Horowhenua StarThe emergence of The Horowhenua Star from what appeared to be the imminent closure of the district’s last newspaper heralds a new era in local journalism.
The Star is bringing a fresh approach to local news, packaging it in a way that’s easier for readers to digest and presenting it in a way that advertisers can appreciate.
The Horowhenua Star team at the AP&I Show, from left, editor Paul Williams, sales representative Pip Hakaraia and senior reporter Janine Baalbergen, along with Debbi and Ian Carson of the paper’s owner, ID Media.
Photo Huhana Smith
At the essence of it, however, is the news – local news, news that matters, news that has a connection with the diverse communities that make up the Horowhenua district, news that tells a story, and news that occasionally tugs at the heartstrings.
Making sure we get that news is a team of which any newsroom in the country would be proud. I’ve worked in journalism for many decades, so I know Paul Williams and Janine Baalbergen have what it takes.
As a previous journalism tutor and mentor, I hope The Star can also hire more journalists as it progresses, giving young people in the business what’s becoming a rare opportunity to hone their craft in a local setting.
Add to this editorial team the superb skills of Pip Hakaraia as our sales rep. We knew she was a star in the advertising sales realm, but she’s already proven she’s a superstar.
Pip had 10 years with the old Chronicle, but wanted to join The Star for a fresh start. She’s being supported in sales by ID Media’s Debbi Carson, who’s been key to ensuring the success of sister publication Ōtaki Today.
We’ve put a lot of work into the new Star during the holiday break.
We’ve listened to advertisers and readers. We’ve responded to their biggest concerns by beefing up distribution to all rural (RD) areas. We’re getting papers in letterboxes at previously poorly served centres such as Foxton and Foxton Beach.
The full newspaper will also be on our website – horowhenuastar.com – every week, along with our main stories. There’s also a feedback link there, so please let us know what you think. Your views and ideas are important to us.
Ian Carson is managing editor of ID Media.
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