NZME has assembled a seasoned editorial and commercial team dedicated to covering key issues and supporting business growth in Christchurch and the wider Canterbury region. The team brings extensive experience from local and international media, alongside strong ties to the local commercial sector.
At the editorial helm is John MacDonald, the morning host for Newstalk ZB, who anchors weekday local coverage from 9 a.m. to noon. With two decades of communications experience in Christchurch and a background that includes major New Zealand radio networks and the BBC, MacDonald focuses on topics central to the Canterbury community.
Supporting the editorial side is Miriyana Alexander, Associate Editor at the New Zealand Herald. Alexander has a distinguished journalism career and leadership roles including launching Herald Premium for NZME and editing weekend publications. A Cambridge University Wolfson Press Fellow and member of the Science Media Centre Advisory Board, she lives in Christchurch and contributes deep editorial insight.
Kurt Bayer serves as Head of News for the South Island at the New Zealand Herald, bringing international newspaper experience from UK outlets such as The Daily Mail, The Times, and The Guardian. Since joining the Herald in 2011 after a decade abroad, Bayer has been a key figure in regional news coverage.
Duncan Bridgeman oversees nationwide business reporting as Managing Editor – Business for NZME. With nearly 17 years at The National Business Review and a background in agricultural commerce from Lincoln University, Bridgeman combines local knowledge with award-winning journalism to deliver comprehensive business content.
On the commercial front, NZME is bolstered by senior executives focused on regional growth and partnerships. Maria O’Halloran is set to become General Manager Canterbury starting September 28. O’Halloran has extensive leadership experience, having served as Chief Executive of Ballantynes department store through challenging periods including the Christchurch earthquakes and the COVID-19 pandemic. Most recently, she led Nutrient Rescue and currently holds roles supporting neurological wellness and venue management in Christchurch.
Mitch Crowe, South Island Sales Director for OneRoof, operates from Christchurch to engage real estate professionals and connect the property market with NZME’s extensive audience. Crowe emphasizes Canterbury’s ongoing development beyond post-earthquake rebuilding and highlights housing and talent attraction as critical to the region’s future as a South Island commercial hub.
James Matthews, General Manager Agency for the South Island, manages NZME’s agency business, facilitating brand-audience connections through multiplatform campaigns. Based in Christchurch, Matthews focuses on innovation in media delivery across audio, digital, print, and experiential channels, aiming to achieve meaningful impacts for businesses and communities.
Neil Jackson leads NZME’s commercial efforts in business, rural, and sports sectors. He plays a central role in launching premium projects like the Project Canterbury report, fostering partnerships across editorial and sales teams to drive strategic growth and link high-value audiences with commercial opportunities.
Together, NZME’s editorial and commercial teams offer a comprehensive approach to reporting, marketing, and business development in Canterbury, leveraging decades of local experience and national networks to serve the region’s evolving needs.