Jenni Mortimer, Chief Lifestyle & Entertainment Reporter for the New Zealand Herald, is passionate about telling stories and providing a place to escape for kiwis in amongst the hard news.
If you asked me at the age of 20 what my dream job would be, I would have said somewhat haphazardly – this exact job. I live and breathe our lifestyle, entertainment and travel content and am passionate about telling stories and providing a place to escape for kiwis in amongst the hard news. In 2017, I started with the Herald as a lifestyle producer, then became the deputy editor, then editor of lifestyle - shortly followed by taking over the entertainment section. Then came travel in 2023 and the shift of my brilliant team's focus to audience and serving those in front of the paywall. The trio of roles isn't without chaos – enter Will Smith at the Oscars – but there’s nothing else I would rather be doing. For me, the greatest challenge with being a journalist is earning the trust of your reader. I am passionate about creating an environment where our audience can go and be both informed and refreshed. I want our content to be engaging, purposeful and curated to those who mean the most – our readers. Outside of being a journalist, I’m also a mother and playing a small part in raising the next generation influences the decisions I make as an editor. Knowing that the choices I make as an editor, and the stories I tell as a journalist can create change, challenge inequality and promote empathy makes the juggle of it all worth it.
Divorce lawyer describes common trends that lead to Kiwi couples splitting
Barrister Sharon Chandra discusses what she observes NZ couples doing repeatedly.
Kiwi mum’s warning after tray table slices baby's finger on flight
Singapore Airlines has apologised to the family after the incident.
Paul Henry announced as host of The Chase New Zealand
"I can be enormously charming when I put my mind to it," says The Chase's new host.
'Thought it was a scam': Suzy Cato’s hilarious reaction to King’s Birthday honour
'It's our time': Children's entertainer Suzy Cato shares her emotional message to Kiwis.
Opinion: The 5 best workout tights for all Kiwi budgets, tried and tested
I tested 5 popular activewear leggings, here are the ones Kiwis should actually buy.
Fiji's most luxe resort club might be more obtainable than you think
REVIEW: Want a Fijian getaway where family-friendly meets luxe? This upgrade is the one.
Fetishes, arrests and vomit: Kiwis dish on their worst dates ever
From waters breaking to barefoot serenades, Kiwi singletons reveal their dates gone wrong.
Where is the best place to holiday in Fiji with kids?
Trying to pick the ideal spot for a Fiji family holiday? You can't go wrong with these 5.
Dr Libby on the one health fix 'that changes everything'
The biochemist talks to the Herald about NZ's iron problem and how we can address it now.
Burnt out? This luxury Fijian resort is restorative paradise
Looking to escape life for a week of tropical bliss? Nanuka Resort is the ultimate haven.
Words of wisdom: Parenting tips from seasoned Kiwi mums
An Olympian, radio host, podcaster, beauty editor and writer share their top tips.
Kiwi mum: 'I regret choosing career over motherhood’
Jenni Mortimer on the shame of maternal regrets and climbing the corporate ladder.
'Locked for life': Poker Face actress reveals love for her Kiwi bffs
The US actress says she's 'obsessed' with two special Kiwis in her life.
Vote: Which celebs aren't actually A-list?
OPINION: The term A-list gets thrown around way too much, so who actually makes the cut?
Why Bluey's Big Play is a masterclass in kids' entertainment
Kiwi Bluey fans have been eagerly awaiting the show's arrival, so was it worth the wait?
From Warnie to Billy Ray: Liz Hurley’s most iconic relationships
Hurley says she's experienced "four great loves", so who was her best celeb match?
Opinion: It’s time to ditch concert encores
'Got to go': Herald reviewer Jenni Mortimer reveals gig tradition that's done its dash.
This hotel promises boutique luxury minutes from an airport. Can it deliver?
This boutique hotel makes for the perfect stay for travelling foodies.
On The Up: The Hits' Ben Boyce on going viral and finding his feet after TV
"I definitely don’t spend every hour in a novelty costume yelling 'rizz' and 'skibidi'."
TikTok dance sensation siblings seek glory for NZ at world champs
Auckland is set to become the epicenter of global dance this weekend.
