident adds to a broader conversation about the dynamic environment reporters navigate. While many viewers associate news gathering with research, interviews, and scripted presentations, the reality is that field reporters work in conditions that demand adaptability, awareness, and quick thinking. Tyson’s reaction — immediate concern for her eye, followed by a swift effort to clean up and continue filming — reflects the practical mindset many journalists must adopt in order to complete their assignments on tight deadlines.
Her injury also underscores the importance of safety protocols and crew awareness during filming. The teamwork visible in the video, with colleagues immediately rushing in to assess the situation, confirms the value of having supportive production teams who prioritize safety when unexpected events occur. For audiences, seeing that interaction reinforces the recognition that news segments are collaborative efforts involving multiple people working behind the scenes.
In the days that followed, Tyson’s humorous and grounded responses helped ensure that the story did not devolve into unnecessary fear or sensationalism. Instead, it became an example of resilience, lighthearted storytelling, and the ability to acknowledge unexpected challenges without dwelling on them. Her willingness to share the footage also offered viewers a candid look at what can happen during ordinary reporting assignments, fostering greater appreciation for the unpredictable nature of the job.
By the time she posted follow-up comments assuring fans that she was healing well, the story had reached audiences far beyond New Zealand. Many were introduced to her for the first time through the viral clip, while longtime followers expressed relief that she was unhurt and admiration for her sense of humor. The incident, while brief, became a memorable moment in her reporting career — one that showcased both her professionalism and her ability to remain composed under sudden and startling circumstances.
Through her updates, Jessica Tyson emphasized that she was moving forward quickly and returning to her regular work with renewed caution and appreciation. She acknowledged the fortunate outcome, the support of her team, and the cultural grounding provided by the karakia, which she described as a meaningful gesture to restore calm after a series of odd occurrences. The story ultimately offered viewers an engaging and genuine glimpse into her life and work, illustrating how an unexpected moment can become a point of connection and conversation across communities.
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