AUCKLAND, Today: NZME has unveiled a trio of senior appointments as it doubles down on trusted journalism, premium content growth and stronger South Island presence, alongside naming a new Chair for its Editorial Advisory Board.
Miriyana Alexander is stepping into the Associate Editor role at the NZ Herald, returning to the newsroom and basing herself in Christchurch with a focus on southern coverage and premium journalism.
Alexander previously helped launch and grow the Herald’s Premium subscription offering and most recently chaired NZME’s Editorial Advisory Board, bringing deep editorial and leadership experience back to the frontline.
NZ Herald Editor-in-Chief Murray Kirkness says, “Miri returning to the front-line of Herald journalism is a real coup. 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.
“Miri returning to the front-line of Herald journalism is a real coup. She is an incredible newsroom leader and award-winning journalist.” – Murray Kirkness, NZ Herald Editor-in-Chief
“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.
“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 says she’s thrilled to return. “I am so excited to be back with the Herald, especially based in thriving Christchurch. I can’t wait to rejoin the team and help deliver New Zealand’s best journalism.” Alexander starts the role on 4 March.
NZME has also created a new position for Matt Martel, appointing him Publisher – BusinessDesk to drive growth across audience, subscriptions, advertising and brand development for the specialist business platform.
Martel was part of the team that sold BusinessDesk to NZME and brings more than 30 years’ experience spanning publishing, journalism and technology across New Zealand, Australia and the UK.
“Matt’s appointment demonstrates confidence in the strength of the BusinessDesk masthead, journalism and commercial offering.” – Matt Wilson, Chief Publishing Officer
Chief Publishing Officer Matt Wilson says Martel’s arrival marks a new chapter. “Matt’s appointment demonstrates confidence in the strength of the BusinessDesk masthead, journalism and commercial offering.
“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 says, “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 began the role on 1 March, working alongside Duncan Bridgeman and editor Victoria Young. With Alexander moving roles, Hamish Rutherford has been appointed Chair of the NZME Editorial Advisory Board.
“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.” – Steven Joyce, NZME Board Chair
Rutherford’s background spans journalism and public affairs, including time as NZ Herald Wellington Business Editor and later Chief Press Secretary to Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, before consulting in government relations.
NZME Board Chair Steven Joyce says, “I’d like to thank Miriyana for the work she’s done leading the Editorial Advisory Board since its inception and 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.”
Rutherford officially stepped into the position on 1 March.
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