James Pocock is the chief reporter for the Gisborne Herald.

James always knew he wanted to be a journalist and went straight to university after finishing school. He graduated from Massey University with a Bachelor of Communications majoring in Media Studies and Journalism in 2020 and completed a Postgraduate Diploma in Journalism in 2021. He returned to his home region to write for Hawke's Bay Today. During his time there, he covered breaking news and was on the ground through Cyclone Gabrielle. He also wrote features, with a focus on the environment, local government and post-cyclone issues in the region. In 2024 he moved to Tairāwhiti and became chief reporter for the Gisborne Herald. He has a passion for writing and hearing people's stories, from highlighting local success to battles with bureaucracy, authority, disaster and tragedy. You can contact James at james.pocock@nzme.co.nz.