Herald staff brace for more job loss announcements

More departures from the New Zealand Herald are due to be confirmed this week.

Last Friday NZ Herald managing editor Shayne Currie updated staff via email on NZME’s consultation about the company’s restructure, confirming the proposed plans for a “new One Newsroom structure” will proceed.

Mr Currie also formally acknowledged that “a small number of people have decided to either take redundancy or have requested redundancy.”

They are Canvas deputy editor Greg Dixon, Herald on Sunday ‘Living’ editor Penny Lewis, arts and books editor Linda Herrick, reporter Wayne Thompson (a four decade Herald veteran), feature writer Alan Perrott, feature writer Geoff Cumming and sports reporter Steven Deane.

Mr Currie’s email to staff (see Raw Data below) also noted that “several other roles have also been impacted by the confirmed changes and we will be making a further announcement early next week.”

As previously reported by NBR, sources at the Herald have suggested that those whose “roles have also been impacted” may include feature writer and columnist Brian Rudman (a 19-year Herald veteran), Michele Hewitson (judged best general and best overall columnist at this year’s Canon Media Awards) and business/media journalist John Drinnan.

It was announced last week that long-time political correspondent John Armstrong is also leaving the Herald, although his departure is due to a long-term illness.

Contributors whose services were recently deemed to be surplus to requirements include Paul Casserly, James Griffin, Dita De Boni, Jock Anderson and Peter Calder.

Although the cuts at the NZ Herald have attracted more attention, NBR understands a number of staff at NZME radio stations have also been made redundant in recent weeks.

RAW DATA

October 16 email from Shayne Currie to NZ Herald staff

Good afternoon all,

As you know, this week we have confirmed the new One Newsroom structure – thank you for all of your feedback, patience and time in what has been, at times, an unsettling period for many people.

Following consultation and feedback, a small number of people have decided to either take redundancy or requested redundancy.  You’ll have read Alan Perrott’s email this morning, and in addition to Alan, the following people will also be leaving over the coming weeks: Greg Dixon, Penny Lewis, Wayne Thompson, Linda Herrick, Geoff Cumming and Steven Deane.

All of the people above depart with our very best wishes and sincere thanks for years of loyal, dedicated service and journalism. Some will be leaving this week; others within the next six weeks.

We will be seeking new talent – either through changes that have been confirmed in specific areas of the newsroom, or with the hiring of new people as well as new roles.

Several other roles have also been impacted by the confirmed changes and we will be making a further announcement early next week.

Our new newsroom will be bigger than ever and our commitment to quality journalism and unique content is stronger than ever. I must reiterate that all of the changes (including rosters and new roles) are being driven by ever-changing audience demands and habits.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Thanks,

Shayne

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