'3600 for a cure': How many Kiwis are diagnosed with breast cancer each year?
Seventeen Kiwi designers have rallied to support this year's Breast Cancer Cure appeal.
Aotearoa Music Awards finalists: Which Kiwi artists topped the noms?
The 2025 Tūī finalists have been announced and some exciting new names are in the mix.
Watch: Dua Lipa shocks Auckland fans with Neil Finn duet
Review: The pop star performed one of her 'favourite songs' with a true Kiwi icon.
Ikea’s secret Kiwi menu and why NZ beef won’t make meatballs
Their meatballs might be infamous, but is a secret menu item set to outshine them?
'City in a jungle’: A-lister declares love for NZ on The Late Show
The star declared Aotearoa was her “favourite” place while on The Late Show.
Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live announces first ever NZ tour
Eden Park, Forsyth Barr Stadium and Sky Stadium will host the gravity-defying stunt show.
Is Emirates’ economy fare the most luxurious in the sky?
Jenni Mortimer flies NZ to Dubai return to compare the two flight classes.
‘$175k’: The extraordinary cost of raising a guide dog in NZ revealed
Watch: Meet New Zealand's 11-week-old guide dog puppy recruits and see them in training.
Will IKEA’s hotel blow you away, or send you flat packing?
Jenni Mortimer checks into the world's only IKEA hotel in Almhult, Sweden.
Oscars: Anora stuns with Best Picture win; Demi Moore snubbed for Best Actress
It was a night of shocks and surprises at the 97th Academy Awards.
‘I am nervous’: Ikea global retail manager’s NZ opening confession
Kiwis have been waiting patiently since 2019 for the Swedish furniture giant's arrival.
The ultimate summer getaway spot for Aucklanders
Desperate for a summer getaway but don't want the admin? Waiheke has the answers.
7 must-try dishes in Sydney this summer
Heading to Sydney? Here are seven dishes that'll hit the spot.
Novotel Sydney CBD's $20 million upgrade
Jenni Mortimer checks in to see where the hotel's money has been spent.
Duncan Garner on divorce, losing his dad and shafting politicians
'I’ve had a s*** time the last few years to be honest.'
The best way to see British Columbia
Rainforest to Rockies is one of the world's most iconic journeys - here's how to do it.
Christian Cullen opens up about his family’s toughest year
The former All Black is competing for a cause close to home after a family tragedy.
'Driver gave me some of his sandwich': Suzanne Paul's heartbreaking story of child poverty
We know her as the infomercial queen, but life wasn't always luminous for Suzanne Paul.
'Took it all for granted': James Rolleston on life before near-death crash
The actor is joining this year's cast of celebrity castaways in the Coromandel.
Why this hotel experience changed the way I fly forever
For those looking for a seamless way to relax and prepare for travel, look no further.
Club InterContinental opens in Auckland, but is it worth the upgrade?
"The Club is to the InterContinental, what the Koru Club is to Auckland Airport."
LOTR The Rings of Power cast: Why NZ will always be 'heart of the show'
Jenni Mortimer heads to Sydney to chat with the cast about Middle-earth, NZ and beyond.
Celebrity Treasure Island NZ's most political line-up yet
OPINION: Celebrity Treasure Island is back with 18 new larger-than-life Kiwi celebrities.
Carmel Sepuloni on Celebrity Treasure Island: Why was the MP on full pay?
Celebrity Treasure Island gets its first competitor who is a sitting MP
5 things to do in Whistler in summer
It might be time to rethink how you look at British Columbia's winter wonderland.
Watch: 6yo Kiwi with incurable cancer gifted dream trip
Caiden MacGibbon, 6, has incurable brain cancer - and his dream is to meet Bluey.
Is Steve Irwin's Australia Zoo still worth a visit?
Jenni Mortimer takes a trip to the Sunshine Coast to find out.
Head to toe: What to do before your summer trip abroad
We cover the essentials for your skin, hair and more.
Welcome to your next boutique-style stay in Brisbane
Fancy a slow-paced weekend away in an iconic Queenslander with flawless cuisine to match?
