Mitchell is a Multimedia Journalist with the Hawke's Bay Today.
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. A desire to tell community stories drove me to take on my current position with Hawke’s Bay Today, where my writing has covered everything from arts and culture to social issues. Above all, my passion is for people and stories about amazing people doing amazing things. 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 servicing the community that has welcomed me with open arms. I’m also always happy, despite sometimes embarrassing myself, to be in front or behind a camera. I look forward to having the opportunity to share more incredible stories from Hawke’s Bay and across Aotearoa New Zealand. You can contact me at mitchell.hageman@nzme.co.nz.
![Fire, light and water: What you can do in Hawke's Bay this Matariki](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=780)
Fire, light and water: What you can do in Hawke's Bay this Matariki
Plenty of community events are planned in the days to come for Matariki.
![Orange warning: Severe gales and heavy rain expected to lash the East Coast](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=780)
Orange warning: Severe gales and heavy rain expected to lash the East Coast
Wind and heavy rain are set to lash Hawke's Bay starting Tuesday.
![Phone news service operating for quarter of a century needs new volunteers](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=780)
Phone news service operating for quarter of a century needs new volunteers
Those with a talent for talking are urged to put their name forward.
![Sunk in 30 seconds: The man who answers boaties' call on the best way to prevent tragedy](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=780)
Sunk in 30 seconds: The man who answers boaties' call on the best way to prevent tragedy
There's one vital thing everyone on the water should do, but only 10% bother.
!['For the people': Long-serving volunteers the glue for Winter Deco festivities](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=780)
'For the people': Long-serving volunteers the glue for Winter Deco festivities
The people committed to protecting and celebrating our Art Deco-era heritage.
![Lego and lawn work: MokoBoys take indigenous excellence to world stage](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=780)
Lego and lawn work: MokoBoys take indigenous excellence to world stage
Sharing the excellence of indigenous rangatahi is key to the hui.
![Napier beat Hastings by one point in hotly contested schoolboy rugby rivalry](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=780)
Napier beat Hastings by one point in hotly contested schoolboy rugby rivalry
Napier clinched the victory despite two yellow cards.
![Beautified bitumen: Tanker with kid's drawings of worker parents rolls into town](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=780)
Beautified bitumen: Tanker with kid's drawings of worker parents rolls into town
General manager Andrew McRae said people were the most important part of his business.
![Elder abuse statistics spark call for action in Hawke's Bay](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=780)
Elder abuse statistics spark call for action in Hawke's Bay
The number of incidents is on the rise and advocates want a law change.
![Hastings SPCA pleads for safe return of $15k donated horse float and trailer](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=780)
Hastings SPCA pleads for safe return of $15k donated horse float and trailer
Hastings SPCA has been dealt a massive blow.
![Sight for sore eyes and legs: Rescue chopper completes 150 missions in 150 days](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=780)
Sight for sore eyes and legs: Rescue chopper completes 150 missions in 150 days
A simple ride on his son’s new motorbike turned into a life-saving air extraction.
!['Amazing achievement': Hawke's Bay biology prodigy bound for Kazakhstan](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=780)
'Amazing achievement': Hawke's Bay biology prodigy bound for Kazakhstan
Sophie Webber is one of four students in New Zealand who made the team.
![Goldfish deaths: Pond owner blames fluctuating chlorine levels in water](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=780)
Goldfish deaths: Pond owner blames fluctuating chlorine levels in water
There is typically one drop of chlorine in a standard bathtub-full of Hastings water.
![Winter burn: Hastings hits 25.6C, beats 1988 June high](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=780)
Winter burn: Hastings hits 25.6C, beats 1988 June high
Temperatures soared to well above average everywhere in Hawke's Bay.
![Boy with chronic lung issues scales Tongariro Alpine Crossing](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=780)
Boy with chronic lung issues scales Tongariro Alpine Crossing
Priests were called to Aiden's bedside. Now he wants to give back to those who helped him.
![Windy days and warmer than average weather for Hawke's Bay](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=780)
Windy days and warmer than average weather for Hawke's Bay
Hawke's Bay is set to see some gusty conditions early next week.
!['On the same page': Simeon Brown meets with Bay mayors over budget funding](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=780)
'On the same page': Simeon Brown meets with Bay mayors over budget funding
Hawke's Bay is getting a roading repair boost, but questions remain on the big projects.
!['Not a cent wasted': Finally, a public home for Hawke's Bay Women's Refuge](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=780)
'Not a cent wasted': Finally, a public home for Hawke's Bay Women's Refuge
The agency has made its way out of the shadows to help those in need.
