The National Business Review is proud to announce the hire of one of the country’s most high-profile journalists, Mike McRoberts.
McRoberts (Ngāti Kahungunu) is bringing his 40 years of experience in journalism, nearly half of which was spent as a co-anchor of Newshub’s flagship 6pm news bulletin, to take on the position of Te Ao Māori editor, from August 1.
An award-winning journalist and presenter, McRoberts will be bringing his wealth of experience, expertise, and commitment to spearhead the development of content that dives deep into the dynamics of the Māori economy and the vibrant stories of Māori communities.
“I’m really excited about the challenge this role brings,” McRoberts said. “It’s an opportunity to shape the narrative around key developments within the Māori economy and to ensure these stories receive the national attention they deserve.
“There are going to be some incredible stories and it’s a great opportunity to bring those stories to light ... I feel like there’s a gap of understanding.”
The hire follows NBR’s appointment of well-respected veteran broadcaster Grant Walker as its first editor-in-chief-of-strategy, as well as the hire of senior journalist Brent Melville from BusinessDesk.
Mike McRoberts on the the other side of an interview desk – with NBR co-editor Hamish McNicol.
Next phase
“The Māori economy is an area we have been working on for years and we are now set to move into our next phase, with Mike concentrating on all aspects of this area,” Walker said. “Mike’s excitement and mana can only enhance our knowledge and understanding of what is set to become a $100 billion economy by 2030.”
NBR previously ran a weekly Te Ōhanga Māori column, focusing on the Māori economy, which ceased when we stopped publishing opinion pieces in September last year.
McRoberts added that his next step following the closure of Newshub was all about finding the right fit.
“Working with an organisation and team whose mana is all about trust, independence, and integrity feels like the perfect environment to take my kete of experience and continue to grow,” he said. “The Māori expression, ‘ka mua, ka muri’ – looking back in order to move forward – perfectly encapsulates this new chapter. It’s about learning from the past to inform and enrich our future.
“I looked at NBR as an organisation and was very, very pleased to be coming here. When you look at the lessening trustworthiness of media in the public’s eyes over the recent years, some of the measures that have been put in place at NBR, – with no ads, no government funding of any kind, no opinion – they’re really good ones and I think they are addressing the balance that the public wants to see.”
NBR editor-in-chief-of-strategy Grant Walker.
On a journey
McRoberts said the closure of Newshub this year had come as a total shock but had allowed him to think about the opportunity that comes with change. He had had no interest in joining Stuff’s new 6pm bulletin, which earlier this week announced the hire of several journalists from Newshub.
“I’m really excited by this, and I can see the potential for me to grow professionally,” he said. “I’m not an expert in business by any stretch of the imagination, or Te Ao Māori – I’m on a journey with both of those things, but that’s where I get to grow and I’m hoping that subscribers will see me do that and enjoy what I’m bringing to them.”
Last month, the annual Trust in News in Aotearoa survey for 2024 named NBR the country’s second-most trusted news source, equal with RNZ and behind only the Otago Daily Times.
McRoberts’ appointment also follows the return of former co-editor and senior journalist Fiona Rotherham and the appointment of two senior journalists in Australia, Lachlan Colquhoun and Dan Purves.
This year NBR has also offered free access to all its award-winning political and business news and analysis to university students across the country.
