New editor and the same high quality

Herald on Sunday Editor Bryce Johns.

Dear readers,

Welcome to my first edition as editor of the Herald on Sunday.

My name's Bryce Johns and I've moved into the role this week.

It's a daunting challenge in some ways, coming to a national paper that was judged the best in the country at last month's Qantas Media Awards.

But it has been hugely satisfying coming into a different newsroom to find it full of people with the same intention as me - to break significant stories and provide a range of entertainment that we know readers are interested in.

I've been a journalist for more than 20 years. I've worked significant stints on the Northern Advocate in Whangarei, the Wanganui Chronicle, the Dominion Post in Wellington and most recently as the editor of the Waikato Times.

But this looks to be the most fun job yet. I've been reading the Herald on Sunday closely over the past few months.

Its racy style as a compact appears at times to overshadow the fact that it breaks many stories of national significance.

No wonder it is paper of the year.

As editor, I intend to write to readers regularly, informing them of changes or issues they should be aware of.

For instance, today we start a new series by climate expert Philip Duncan, pinpointing the oddities we are seeing weekly in the Kiwi weather patterns.

I also urge you to consider entering our Win an African Adventure competition.

Finally, a paper needs to know how it is serving its readers. I'd love to hear your thoughts, ideas and even gripes. Email: editor@hos.co.nz

I look forward to surprising you each Sunday.

Bryce Johns