Mitchell is a Multimedia Journalist with the New Zealand Herald.
Having been a stage and screen performer from a young age, telling stories has continued to be a passion of mine as I’ve forged my diverse career in journalism. After graduating in 2019 with a bachelor of Performing and Screen Arts from Unitec in Auckland, I spent time working for The Walt Disney Company in Florida before returning to New Zealand and receiving my Post Graduate Diploma in Journalism from AUT in 2021. From there, I immersed myself in the world of technology journalism, traveling the world, interviewing CEOs from some of the world's biggest tech companies, and breaking the latest industry news as the managing editor of Techday Network in Auckland. In my role as a general news reporter for Hawke's Bay Today, I covered everything from Cyclone recovery to celebrity interviews and concert reviews. I was also runner-up for best up and coming journalist at the Voyager Media Awards 2024. Today, I work for the NZHerald Audience Entertainment and Lifestyle team in Auckland, reporting the latest entertainment news and taking deep dives into the people you see on stage and screen. Forging strong connections and telling stories with compassion, empathy, and in an engaging way is what I strive to do in my job every day while also providing our audiences with the latest updates and a bit of light relief. I’m also always happy, despite sometimes embarrassing myself, to be in front or behind a camera. You can contact me at mitchell.hageman@nzme.co.nz.

Soul rock icon Lenny Kravitz announces debut NZ show
The 61-year-old rocker and style icon will perform in New Zealand for the first time.

Disney Insider: A go to guide to the ultimate Disneyland holiday
From skipping the queues to planning your parade spot, here's all you need to know.

'Loving and leaving': How divorce helped fuel Shorty St alum's creative calling
Nisha Madhan says leaving the show – and her husband – helped unlock her potential.

Burning down the house: Talking Heads frontman announces one-off Kiwi show
David Byrne recently went viral after his performance with pop star Olivia Rodrigo.

'New perspective on life': Alone: Australia's first Kiwi winner on what got him through
Shay Williamson also reveals what he plans to do with the $270,000 prize.

Kiwi first-time farmer on what Clarkson's reality show gets right and wrong
As in Clarkson's Farm, author Rebecca Hayter switched city living for the country.

Neil Finn backs plan for revamped Western Springs concert venue
The music legend said a concert venue was 'an essential part of what makes a city hum'.

'We are your family': Inside Sir Dave Dobbyn's epic, emotional Town Hall show
Kiwi legend continues 'business as usual', despite Parkinson’s diagnosis.

The crim of comedy: Aussie ex-con's journey from prison gigs to stand-up success
Convicted drug dealer Andrew Hamilton is bringing his jail jokes to New Zealand.

'Ready to rock': How Jimmy Barnes is fighting fit ahead of releasing new album Defiant
The Aussie rock legend isn’t one for lying down and wallowing in pain or self-pity.

Rising stars: Kiwi artists to watch this year, according to Rolling Stone
From drum and bass to dreampop, here are your artists to watch for 2025.

'Life-changing': SIX60, Lorde reflect on incredible journeys during music awards wins
Lorde also asked if 'we gonna honour that Treaty or what?'

'A real boost': Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch celebrating summer of success
One city saw a visitor spend of more than $30 million over the 2024-25 summer.

Lorde, life and the empowering legacy of Kiwi producer Joel Little
'I wouldn't be where I am if there hadn't been certain people along the way.'

Rising costs, shifting habits: Why is going to the movies so expensive?
'You need to give people a reason to get off their couch.'

‘Blown away’: Cirque du Soleil’s Corteo heading to Auckland this year
The famed circus company was last here in 2023 with its icy spectacle Crystal.

Four Kiwi scenarios that could use comedian Nathan Fielder's rehearsal treatment
Opinion: Nathan Fielder's hit show could help solve some Kiwi calamities.

Koala saving and off-road adventuring at Queensland’s hidden paradise
This hidden island oasis is a must for your Brisbane bucket list.

'Failures are more powerful': How setbacks shaped a thriving Kiwi comedy career
Broken ankles and broadcasting school rejections couldn't keep David Correos down.

Aussie star on why the South Island is perfect for a zombie apocalypse
The apocalypse Western Forgive Us All was shot in the Queenstown-Lakes District.

