Executive Editor, News Programmes

Te Tūranga – The opportunity  

An opportunity to lead RNZ’s daily news programmes at New Zealand’s award-winning public media company. RNZ aims to strengthen Aotearoa and the Pacific through informative, challenging and entertaining content.

Te Mahi – About the job

You’ll lead RNZ’s key daily news programmes First Up, Morning Report, Midday Report, and Checkpoint, ensuring every broadcast delivers timely, relevant, and high-quality content which engage and entertain our audience. Collaborating across RNZ’s News and Content teams, you’ll play a pivotal role in shaping the stories and coverage that define the national conversation.

Key responsibilities:

• Drive the national news agenda across RNZ’s flagship programmes and digital platforms.
• Lead editorial strategy and major coverage initiatives, including elections and breaking news.
• Ensure content upholds RNZ’s editorial standards and meets its Charter obligations.
• Monitor performance, audience engagement, and team effectiveness to support continuous improvement.
• Manage budgets and resources to ensure efficiency and impact

Ōu Pūkenga - About You

You’ll bring strong editorial leadership and a strategic mindset, along with the ability to inspire and guide high-performing teams. Ideally, you’ll also demonstrate:

• Proven experience in editorial leadership within broadcast or multimedia journalism.
• Strategic thinking, sound judgment, and confident decision-making skills.
• A collaborative, transparent, and values-driven leadership style.
• The ability to build and lead inclusive teams that deliver their high-quality work.
• A strong understanding of RNZ’s Charter and commitment to public service media.
• Experience managing budgets and driving audience growth and engagement.
• Confidence in navigating complex editorial, legal, and ethical considerations.
• Comfortable working with audience data and performance insights to inform decisions.
• The capacity to foster innovation and adapt in a fast-changing media landscape.
  

Ngā Hua: What we offer

At RNZ, you’ll be joining a passionate team who love what they do and are committed to making a difference. We offer:

• A chance to shape the national conversation and serve the public good
• A friendly, welcoming and inclusive culture.
• Regular development and training opportunities for our people.
• Competitive salary and matched KiwiSaver contributions up to 4%.
• Comprehensive parental leave over and above standard legislation.
• Wellbeing support, including access to a confidential guidance and counselling services.
  

Te Ahurea – Our Culture

At RNZ we are committed to fostering an inclusive and constructive culture. This means creating a place where our people feel like they belong and can do their best work. We do this through our attitudes; Be Bold, Better Every Day and Extend Manaakitanga.

This is a full-time role based in Auckland.

Applications close: Wednesday, 5th November 2025, unless filled prior. 

To apply for this role please complete your application on our careers site, including your covering letter and a CV. If applying through Seek you will be able to view and download a copy of the job description for this role after clicking Apply.  

If you'd like to speak to someone about this role, please get in touch with the recruitment team on jobs@rnz.co.nz

RNZ is committed to the principles and practices of Equal Employment Opportunity and welcomes applicants reflecting New Zealand’s cultural and ethnic diversity.