'HB Today' shows off new digs

From left, Doug Peacock, Hawke's Bay Today editor Andrew Austin, Natalie Rogers,Russell Broughton, Willy Ransfield and Robert Cimino, with the wine cask made by Design Studio.

The new Hawke's Bay Today offices on Heretaunga St were last night officially opened with a function attended by dozens of local community leaders and dignitaries.

More than 60 visitors were in attendance to celebrate the opening of the new premises with staff and clients.

The highlight of the evening was the presentation of a gift from Design Studio - a uniquely designed and manufactured oversized champagne bottle, fully encased in glass.

The new premises have been in use for more than three weeks, with the first newspaper to be produced there the Monday, September 2 edition.

Hawke's Bay Today general manager Russell Broughton said he was thrilled the staff were now in new, modern offices.

"It's especially wonderful for our clients to come into and is somewhere new where we can continue our longstanding working relationship," he said. "Certainly we'd like to thank Wallace Developments and Stead Construction. I think it's fair to say that the staff are absolutely over the moon to be in their new premises."

Editor Andrew Austin said of the opening event: "It's great to share the opening of our new offices with all those in the community that play a role in the newspaper."

Group general manager APN Regional Newspapers Chris Jagusch spoke and toasted the new building, telling the audience it was a "milestone occasion".

"I really think we can take some great heart, because here we want to have teams that are focused on producing great journalism and producing content that their community deserves.

"It really does give us an opportunity to do that. I am excited for the team, I am excited for the newspaper. We can only do that with the support of the community."