From Deidre Morris, DPMedia director (publisher of Waikato Business News)
Waikato Business News is embarking on an exciting new phase, signalled by a shift to new offices in the heart of Hamilton.
I wanted to tell you, our readers and advertisers, about the changes.
They include our upcoming move to the historic GE Clark building on Ward Street, right at the centre of our growing city and region.
The changes also include a business restructure that sees us well placed to connect even better with our readers and advertisers.
I am enthusiastic about this new stage. My love and passion for newspapers/print came from the experience I had working for Times Media, a respected newspaper publisher in east Auckland, from the age of 19 through to having my first born Ellie – 14 years working my way up to group sales and marketing manager for both their newspapers and press. I learnt from the best and grew my knowledge, experience and enthusiasm as the business thrived.
Having made the life-changing decision to move to Hamilton 19 years ago, I stumbled on a position with Waikato Business News and was ready to leave the little ones a few days a week, get out of the house, meet some people and get back into the industry I loved.
Three months later we bought the title. WBN has gone from strength to strength, increasing turnover over which meant huge confidence from advertisers and readers. We expanded the stable of publications and, just as importantly, grew WBN from 16 pages to the 52 pages it is today.
We have been lucky to have some of the best editors, young journos, columnists, sales execs and graphic designers – together they have created a well-read and respected market leader in WBN, along with other publications, Showcase and Agribusiness News.
In recent years a matrimonial split led to a restructuring of the business. We are using the services of a voluntary liquidator to help with the process, which is well underway.
My new company DP Media, which acquired the above titles, is solid, and continues to employ and work alongside the best.
We have exciting plans for the future, some of which will be shared at a celebration early next year of our shift into our fabulous new premises.
The model won’t change – print is a highly trusted medium, and we will continue to be a must-read for the business community.
I feel especially confident about the future success of our business because I have some of the most reputable accounting, banking and law professionals working alongside me, a decision I am very pleased I made at the startup of the new structure.
I would like to thank all our very loyal advertisers, readers, columnists, past and present employees and new accountants – the success of Waikato Business News could not have been possible without you.
So thank you and watch this space – it’s going to be an exciting and fruitful journey.
