Former journalist Hamish Rutherford is the new head of the NZME editorial advisory board. Photo / Jason Oxenham
“Miri returning to the frontline of Herald journalism is a real coup,” said NZ Herald editor-in-chief Murray Kirkness.
“She is an incredible newsroom leader and award-winning journalist. Her innate ability to connect with audiences and tell stories that matter will be invaluable to us.
“Miri will be warmly welcomed back by our teams across the country and she will help us continue setting the bar in delivering journalism that matters.”
Alexander is now based in Christchurch.
“She’ll also provide specific expertise and insights as we strengthen our presence in Christchurch and grow our coverage of Canterbury and South Island stories,” said Kirkness.
“Miri will be a fantastic addition to NZME’s Christchurch-based news team, working with our talented southern journalists ably led by Kurt Bayer at the Herald and Claire Sherwood from Newstalk ZB. And her business acumen and strategic experience will be welcomed by NZME more widely as we continue to strengthen in the Mainland.”
Alexander said she was “so excited to be back with the Herald, especially based in thriving Christchurch”.
She starts her new role on Wednesday.
NZME chairman Steven Joyce thanked Alexander for her work in helping establish the NZME editorial advisory board, whose other members are Philip Crump, Josie Pagani and Brent Webling.
“… I’m pleased to welcome Hamish to the role. The EAB exists to provide advice, support and constructive challenge to NZME’s editorial leadership, and Hamish’s extensive experience across journalism and public affairs will be invaluable in the role. I’m confident he’ll do an excellent job leading the EAB.”
A new publisher of BusinessDesk
NZME also announced today the appointment of Matt Martel to a newly created role of BusinessDesk publisher.
The company said Martel, who has been a senior newsroom leader at NZME, would be responsible for driving BusinessDesk’s growth across audience, subscriptions and advertising revenue, including its content strategy and brand development.
New BusinessDesk publisher Matt Martel.
“Matt’s appointment demonstrates confidence in the strength of the BusinessDesk masthead, journalism and commercial offering,” said NZME chief publishing officer Matt Wilson.
“There is a strong appetite for quality business news in New Zealand, and BusinessDesk is well placed to continue to capitalise on that. Matt’s vast journalistic experience, his strong business community networks and knowledge of audiences, technology and content, as well as his passion for the brand, make him the ideal person to lead this new chapter for BusinessDesk.”
Martel said: “I love BusinessDesk and I’ve been impressed with how it has advanced under NZME ownership. It is the biggest and best specialist news publisher in New Zealand with an impressive journalistic staff. Now, we get the opportunity to build something even bigger and better.”
He will work closely with NZME business managing editor Duncan Bridgeman and BusinessDesk editor Victoria Young.
Editor-at-Large Shayne Currie is one of New Zealand’s most experienced senior journalists and media leaders. He has held executive and senior editorial roles at NZME including Managing Editor, NZ Herald Editor and Herald on Sunday Editor and has a small shareholding in NZME.