Rachel Morton, a reporter on 3 News, is leaving the MediaWorks newsroom to work as a spin doctor for Steven Joyce, The Diary can reveal.
The Wellington-based journalist will take up the role as Joyce's press secretary, and starts at the end of April.
"Rachel will be great. She'll be a great addition to the team," Joyce said yesterday.
The man long considered the Malcolm Tucker of the Tories will expect a lot. Being the spin doctor to the party spin doctor will be no easy feat.
Morton is up for it. She is holidaying in Melbourne this week and heading to the MCG tomorrow to watch the Black Caps.
"It's been a great eight years at TV3 but I'm really excited about a change and a new challenge," she told The Diary.
It's not the first time a journalist has gone to the dark side. The Prime Minister's press secretary, Sia Aston, is a former TV3 reporter.
Opposition leader Andrew Little recently recruited a new chief press sec from the fourth estate - Sarah Stuart, a former Herald columnist and magazine editor.
Lucy Bennett recently left APNZ and moved to Wellington to take up the reins as Sam Lotu-Iiga's right-hand woman. And former Radio NZ journalist Nicola Grigg took up a job at Simon Bridges' office.
Morton is not the only female journalist leaving 3 News. Rebecca Wright is moving to the TVNZ newsroom, and Jane Luscombe is taking on a role at the Retirement Commission.
Back the boys - wear the appropriate T-shirt
New Zealand's greatest living ginger Martin Guptill will take to the field tomorrow at the MCG carrying the hopes of a whole nation. Can he smash another double century? Should we send our good vibes by wearing a tee in his honour?
Mr Vintage has produced a range of T-shirts in support of New Zealand.
There's the "Hairy Javelin" top for Grant Elliott fans. The "Steady the Ship" singlet for Kane Williamson devotees. The "B-Mac Attack" for supporters of the skipper. And the "Greatest Living Ginger" shirt for Guppy fans.
His wife, Laura McGoldrick, a Sky Sports broadcaster and face of The Cricket Show, has already snapped one up.
Trouble in paradise
Which high-profile Kiwis are having trouble on the married mid-life crisis front? She has undergone so much plastic surgery that her face is barely recognisable.
He had an affair with a pretty 32-year-old in his employ, who is no longer a staff member since the dalliance became known. Who said domestic life was bliss, eh?