Mitchell is a Multimedia Journalist with the New Zealand Herald.
Having been a stage and screen performer from a young age, telling stories has continued to be a passion of mine as I’ve forged my diverse career in journalism. After graduating in 2019 with a bachelor of Performing and Screen Arts from Unitec in Auckland, I spent time working for The Walt Disney Company in Florida before returning to New Zealand and receiving my Post Graduate Diploma in Journalism from AUT in 2021. From there, I immersed myself in the world of technology journalism, traveling the world, interviewing CEOs from some of the world's biggest tech companies, and breaking the latest industry news as the managing editor of Techday Network in Auckland. In my role as a general news reporter for Hawke's Bay Today, I covered everything from Cyclone recovery to celebrity interviews and concert reviews. I was also runner-up for best up and coming journalist at the Voyager Media Awards 2024. Today, I work for the NZHerald Audience Entertainment and Lifestyle team in Auckland, reporting the latest entertainment news and taking deep dives into the people you see on stage and screen. Forging strong connections and telling stories with compassion, empathy, and in an engaging way is what I strive to do in my job every day while also providing our audiences with the latest updates and a bit of light relief. I’m also always happy, despite sometimes embarrassing myself, to be in front or behind a camera. You can contact me at mitchell.hageman@nzme.co.nz.
Why Hobbiton's behind-the-scenes tour is a must-do for fans of Middle-earth
OPINION: Ever wanted to step into the minds of Sir Peter Jackson and Sir Richard Taylor?
Heading to Christmas in the Park Auckland? Here’s what you need to know
Auckland Domain will be filled with festive cheer this weekend.
Jacinda Ardern doco set for Sundance debut, Clarke Gayford credited as producer
Producers are 'thrilled' at the film's selection for the prestigious film festival.
'Nice to be back': Sir Peter Jackson on the future of Lord of the Rings
Peter Jackson, Andy Serkis, Miranda Otto return to Middle-earth with new film out today.
Santa hats, silky voices: Auckland Xmas in the Park's best music moments
As the 2024 event approaches, we take a look back at the stars who set the tone.
'I need to do this': Rhys Darby's going back to his roots
Darby says people still want to hold 'band meetings' with him.
PM's Spotify backlash: Dua Lipa, Post Malone on Luxon's most-listened list
Luxon also asked his followers what they thought of his music taste.
'Real buzz': Major US TV star's Shortland St cameo
'Now comes the hard part – convincing my parents it was a documentary'.
From brawls to brats: Coachella 2025 headliners and their NZ concerts
Gaga, Green Day and Travis all gave Kiwi audiences a taste of their performance skills.
Rock on! Eden Park gets green light to host 12 concerts a year
Eden Park CEO Nick Sautner says the decision is a "significant milestone".
Watch: Temuera Morrison's inspiring Moana 2 message
Kiwi actors Temuera Morrison, Dave Fane and Awhimai Fraser star in the anticipated sequel.
Hugh Grant tells Hayley Sproull about his ‘repulsive’ role in Heretic
The British actor's performance is a departure from his 'charming' reputation.
Everything you need to know ahead of the Auckland Santa Parade
From where to get the best view to when the roads will close.
Deportation and life ban from the US inspires Kiwi artist's raw new book
Bella McGoldrick turned a 'rough and traumatic' experience into a book.
Watch: I attended Australasia's first Taylor Swift lecture – here's what went down
OPINION: The syllabus covers everything from marketing choices to the singer's fandom.
Watch: Young Auckland fan invited to sing in Twenty One Pilots' skeletal spectacle
REVIEW: Packed, pumping Auckland crowd 'exceeded our expectation' band said.
Pet safety plea: $6 chew toy leads to nearly $10k vet bill
‘We almost lost our baby because of a toy,’ Kiwi woman says. ‘I have lost trust in them'.
How Joe Rogan went from comedy clubs to podcasting with Trump
His new Spotify deal is worth millions, and his podcast is number one in NZ.
Our great pāua problem: When one dive spot gets a ban, another gets 'hammered'
Should rāhui become more widespread as ocean warming and overfishing hit home?
Inspiring Hawke’s Bay man who walked up his favourite hill every day dies aged 105
Move it or lose it: Trevor Page's attitude wowed his community and the nation.
