By Jane Luscombe
Award-winning cameraperson Margaret Moth has died from cancer, aged 59.
Far from a believer in doing things the conventional way, the Dunedin woman broke the male-only hold on staff camera positions in the New Zealand television industry.
Her camerawork won awards for the US news network CNN and she famously survived being shot in the face.
From her name to her career, Ms Moth bucked the norm.
Born Margaret Wilson, she quickly ditched that, choosing to be known as Margaret Gipsy Moth – a nod to her love of skydiving.
“She was a cutting figure to many a news item in rural Otago in the 1970s,” says cameraman Pat O’Neill.
“Some of the punters wouldn’t have known what she was about.”
It took her colleagues a while to learn too, especially when vying for work.
“Margaret was so territorial and stroppy that she wanted to have the role all to herself, so I quickly obliged,” says film producer Robin Scholes.
Ms Moth’s determination won her awards for bravery in the field. While others ducked, she would stand up tall and “shoot” the shooters.
Whilst running the gauntlet of Sniper’s Alley in Sarajevo for CNN one day, the shooters got her.
"My face, it felt like my face was falling off. I remember, I was trying to hold it on.
"I knew I had to keep calm and I knew I had to stay conscious: 'If I go unconscious, I will stop breathing.'"
Ms Moth was not expected to survive the blast to her face, but after more than 12 operations she was back – and given a bullet proof vest.
Ms Moth was diagnosed with colon cancer three years ago.
“I would like to have gone out with a bit more flair, but feel like I can die with dignity – that’s the main thing,” she said.
The biggest concern for Ms Moth was the 25 stray cats she looked after at home in Istanbul. A fellow cameraman has adopted them.
3 News