'Ready and excited': New location for Homegrown festival revealed
Homegrown is returning to its roots, dubbed an 'unbeatable location' by the local mayor.

'Unfinished business': Kiwi MasterChef star returns to kitchen after 10-year hiatus
'There’s no time to jump in with the training wheels on and get used to it'

'Something for everyone': NZ Music Month celebrates 25 years
From punk rock to choral experiences, here are the events to check out this month.

Anthems and 'deeper cuts': Sir Dave Dobbyn to make historic one-off Auckland show
Kiwi rocker says it's 'business as usual' for the show, despite his Parkinson's disease.

'Flawed, searching, naive, brave': Marlon Williams bares his soul in new documentary
Kiwi singer talks to the Herald from the red carpet premiere of Ngā Ao E Rua – Two Worlds.

What your favourite guilty pleasure TV show says about you
OPINION: Are you a sitcom stalwart, a home renovation regular, or an HBO hound?

On The Up: 'It's so much bigger than music' - Kiwi singer's journey from refugee to pop inspiration
'I’m so grateful to even have a bad day, because I’m alive'.

Why these 5 war films and TV series should be on your Anzac watchlist
From visceral blockbusters to anti-war statements, here's what to watch this holiday.

‘Learned nothing from history’: Star’s powerful remembrance message ahead of Anzac Day
Famed Irish actor Ciarán Hinds digs deep into the psychology of war for his new role.

'More relevant than ever': Jailed journo's powerful message as biopic released
Actor Richard Roxburgh stars as Peter Greste, depicting his 400-day ordeal in Egypt.

'Made my life hell': Dramatic send-offs and a kiss end Mafs 2025
OPINION: Surprise admissions of guilt and a brutal grilling occurred at the show's climax.

Kiwi MAFS star's screaming showdown at reunion dinner
OPINION: Is it editing? Is it acting? or is it just unhinged?

On The Up: How NZ comedy icons conquered the world stage
Kiwi comedy often takes the world stage by storm. Here's who helped it happen.

Four things I learned about relationships after watching a season of MAFS
OPINION: From gaslighting to grim groom behaviour, Mafs was full of cautionary tales.

‘Be gone horrible woman!‘: Bride and groom battle at brutal final vows
OPINION: Mafs is drawing to a close, but the drama is far from over.

Five potential victims: Who will die in The White Lotus season three finale?
SPOILERS: A body in the water could be any one of the main cast – or not.

‘Felt like a million bucks’: How a suit helped Josh McDermitt go from fan to fictional lawyer
Suits: LA takes on the sweltering high-stakes heat of Hollywood entertainment law.

Mafs couple’s last minute love decision sparks confusion
OPINION: One pair refused to accept their own final vows in an unprecedented 360.

Could MAFS dinner chaos see no shows at final vows?
OPINION: Fury and fallouts mar the final dinner party of the experiment.

Why Brisbane is a must-visit for lovers of art and culture right now
Queensland's river city rivals some of the world's great cultural hubs. Here's why.

Dua Lipa in NZ: Inside star’s whirlwind trip to ‘the edge of the world’
The Grammy winning singer is joined by her parents and brother.

Kiwi MAFS bride’s bold move behind husband’s back
OPINION: Bold betrayals of trust leave the final vows hanging in the balance.

‘Edgy’ comedian Jimmy Carr set to return to the NZ regions he previously roasted
The comedian's previous remarks about some NZ towns ruffled Kiwi feathers.

‘The last straw’: ‘Cheating’ scandal rocks MAFS
REVIEW: One of the most controversial tasks in MAFS history was the last straw for some.

Kiwi bride scolded in tear-filled MAFS commitment ceremony
OPINION: The Jacqui and Ryan hamster wheel of emotions is up and running again.

Mafs dinner party ‘sh**t show’: Will one groom even make it to the end?
OPINION: One of the final dinner parties of the experiment was a storm of emotions.

‘Can’t make that s*** up': Kiwi artist invited to paint at Willie Nelson’s Ranch
Kate Wilson credits her highland country roots for her creative inspirations.

MAFS Australia’s homestay horrors: ‘It’s like The Lion The Witch and The Wardrobe in here’
OPINION: Jacqui was reduced to tears by Ryan's vision boards and mouldy blinds.

