Taranaki Daily News Appoints New Editor

March 22, 2006

Taranaki Daily News Appoints New Editor

Jonathan MacKenzie was today named the new editor of the Taranaki Daily News, in an announcement made by Fairfax NZ Chief Executive Officer Joan Withers.

Jonathan MacKenzie, currently chief reporter of the Manawatu Standard, succeeds Lance Girling-Butcher, who is retiring from the editorship for health reasons after a distinguished journalistic career in Taranaki, Joan Withers said.

``The Taranaki Daily News has been well-served by a series of editors proud to lead strong editorial teams who have been determined to provide their readers with excellent coverage of their region,'' she said.

``Fairfax NZ knows that Jonathan MacKenzie will continue that tradition and will bring to the position his own energy and talents so that the newspaper is well-positioned for the future. We are delighted that we are able to promote a talented journalist from within the company into this important position.''

Fairfax NZ Editor-in-Chief Peter O'Hara said Jonathan MacKenzie was a highly effective chief reporter at the Manawatu Standard.

``He developed a team of journalists who helped the newspaper win the Qantas Newspaper of the Year award for its class in 2004. His initiative and drive in no small way assisted the newspaper to achieve that goal.

``The Taranaki Daily News has a committed and knowledgeable team of people and close affinity with its region, as attested by its strong readership.

``With the support of an excellent management team, led by general manager Mike Brewer, we believe Jonathan will take the newspaper to new levels of readership and regional effectiveness as the major news and information provider in Taranaki.''

Peter O'Hara paid tribute to Lance Girling-Butcher, who has been editor for the last six years.

``Lance is a fine editor and we are saddened that sight problems led to his early retirement. He has been a wonderful servant of journalism in Taranaki. We wish Lance and his wife Ali all the best for the future.''

Mike Brewer said there had been a rigorous interviewing process and a large number of candidates for the position.

``The caliber of candidates for the position was extremely high.''

Jonathan MacKenzie will start in his new role on May 29.

`` I believe Taranaki is a highly desirable location and I'm looking forward to meeting the staff and readers of the Taranaki Daily News. I think it's a terrific paper backed by fiercely loyal readers so I'm looking forward to the challenge of bringing the community the best and brightest news the region has to offer." Jonathan said.

ENDS

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