Editorial: Big changes will herald fresher look

We have received a positive response to our announcement in yesterday's paper that Hawke's Bay Today will move to compact format early next year.

From February 25 the Monday to Friday editions of the paper will be smaller and easier to read.

Following on from our switch from afternoon delivery to a morning newspaper in March this year, we have decided to take the bold step of offering our readers something fresh and exciting.

The readers and community leaders I have spoken to believe we are doing the right thing. It follows a worldwide trend to the compact format and it is a move that our sister newspaper, the New Zealand Herald, made last month.

International research shows that readers prefer the smaller size and we have a team working on the look and content of the new paper.

You will still recognise your beloved Hawke's Bay Today, but it will be brighter, bolder and more modern.

There are no plans to change Saturday's paper, Hawke's Bay Today Weekend, from a broadsheet at this stage, but we will be also making some exciting changes there. More on that later.

All this change is an attempt to make sure our newspaper keeps up with the times and gives readers what they want.

A big part of our new-look newspaper will be the interaction with our readers. We plan to have a dedicated page of content generated by our readers.

We also have plans for our website, www.hawkesbaytoday.co.nz

It will be more accessible and we plan to use more photo galleries and videos taken by our team of reporters and photographers.

The one thing that won't change about Hawke's Bay Today or our website is the way we cover local news and events.

We are committed to providing readers with all the local news, opinion and sport they need.

We have begun consulting our readers, advertisers and staff to make sure that we produce the best possible paper.

We still need your help though and we would encourage you to let us know what you wish to see in your new Hawke's Bay Today. Please email your thoughts to feedback@hbtoday.co.nz