Sir John to get hands on the Herald and he's ready to run with it

Sir John Kirwan.

Next Tuesday's Herald will be edited by one of our greatest All Blacks - and New Zealanders.

Sir John Kirwan will guest-edit the newspaper, deciding on the front page and content throughout the news, sport, business and Travel sections, including specially commissioned articles, photographs and artwork.

Sir John's appointment is the latest initiative as we celebrate the Herald's 150th birthday. It is the first time a guest editor has been used in the newspaper's history.

"When I was first asked my initial reaction was 'wow, what does that entail?' and then I went home and thought about what an incredible honour this is. I really want to celebrate us as a city because I'm so proud to be an Aucklander, so I'm trying to do things a little bit differently but also get across what needs to be put out there every day," says Sir John.

"I have no idea what the end result will be but I feel incredibly privileged to be asked. It's something I'm hoping when I'm an old bugger talking to the grandkids about our beautiful city that I can tell them I did it once.

"I'm thrilled but I also don't want to mess it up!

"It is a huge honour and brings out plenty of emotions - pressure, excitement and apprehension but I always have these emotions and then just think I've got to do the best I can. I'm going to give it my best shot, dedicate myself to it and hopefully inspire those people around me in the newsroom."

Herald editor Shayne Currie said Sir John had been asked because of his work and passion in a wide range of areas including sport, business, charity and health work and his love of Auckland and New Zealand.

Sir John has already commissioned about 12 assignments, including a souvenir front cover to celebrate the special edition.

He will also lead the daily news conference on Monday, in which the news, world, sport, business, illustrations and online editors will present their content lists and ideas.

"Sir John will be the first of several guest editors in our anniversary year ... we know he'll kick it off in style," said Currie.