The editor of newly merged Wellington newspaper The Dominion Post, Richard Long, has resigned.
Long, who was editor of the Dominion newspaper for 10 years before its merger with the Evening Post earlier this month, will step down on August 9.
He will be replaced by Dominion Post managing editor Tim Pankhurst, who will retain his current title.
Announcing the change, Independent Newspapers Ltd managing director Rick Neville said Long had presided over an important period of consolidation and growth of The Dominion and had agreed to see through the transition during its merger with The Evening Post.
The company greatly appreciated Long's efforts over the years and his resignation had been accepted with regret, he said.
Long, 61, was appointed editor of The Dominion after 20 years as the paper's political editor.
He had previously held senior editorial positions on the Waikato Times and Taranaki Herald.
Mr Neville said in the parliamentary press gallery, Long was known as a fearless reporter and commentator, especially during the Muldoon years.
"He, more than anyone, forged The Dominion's reputation for robust and searching political and economic journalism."
Long brought those credentials to the editorship in 1991 but in subsequent years worked to expand The Dominion's appeal to female and younger readers, Mr Neville said.
"It's no coincidence that under Richard's editorship, The Dominion built circulation, this past year achieving 3 per cent growth, the highest of any metropolitan daily in the country."
Long said 10 years was a long time to edit a newspaper and with the advent of The Dominion Post, he considered it was time for someone else to shape what was essentially a new newspaper.
He said he intended taking a long break "then I'll think about what to do".
- NZPA
Dominion Post editor resigns
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