![A confronting new trend: Pensioners call on charities for food parcels, furniture and blankets](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=780)
A confronting new trend: Pensioners call on charities for food parcels, furniture and blankets
Ian Jones never imagined he'd need to be helping over-65s through winter.
!['I’m that stressed out': Cyclone Gabrielle victims facing a second homeless winter](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=780)
'I’m that stressed out': Cyclone Gabrielle victims facing a second homeless winter
Finding even a one-bedroom place for the long term would change Steven Galyer's life.
![Watch: Signed, Sealed, Delivered - Hawke's Bay flashmob goes viral overnight](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=780)
Watch: Signed, Sealed, Delivered - Hawke's Bay flashmob goes viral overnight
Saturday shoppers were treated to a little 'Wonder' in Napier.
!['You can never get bored': Wahine pave the way for careers in engineering and infrastructure](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=780)
'You can never get bored': Wahine pave the way for careers in engineering and infrastructure
Meet the Hawke's Bay ladies leading the way for women in infrastructure.
!['Didn't really look back': Hawke's Bay 14-year-old blitzes women's running event](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=780)
'Didn't really look back': Hawke's Bay 14-year-old blitzes women's running event
Paige Dobson is still a few years away from drinking the wine she won for her troubles.
!['Cliff on the left, dropout on the right': Classrooms set to be transported](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=780)
'Cliff on the left, dropout on the right': Classrooms set to be transported
Students got a glimpse of their new home before it makes a massive journey.
!['Pretty emotional': Bay-born sparkie and teacher team up for kids' book](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=780)
'Pretty emotional': Bay-born sparkie and teacher team up for kids' book
What started as a drive to learn te reo Māori has led to a bilingual journal for kids.
!['Seemed like a good idea': Kiwi builds a solar e-bike to ride to the UK](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=780)
'Seemed like a good idea': Kiwi builds a solar e-bike to ride to the UK
Shaun Gilbert's No 8 wire ingenuity is about to be tested across continents.
!['Full-circle moment': World-renowned mime returns to stage he performed on as a kid](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=780)
'Full-circle moment': World-renowned mime returns to stage he performed on as a kid
He's travelled the world with his craft; now he's coming back to where it started.
![Marathon efforts: Octa and nonagenarians on why you're 'never too old' to start exercising](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=780)
Marathon efforts: Octa and nonagenarians on why you're 'never too old' to start exercising
At 93, Victor Smith will be the oldest to lace up his shoes as part of the HB Marathon.
![Hastings 'accessible toilet' inaccessible for eight months](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=780)
Hastings 'accessible toilet' inaccessible for eight months
Hastings woman Coleen Davey has been left wondering how long a 'temporary' closure is.
![Why nothing beats a face-to-face meeting, from a man who's done a lifetime of them](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=780)
Why nothing beats a face-to-face meeting, from a man who's done a lifetime of them
'I think it’s more relevant than ever, because everybody is in their own little bubbles.'
!['Lit up like fireworks': Aurora can be seen for the next few nights](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=780)
'Lit up like fireworks': Aurora can be seen for the next few nights
There was no shortage of places to view the aurora lights in Hawke's Bay.
![Brick City: Napier Art Deco immortalised in Lego](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=780)
Brick City: Napier Art Deco immortalised in Lego
A piece of Napier history lives on in global exhibit.
!['Positive conversations': Negotiations needed to allow kilometres of Matariki beach fires to return](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=780)
'Positive conversations': Negotiations needed to allow kilometres of Matariki beach fires to return
60km of cyclone driftwood fires lit up the coast. Will it be a one-off or a tradition?
!['I was never the same': Chronic fatigue sufferers fighting for recognition](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=780)
'I was never the same': Chronic fatigue sufferers fighting for recognition
Those with the condition say they are struggling to be heard.
![Has winter come early for Hawke's Bay?](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=780)
Has winter come early for Hawke's Bay?
Once the cloud clears frost is set to make a more noticeable appearance.
![From Hawke's Bay to the world: Hastings musician makes Air NZ playlist](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=780)
From Hawke's Bay to the world: Hastings musician makes Air NZ playlist
The song 7 Seas is now circulating in the skies.
![‘David and Goliath’ victory: Cheese champions beat industry giants at nationals](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=780)
‘David and Goliath’ victory: Cheese champions beat industry giants at nationals
Craggy Range Sheep Dairy has scooped a major award.
![Obituary: Holly Bacon stalwart had a need for speed and a great love for his family](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=780)
Obituary: Holly Bacon stalwart had a need for speed and a great love for his family
Bay industry leader Gordon Vogtherr was once thrown in jail for racing through Italy.
