New Zealand’s foremost independent business news service, BusinessDesk is pleased to announce the launch of its new premium leisure section, The Life which will cover the best in domestic travel, wine, food, style, design, motoring and lifestyle features.
Headed by former Kia Ora magazine editor, Jacqui Loates-Haver, The Life launched on the evening of Friday, July 10, and will be appointment weekend reading - a welcome addition in light of
the recent decline of New Zealand lifestyle media outlets.
The section will feature a portfolio of New Zealand’s best and most astute writers and columnists including wine expert Bob Campbell, MW; former Bauer food director and editor of Here magazine, Simon Farrell-Green; food writer Jean Teng, cheese columnist Juliet Harbutt; travel writer Matt Philp, fashion editor Sally-Ann Mullin, interior designer Alison Ward and international watch writer Bani McSpedden.
“I’m delighted to have the opportunity to launch this platform at BusinessDesk, not only to work alongside New Zealand’s
best writers and columnists, but also to play a part in re-establishing the premium lifestyle media offering in this
market,” says Loates-Haver.
BusinessDesk The Life will also feature content from the website’s business writers. All content will be outside of the site’s hard paywall
for the first two months.
Launching The Life is part of a strategy to innovate and grow at a time when other media is faltering, said CEO and editor Pattrick
Smellie. This included establishing a comprehensive opinion section in recent months. “With our general news, expert
commentary and, now, The Life we have an incredibly compelling, high-quality journalistic offering,” said.
“We’ve seen a big jump in traffic and subscriptions as we strengthen our offering and The Life will double down on
that.”
BusinessDesk’s columnist line up:Jane Clifton, Friday: politicsBrian Gaynor, Saturday: business and businesspeopleJehan Casinader, Saturday: social issues and politicsVictoria Young, Saturday: money and the people making it.Peter Griffin, Thursday: Tech and startupsDavid Chaplin, Wednesday: investment industryPattrick Smellie: politics and business