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.

The Chase NZ? What a Kiwi version of the hit show could look like
Australia has already launched their series. Who would star in an NZ version?

‘You’ve broken me’: Mafs bride reduced to tears as brutal truth revealed
OPINION: Fairy tale marriages are faltering as couples are forced to face the music.

Skirting the truth leads to ‘slap in the face’ for one Mafs bride
OPINION: Should Paul have just 'said it out loud'?

Mafs star Jamie Marinos debunks show myths, talks controversial Kiwi bride
'I'd never thought I'd say this, but silence is golden.'

Dark secrets revealed on MAFS couple swap shocker
OPINION: History has come back to haunt one pair.

‘Leaving the Zoo’: Mafs couple’s jarring exit baffles experts
OPINION: 'Do we have a curtain we can pull across?'

The knives are out: MAFS ‘Mean Girls’, dinner party accusations and ‘bully’ brides
OPINION: Is this really justice for Jamie?

Shock standoff leaves Mafs bride ‘beyond hurt’
OPINION: 'My friends have completely dropped the f***g ball.'

Opinion: What is going on with all the cancelled concerts in NZ?
Logistical issues? Again? Promoter says 'the public see right through it'.

‘What the f*** just happened’: Mafs groom’s sex habit reveal sparks ultimatum
OPINION: A dream escape is slowly turning into a nightmare for some couples.

Five potential victims: Who might die in The White Lotus season three?
SPOILERS: A body in the water could be any one of the main cast – or not.

‘So ashamed’: Groom breaks down in tense MAFS commitment ceremony
OPINION: There were outbursts and revelations galore as the experiment reaches halfway.

Musical magic at Chris Stapleton’s intimate country masterclass
Review: His voice hit us like a freight train while his impeccable band stoked the coals.

‘Lost it’: Distressing act shakes Mafs to its core
OPINION: This week's Married At First Sight made headlines for all the wrong reasons.

Mafs groom’s shock confession labelled a ‘sign of disrespect’ by wife
OPINION: More partners are heading for the exit after new revelations came to light.

‘Ratchet’: MAFS sisters' stand-off spells trouble for one couple
OPINION: It seems as if poor Awhina can't catch a break despite trying.

Oscars: Anora stuns with Best Picture win; Demi Moore snubbed for Best Actress
It was a night of shocks and surprises at the 97th Academy Awards.

‘In the bin’: Has stubborn Mafs groom really changed his tune?
OPINION: The shock turn comes as another couple heads for the exit.

It’s Oscars day: How to watch and Kiwis nominated
Kiwis can stream the Academy Awards on Disney+ on March 3.

Groove Armada and friends bring London clubbing to Auckland’s Domain
Review: Auckland was treated to the ultimate intergenerational, disco-infused house rave.

From £5 budget to the Civic stage: Six co-creator and cast on hit musical’s epic journey
The pop spectacle about the six wives of Henry VIII is turning heads in Auckland.

Mafs dinner party drama: Margarita jibe leads to verbal bloodbath amid tense ‘wife swap’ revelation
OPINION: 'Gaslighting seems to be the name of the game for a lot of grooms.'

Kiwi actor Bruce Hopkins poised to do 69 backflips in ‘Brownie’s Pool' - and it’s all for charity
'It’s like being a kid again, you know, it’s just so joyful throwing yourself in the air.'

‘Unprecedented’: Controversial groom returns to Mafs in series shocker
OPINION: Is he a 'changed man', or is this a recipe for disaster?

‘Last f***ing straw’: Kiwi bride’s actions cause chaos at new wedding
OPINION: A news couple's spark lit negative fireworks for 'disgusted' Ryan and Jacqui.

‘Anyone else feel scammed?’: Juicy Fest refund delays spark frustration
People are also still waiting for news on the fate of the Timeless Summer Tour.

Cringeworthy game of footsie threatens to derail Mafs
OPINION: A make-or-break moment could be coming for some couples.

Sex remark about Kiwi MAFS star shocks
OPINION: All eyes are on Ryan after a shocking comment during a group session.

Sensual massage leads to awkward moment during Mafs' Intimacy Week
OPINION: This week, the brides attempt to create their 'ultimate fantasy' in the bedroom.