![Wanted fleeing driver stopped metres from Hastings police station](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=780)
Wanted fleeing driver stopped metres from Hastings police station
Spikes used and one man arrested after late-night chase through Hawke's Bay.
!['Apostle for kindness': 86-year-old stands in the cold for six hours a day to encourage world peace](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=780)
'Apostle for kindness': 86-year-old stands in the cold for six hours a day to encourage world peace
He's a sandal-wearing former lawyer, but the cold won't stop John McKay making a point.
![Night chills beginning to be felt after record-breaking April](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=780)
Night chills beginning to be felt after record-breaking April
The winter chill is in the air overnight, but the settled days will continue.
!['Very difficult decision': Wairoa Star to close after more than 100 years](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=780)
'Very difficult decision': Wairoa Star to close after more than 100 years
The northern Hawke's Bay newspaper has been printed for more than 100 years.
![Man fights cancellation of 24-hour gym membership after staying the night](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=780)
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.'
![‘I don’t feel alone anymore’: A migrant woman's journey with Women’s Refuge](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=780)
‘I don’t feel alone anymore’: A migrant woman's journey with Women’s Refuge
*Cushla knew she couldn't continue to live her new life in fear.
![Robber flees with nothing after BB gun breaks during assault on Hastings dairy owner](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=780)
Robber flees with nothing after BB gun breaks during assault on Hastings dairy owner
The mask wearer fled after his BB gun broke while hitting the dairy owner.
![Bioluminescent dolphins and a sprint finish: Waka returns to bay with talented rangatahi in tow](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=780)
Bioluminescent dolphins and a sprint finish: Waka returns to bay with talented rangatahi in tow
After a weeks-long journey, Hawke's Bay's prized waka hourua has returned home.
!['Very courageous': First time retailers in their 60s tackle tough business climate through mentoring](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=780)
'Very courageous': First time retailers in their 60s tackle tough business climate through mentoring
The Abrehamsen's message is clear: Don't be afraid to ask for help.
![Private practice shakeup: Paramedics helping cut wait times in Hawke's Bay](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=780)
Private practice shakeup: Paramedics helping cut wait times in Hawke's Bay
New way of looking at primary care is a 'game changer'.
!['Senseless and stupid': Two CHB memorials vandalised weeks before Anzac Day](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=780)
'Senseless and stupid': Two CHB memorials vandalised weeks before Anzac Day
Locals and the CHB mayor saddened by disrespect.
![Two arrests so far, gang leaders to meet, YMP wants points for match after Hastings rugby van shooting](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=780)
Two arrests so far, gang leaders to meet, YMP wants points for match after Hastings rugby van shooting
'Their people were lucky to come out of that alive and unhurt'.
![Autumn scorcher: Hottest April night in Napier history recorded](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=780)
Autumn scorcher: Hottest April night in Napier history recorded
From low lows to high highs it has been an interesting start to autumn.
![Beakers to bongos: The science student turned music therapist helping heal Hawke's Bay](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=780)
Beakers to bongos: The science student turned music therapist helping heal Hawke's Bay
'Verbally explaining what you’re feeling can be hard. Music allows you to exist.'
![A mare miracle: How a baby horse survived Cyclone Gabrielle](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=780)
A mare miracle: How a baby horse survived Cyclone Gabrielle
The Moffett's property was over a metre of water during the cyclone.
![Sir Buck on passing the Anzac baton to Bay tamariki](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=780)
Sir Buck on passing the Anzac baton to Bay tamariki
'That’s my whānau chanting to scare the enemy.'
!['Can you massage me directly': Hapless scammers claiming to be Tom Jones target concertgoers](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=780)
'Can you massage me directly': Hapless scammers claiming to be Tom Jones target concertgoers
Most realised it was a scam and didn’t engage, but some thought it was the man himself.
![Hawke’s Bay neon genius putting the spotlight on Steven Seagal and Conor McGregor](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=780)
Hawke’s Bay neon genius putting the spotlight on Steven Seagal and Conor McGregor
From NZ to the Super Bowl, Brandon Ransfield's star is shining bright.
!['Destruction right in front of you': Swimmer fears council ruining river spots](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=780)
'Destruction right in front of you': Swimmer fears council ruining river spots
Catherine Reeves enjoyed a picnic in the dense woods, then returned to find trees gone.
![Review: Sir Tom Jones proves to NZ he's far from being 'zimmer frame entertainment'](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=780)
Review: Sir Tom Jones proves to NZ he's far from being 'zimmer frame entertainment'
The days of undie-throwing are gone. But at 83, he still has a voice and a touch of spice.
![Plan to pull Hawke's Bay Tourism funding - chair fears 'regional backwater' will be the result](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=780)
Plan to pull Hawke's Bay Tourism funding - chair fears 'regional backwater' will be the result
'Hawke’s Bay will lose ground to other regions, and become a regional backwater.'
