Judith Lacy is editor of the Manawatū Guardian

"I began my journalism career at the tender age of 10 as a 2ZB cub reporter on the Dick Weir Sunday morning show. "Growing up on a dairy farm near Pātea, newspapers and magazines came into our house daily. My spare bed was covered in scrapbooks of newspaper clippings with stories about cricketer Martin Crowe a favourite. "As a teenager, I would stare longingly at the journalism careers folder in the school library and go to sleep listening to talkback radio. "Being a journalist means being paid to be curious, to ask questions and to write. I love meeting new people, connecting the dots, and giving people useful information. "I graduated from journalism school in 2001 where I was identified by my fellow students as a future editor. "I have been editor of the Manawatū Guardian since December 2020 and was the editor of The Tribune for nearly six years. "I have also worked in the newsrooms of regional newspapers and as a sub-editor. "I have a Master of Arts in politics from Victoria University of Wellington and enjoy covering local government, community development and human interest stories. "In my spare time, I like trying new recipes, walking and spending time with my cat Maysie."