Could a beard mean ‘game over’ for key Mafs couple?
OPINION: It's one of the final tests, and some couples are failing hard.

‘Gave it my best shot’: Has infamous Mafs groom found redemption?
OPINION: There will be plenty of divided thoughts on this week's shock exit.

‘A risk worth taking’: Meet the Kiwi dad taking on Tasmania in brutal reality show
Eastern Bay of Plenty trapper Shay Williamson takes on TV's ultimate survival challenge.

The Chase NZ? What a Kiwi version of the hit show could look like
Australia has already launched their series. Who would star in an NZ version?

‘You’ve broken me’: Mafs bride reduced to tears as brutal truth revealed
OPINION: Fairy tale marriages are faltering as couples are forced to face the music.

Skirting the truth leads to ‘slap in the face’ for one Mafs bride
OPINION: Should Paul have just 'said it out loud'?

Mafs star Jamie Marinos debunks show myths, talks controversial Kiwi bride
'I'd never thought I'd say this, but silence is golden.'

Dark secrets revealed on MAFS couple swap shocker
OPINION: History has come back to haunt one pair.

‘Leaving the Zoo’: Mafs couple’s jarring exit baffles experts
OPINION: 'Do we have a curtain we can pull across?'

The knives are out: MAFS ‘Mean Girls’, dinner party accusations and ‘bully’ brides
OPINION: Is this really justice for Jamie?

Shock standoff leaves Mafs bride ‘beyond hurt’
OPINION: 'My friends have completely dropped the f***g ball.'

Opinion: What is going on with all the cancelled concerts in NZ?
Logistical issues? Again? Promoter says 'the public see right through it'.

‘What the f*** just happened’: Mafs groom’s sex habit reveal sparks ultimatum
OPINION: A dream escape is slowly turning into a nightmare for some couples.

‘So ashamed’: Groom breaks down in tense MAFS commitment ceremony
OPINION: There were outbursts and revelations galore as the experiment reaches halfway.

Musical magic at Chris Stapleton’s intimate country masterclass
Review: His voice hit us like a freight train while his impeccable band stoked the coals.

‘Lost it’: Distressing act shakes Mafs to its core
OPINION: This week's Married At First Sight made headlines for all the wrong reasons.

Mafs groom’s shock confession labelled a ‘sign of disrespect’ by wife
OPINION: More partners are heading for the exit after new revelations came to light.

‘Ratchet’: MAFS sisters' stand-off spells trouble for one couple
OPINION: It seems as if poor Awhina can't catch a break despite trying.

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.

‘In the bin’: Has stubborn Mafs groom really changed his tune?
OPINION: The shock turn comes as another couple heads for the exit.

It’s Oscars day: How to watch and Kiwis nominated
Kiwis can stream the Academy Awards on Disney+ on March 3.

Groove Armada and friends bring London clubbing to Auckland’s Domain
Review: Auckland was treated to the ultimate intergenerational, disco-infused house rave.

From £5 budget to the Civic stage: Six co-creator and cast on hit musical’s epic journey
The pop spectacle about the six wives of Henry VIII is turning heads in Auckland.

Mafs dinner party drama: Margarita jibe leads to verbal bloodbath amid tense ‘wife swap’ revelation
OPINION: 'Gaslighting seems to be the name of the game for a lot of grooms.'

Kiwi actor Bruce Hopkins poised to do 69 backflips in ‘Brownie’s Pool' - and it’s all for charity
'It’s like being a kid again, you know, it’s just so joyful throwing yourself in the air.'

‘Unprecedented’: Controversial groom returns to Mafs in series shocker
OPINION: Is he a 'changed man', or is this a recipe for disaster?

‘Last f***ing straw’: Kiwi bride’s actions cause chaos at new wedding
OPINION: A news couple's spark lit negative fireworks for 'disgusted' Ryan and Jacqui.

‘Anyone else feel scammed?’: Juicy Fest refund delays spark frustration
People are also still waiting for news on the fate of the Timeless Summer Tour.

Cringeworthy game of footsie threatens to derail Mafs
OPINION: A make-or-break moment could be coming for some couples.

Sex remark about Kiwi MAFS star shocks
OPINION: All eyes are on Ryan after a shocking comment during a group session.