On top of the world, and the hill: The community that moved due to climate change
The relocation project began in 2018, driven by Hawke's Bay's increasingly unstable coast.
'Footsteps of our tipuna': New race custodians aim to uphold IronMāori's legacy of inclusion and support
Chairperson Mike Paku said the event had gone from 'strength to strength'.
A tale of two tipples under $25: The winery that won best red, and best white
Church Road's budget bottles won big at the New World Wine Awards.
'Age is just a number': Couple in their 80s still going on motorcycle holidays
'I’ll keep going till I fall off and don’t get up.'
Stroke surviving teacher one of seven inspiring bay triathletes headed for world champs
'It’s great to be training with people that have the same mindset.'
'Sleepless nights': Charity couple out of pocket, without answers after targeted cybercrime
The couple have been left without answers and are continually concerned for their safety.
Students want swim platforms to make waves in community pools
'We’ll see what happens next year, it’s just been a rollercoaster.'
From mushroom factory to fabulous float: What to expect at this year's Hastings Blossom Festival
'I’ve always wanted to get involved, and this year is the perfect chance to do it.'
Hawke’s Bay Airport’s new fire truck name revealed: All hail 'Dame Judy Drench'
The fan favourite took out more than 62% of the votes.
'Overwhelming, but definitely in a good way': Special Hawke's Bay homecomings for Paris athletes
'I was a bit taken aback seeing all the little kids out there looking up to me.'
Watch: Man fuming after ute sandwiches his parked car, then drives off
Jonzy Brandt's insurance had just run out - now his car is likely written off.
'I swung': The spider crawling down her windscreen that she couldn't catch
Ailsa Slui, 80, says she would be blind by now if she hadn't sought medical help.
'Angels on his side': Hawke’s Bay father fighting for life after hit by car walking home from pub
Josh Bowman’s recovery could take years, but he's now back in Hawke's Bay.
'Kiwis helping other Kiwis': Cyclone bravery award winners continue to help community
'It still puts a lump in your throat thinking about it.'
'Good start': Post-cyclone whitebait ban over as catchers make up for lost time
The season didn't go ahead for most of last year after rāhui put in place.
Hawke's Bay hospo legends set to breathe new life into iconic Hastings bar
'I’ve been coming here for years...I remember when it was just tiny.'
'My horse thinks better than human beings': Road riders want Govt intervention to stop bad driving
'I’ve been trying to get insurance because I’m going to collect a car one day.'
Spirit of promising rugby star lives on through two trophies
The rising star's life was cut short after a fall from a crane on a construction site.
Living in a house packed to the rafters with comics: 'I'm trying to preserve them for as long as I can'
'It’s not the money for me; it’s the art and the feel of the things.'
A young boy's life lost, amid a cop's immense bravery: 'It took me a while to get my head around that'
'I see some comfort in that we at least got him back. We tried as hard as possible.'
Trauma support programme for school kids after Cyclone Gabrielle set to continue
Minister Matt Doocey says the funding will grow to $3.7 million a year by 2026-27.
'Big community effort': Symbolic 640km rowing journey raises money for neonatal care
'It’s about making it more welcoming for everybody.'
Finding a new pitch: How a bet led to rugby player's newfound love for singing
What started as a bet blossomed into a love for stage singing.
'Never worked a day': Confessions of a Kiwi editing legend
After more than 50 years of working in film, Paul Maxwell knows a thing or two.
'It let out a few growls': Fur seal greets bike riders as Hawke's Bay ushers in new season
Furry friends are making themselves known for spring.
'A good laugh and a lot of fun': Retro motorbike racers reunite for special Hawke's Bay reunion
Plenty has changed since Robin Thomas and his companions tore up the tracks.
12-year-old from tiny town given lead role in Taika-produced film after auditioning as a 'joke'
All eyes at this year’s NZ Film Festival will be on Wairoa girl Manaia Hall.
‘Bringing people together’: The OE that helped create a Hawke's Bay-born leisure brand
'If you find the right factory, they are quite open to building relationships.'
The solo migrant mum hoping to win NZ a Mrs Universe title
'I’m ready to stand up for New Zealand, but I need support from New Zealand.'
So much more than a 'cool job': Solo mum on a benefit turns into digger-driving trailblazer
'It just came to the point where I was totally sick of that kind of life.'