![Playgroup for parents? How Ghana's hospitality inspired a caregiving movement](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=780)
Playgroup for parents? How Ghana's hospitality inspired a caregiving movement
Rochelle Hairs is bringing a slice of Africa to Hawke's Bay for a good cause.
![Weather gods smiling on Hawke's Bay? Big man's hand spotted in sky as settled autumn arrives](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=780)
Weather gods smiling on Hawke's Bay? Big man's hand spotted in sky as settled autumn arrives
The finger of God? This unusual cloud over Napier is a sign of good weather ahead.
![Heading to Sir Tom Jones in Napier? Here’s your go-to guide to Harvest Moon festival](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=780)
Heading to Sir Tom Jones in Napier? Here’s your go-to guide to Harvest Moon festival
A dedicated area will be provided for those who require walkers.
![Our coldest daytime yet: Southern breeze brings snow and bitter chill to Hawke's Bay](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=780)
Our coldest daytime yet: Southern breeze brings snow and bitter chill to Hawke's Bay
It is unusual to see snow on the range this early in the year.
!['Isn't here to look pretty': Hawke's Bay waka hourua makes generational journey to South Island](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=780)
'Isn't here to look pretty': Hawke's Bay waka hourua makes generational journey to South Island
It's the first time in two years the waka has taken a multi-day journey.
!['Absolutely gutting': Vital kiwi conservation equipment stolen from reserve](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=780)
'Absolutely gutting': Vital kiwi conservation equipment stolen from reserve
Thieves smashed their way into the padlocked premises.
![The men who use Women's Refuge](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=780)
The men who use Women's Refuge
Vincent rang to help his daughter escape violence. He was told, 'we can help you too'.
![How the other half flies: Taking an international flight to and from Napier](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=780)
How the other half flies: Taking an international flight to and from Napier
From VIPs to critically ill patients, the new clearance is helping in more ways than one.
![Mixing up Hastings: Musical migrant leaves a legacy in a place he knew nothing about](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=780)
Mixing up Hastings: Musical migrant leaves a legacy in a place he knew nothing about
Stephan Zebe admits he knew little about Hawke’s Bay before moving from Germany.
!['Add to the table, you add to the community': Hawke's Bay cheesemakers sweep gold medals](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=780)
'Add to the table, you add to the community': Hawke's Bay cheesemakers sweep gold medals
The cumino champions said they were blown away by the awards.
![Review: Forget Taylor Swift, Kaylee Bell is the country pop saviour we need right now](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=780)
Review: Forget Taylor Swift, Kaylee Bell is the country pop saviour we need right now
NZ's country-pop princess is the perfect antidote to the recent Taylor Swift tidal wave.
!['Heaven and earth': Three-hour drive no longer necessary for Wairoa chemo patients](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=780)
'Heaven and earth': Three-hour drive no longer necessary for Wairoa chemo patients
Cyclone Gabrielle was a catalyst for cancer treatment in northern Hawke's Bay.
!['World leading here': Napier scooter comp the first continental champs ever](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=780)
'World leading here': Napier scooter comp the first continental champs ever
International competition at the venue 'pretty surreal'.
![Craic Day: Multiple crashes and drink-driving on St Paddy's Day](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=780)
Craic Day: Multiple crashes and drink-driving on St Paddy's Day
Fence crashes seemed to be a recurring theme.
!['Absolutely poured out': Why a bagpiping beekeeper's phone is going 'nuts'](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=780)
'Absolutely poured out': Why a bagpiping beekeeper's phone is going 'nuts'
Kieran Chisnall could be Hawke's Bay's very own pied piper for wasps.
![Slides, supplies and 'peace of mind': What it's like inside safe houses for abused women](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=780)
Slides, supplies and 'peace of mind': What it's like inside safe houses for abused women
Violence brought a scared and exhausted version of Joyce Allen here. It changed her life.
![Sex Bombs and Sugar: What will Sir Tom Jones and Gin Wigmore get up to in Hawke's Bay?](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=780)
Sex Bombs and Sugar: What will Sir Tom Jones and Gin Wigmore get up to in Hawke's Bay?
Promoter reckons Sir Tom Jones is ready to wine and dine in the region.
![Wairoa legend to take big dig energy to national excavator finals](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=780)
Wairoa legend to take big dig energy to national excavator finals
Thomas Perston says it's not just about digging holes.
![The CHB 15-year-old trying to replicate poet Keats](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=780)
The CHB 15-year-old trying to replicate poet Keats
Georgia Abraham is storming the literary world from the tiny town of Tikokino.