‘I’m not done’: Surprise groom return rocks Mafs
OPINION: Final straws are clutched as an open forum pulls no punches.

‘Blown away’: Cirque du Soleil’s Corteo heading to Auckland this year
The famed circus company was last here in 2023 with its icy spectacle Crystal.

‘Unhinged’: MAFS nice guy turns nasty after shocking comments
OPINION: Abhorrent comments and dark secrets are building mounting tension on Mafs.

‘Selfish p****’: Confession chaos rocks Married At First Sight
OPINION: Tension-laden tasks put the newlyweds to the test, leading to shock revelations.

MAFS’ explosive first dinner party ends with two brides jilted
OPINION: Two shocking walkouts have changed the experiment in a drastic way.

Billionaires and man dildos: Ben Elton on the concept of 'Authentic Stupidity'
Elton makes his long-awaited NZ return in April and May this year.

Opinion: Kiwi bride dropped by groom during awkward Mafs wedding
Opinion: The final two couples to get married had vastly different wedding experiences.

‘Couldn’t be happier’: Heart and soul shine through in Laneway’s Brat Summer spectacle
Opinion: Did the most anticipated event of the festival calendar live up to expectations?

Opinion: Dramatic Mafs walk-out ends tension-riddled honeymoon
OPINION: Just two days in and we've seen one couple call it quits.

Beyonce’s NZ tour snub: Could Eden Park be the perfect host for Queen Bey?
Fans debate whether Oz would be prioritised over NZ if more tour dates are announced.

Opinion: The ‘no spark’ Mafs confession that cut like a knife
Opinion: Does this season's MaFS have a new villain already?

‘Ghosted’: A bombshell first for Married At First Sight Australia
Opinion: Despite its flaws, the show's twists and characters hooked me from the get-go.

Commendations and controversy: The big winners at the 2025 Grammy Awards
The 67th Grammy Awards ceremony took place on Monday.

Deep pockets and dodgy dealings: The biggest ongoing US entertainment lawsuits
Kendrick Lamar, Disney, and P-Diddy are among those that continue to face legal onslaught.

Jono Pryor returns to TV with his pants down
'He's a bit of a shambles and it’s like looking in a mirror,' Pryor says of his character.

‘He was just Jonah’: New unseen footage sheds light on Lomu’s legacy
'I live in London, and over here they still talk about Jonah as if he’s still playing'.

‘Honoured’: Nashville star Mitchell Tenpenny on NZ’s country music renaissance
'It just feels really cool to be a part of it as it’s growing.'

Boots, beers, and ballads: Luke Combs' unforgettable Auckland gig
Review: A shoey, an unreleased song, and heartfelt messages made a musical masterclass.

Luke Combs at Eden Park: Train closures and everything you need to know
Country fans heading to Eden Park will be hoping when it rains it doesn’t pour.

‘Cause injury to the public good’: Auckland’s 29 restricted library books you may need an ID to borrow
Bret Easton Ellis and Linda Lovelace are some of the authors subject to restrictions.

‘My life was not normal’: Child actors' struggles with fame and addiction
Two former stars made headlines this week, and the industry's no stranger to tragic tales.

Paralysis to People’s Choice: Ōpōtiki musician’s inspiring journey to success
A hunting accident left Hori shaw partially paralysed. Now he's topping the charts.

‘Racist, Eurocentric mockery’: Criticism grows against Golden Globe-winning film
Emilia Pérez is facing backlash from various communities.

Kiwi-born actress wins big at Golden Globes, epic career comebacks on show
Anna Sawai and her Shōgun colleagues reigne supreme at the 82nd Golden Globes.

Golden Globes 2025: Who is controversial host Nikki Glaser?
Both Taylor Swift and Tom Brady have been targets of Glaser's edgy comedy.

Man fights cancellation of 24-hour gym membership after staying the night
'I was trying to maximise my short one-month period to beef up and get fit.'

The best new movies to watch in cinemas this Boxing Day
Cannes winners and singing chimps hit Kiwi cinemas December 26.

Big-screen Santas: Five iconic depictions of Father Christmas
Old Saint Nick is no stranger to the big screen.

Pavlova and Pūkana: Harry Potter star crosses Ditch for new series
The award-winning actress said it was 'unforgiveable' she hadn't fully explored 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.