Review: Seven Peaks Farm Stay, Beerwah, Queensland
This boutique farm stay may just be the Sunshine Coast's best-kept secret.
Elevator shark attack: Why the Emporium is the wildest luxe stay
Adorned in zebra print, gold and mirrors, the Emporium South Bank is pure extravagance.
Five of the best things to do with kids in Brisbane
Want a family adventure full of Aussie charm and icons? We've got you covered.
I’m a travel writer, it's only okay to recline your plane seat in these situations...
The ill-conceived seat feature divides travellers into two camps: Recliners and Decliners.
Could Te Arai Links be the next White Lotus?
Just south of Mangawhai sits one of the most stunning stays the north has to offer.
The skills Kiwi kids should have at ages 1, 5, 13 and 18
Is your child ready for school, high school, uni and beyond?
From rugby to relaxation: The Fiji resort that has it all
Is it really possible for one resort to do it all? Jenni Mortimer finds out.
What’s the best place to stay in Fiji with kids?
OPINION: Struggling to find the best spot to holiday with family? We've got you covered.
Why Singapore Airlines business class is worth every cent
Their Book the Cook offering and service are world-renowned, but are they worth it?
'Knew there was something special': J Lo on her Kiwi connection
J.Lo chats to the Herald about the Kiwi she's got on speed dial.
'I was just so thankful': Hayley Holt on son Frankie’s final gift
Holt shared her harrowing journey with the Herald ahead of the release of her new book.
‘Declaration of war’: Auckland airport sign enrages Australians
Some Aussie travellers appear to not be able to handle the jandal.
Where can you get a Michelin Star meal for just $6?
Short on cash in this pricey city? Here's where to eat and drink on a budget.
Why this epic Christmas village is worth jetting to
An entire California village crafted to entertain for Christmas? Say no more.
Alan Ritchson on becoming Jack Reacher and why he's coming to NZ
The actor speaks to the Herald on how he prepared for the role.
It's a celeb favourite, but is the Four Seasons, Beverly Hills worth the hype?
The luxury-drenched property is a favourite of A-list celebs but is it worth the hype?
Why Eddie Murphy’s Christmas movie was made for Kiwis
What can we here in Aotearoa hope to get out of Amazon’s new Christmas blockbuster?
Review: Eddie Murphy’s Christmas movie kicks Santa in crotch
Ornithophobia is set to be in full force with comedian's festive blockbuster.
The Ultimate Gift Guide: What to buy for kids and teens this Xmas
Finding the perfect gifts for kids and ultra-fussy teens? Here's a list you can turn to.
Kiwi guitarist plucked from crowd stuns at Post Malone concert
Auckland's Outerfields came alive for rapper Post Malone and a surprise star was born.
Singapore Airlines behind the scenes: How is aeroplane food really made?
You might be shocked to find out just how your plane meal came to be at 9000m.
Hands up if you're a parent that craves a 'pre-kids' style holiday
This is why parents and kids alike rave about Denerau’s Sofitel Fiji Resort & Spa.
Why does wine taste different on the plane?
Singapore Airlines took NZ Herald behind the scenes to lift the cork on in-flight drinks.
From fan to frontrunner: How James Mustapic took over Celebrity Treasure Island
Comedian James Mustapic has discovered himself on the set of Celebrity Treasure Island.
Forget National’s fiscal plan, we want Amanda Luxon’s exercise regime
New Zealand's incoming First Lady is giving Michelle Obama a run for her money.
Is Castaway Island the ultimate Fijian family paradise?
Nestled into the Mamnuca Island group in Fiji, Castaway Island is more than meets the eye.
'The pants fell off': CTI star on the truth about his Lion King exit and sacrifice
The rumour mill was in overdrive following the stars' West End exit - so what happened?
What it’s really like to be on TVNZ’s Celebrity Treasure Island
Entertainment Editor Jenni Mortimer camped out on set to answer your burning questions.
Opinion: ‘I’m not the mother I thought I would be’
When my son is asked in years to come, 'What was your mum like?' how will he answer?