Editorial: Letter from editor Andrew Austin announcing his resignation

Andrew Austin

On Monday, March 19, 2012, the first edition of the new morning Hawke's Bay Today rolled off the press.

It was my first edition as editor of the paper.

It was the start of an exciting journey, which six years later has sadly come to an end for me.

Yes, I have decided it is time to resign as editor of Hawke's Bay Today and from NZME, the company I have worked at for 16 years.

Being editor is a very demanding job and, although I have loved every minute of it, it is time to move on.

There are some exciting opportunities waiting for me and I want to take them while I am still relatively young. I will remain in the Bay with my family at this stage as this has become our home.

I have not regretted coming down from Auckland. I was fortunate enough to be editor during some big changes at the paper, including, as I mentioned, the move to morning edition and the switch over from broadsheet to compact for the weekday paper.

These changes have been embraced by our readers over the years and I am forever grateful to our loyal subscribers for supporting us.

One of the biggest changes I have seen as editor has been the phenomenal growth of our website and Facebook page.

We now have solid print readership and strong digital growth. The reason? Hawke's Bay Today covers the local issues that matter. We are unashamedly local and don't shy away from the tough subjects.

We champion everything that is good about the region, but we also analyse the problems and hold those responsible to account.

I do not see this changing. I wish the new editor well. Thanks to the staff of Hawke's Bay Today for their support over the years.

To you the readers and advertisers, thank you and goodbye.