'The fistula patients will break your hearts': Napier doctor's lifesaving legacy lives on
About 60,000 women were treated during the Hamlins' lifetime.
Cruise control: The marvellous mystery of a bus said to have toured NZ with Hollywood legend inside
The bus is on the market in Hawke’s Bay, so can its sale also help confirm a Kiwi legend?
Winds to settle after trees downed and power cut in Hawke's Bay gusts
Some of the highest gusts were recorded at Cape Kidnappers which reached up to 110km/h.
'Gave it my best shot': Man's hope for replica Napier lighthouse dashed
'I put in a lot of energy and had high hopes, only to face repeated rejections.'
'You can feel it': Why conservationists think HB kiwi numbers have soared
All signs are pointing to a kiwi population renaissance in Hawke's Bay.
'Shot in the dark': Search for NZ's best wine helped by Hawke's Bay pinot prodigy
It's the first time the awards have been held in the associate judge's home town.
'Transformational': World-first te reo festival draws big crowds, despite rain
The streets of Hastings were humming in celebration of te reo Māori.
From a tiny Hastings music class to the world: The rise of a new superstar Kiwi producer
'Being in LA all of a sudden is quite surreal. The people in Hawke’s Bay are a lot nicer.'
Hit by a car during triathlon training: Pete Cowan's remarkable 13-year journey to Paris
Lying on the side of the road, his upper leg split, Pete Cowan worried about his future.
State care to circuit breaker: Napier hub fills major gaps for local rangatahi
'It’s really been a full circle moment.'
'Wintery feel': Cold snap set to hit Hawke's Bay after balmy weekend
Higher-than-average temperatures turn to rain for most of the rest of the working week.
Hawke’s Bay, Gisborne now NZ’s biggest meth users - police ask for public help
A spike in methamphetamine use in the Eastern District puts it in the top spot per capita.
'Just lose themselves': 70 years of clay creations for Hawke's Bay's oldest pottery club
'People just sit, relax, and enjoy what they are doing.'
Two by two: Bay chainsaw champion chipping away at international success
Waretini-Hemara hopes to be the first Kiwi to compete in Chetwynd World Carving Champs.
'Open to the world': Sellout crowds expected at world-first te reo festival in Hastings
The first-of-its-kind festival is set to champion Māori language and industry.
'He didn't need to die': Flu kills 27-year-old as his mum battled virus in ICU
'I’ve had the flu, we’ve all had the flu, but this is another dimension.'
Hawke’s Bay sailing teens to train under Russell Coutts in Italy
From Napier shorelines to the lakes of Italy, under the tutelage of NZ yachting royalty.
'Don't heckle very much': Irish comedian praises NZ's polite crowd culture
'I’m not massive on audience interaction, and I don’t think Kiwis are big on it either.'
Is this NZ's cheapest brew? How customers reacted to cafe selling coffees for $2
'I hear people tell me daily about the increased cost of living.'
'Taste the passion': Winning Hawke's Bay rum nabs prime spot on Air NZ drinks list
Blair Nicholl said it was a 'nice little high-five moment' for him and his team.
Teenage dream? Two students working on courier company that delivers packages in one hour
Two talented Hawke's Bay teens think they can plug a big gap in the market.
'Unsettled': Showery spells set for Hawke's Bay this week
There will be some dry spells and normal winter temperatures.
'We're just getting started': Wrestling success as Hawke's Bay set to host flyweight champs
Mighty Mitch Vs ACJ, who will win the wrestling bout?
'Disheartened': Theft from charity highlights increased pressure and social service needs
"It’s not just the need; it’s the intensity of each individual’s situation."
'A week for someone to hug her': Red Cross sends psychological aid to Wairoa
People can still donate to the ‘where the need is greatest’ fund.
'Dynamic personality': Respected kaumātua Jerry Hapuku celebrated in portrait
One of Hawke's Bay's most respected elders has been captured in portrait form.
A 'Burning Love' for exercise: Filling the gap for disabled fitness in Hawke's Bay
Leana Becker saw a need, so she set out to make a difference.
Hawke's Bay Octogenarian's impressive goal helps raise money for Coastguard
Bill Knobloch, like many other across New Zealand, is taking part in The Big Swim.