A fresh look at the world

It was with a sense of pride that I took up the post of editor of the Wanganui Chronicle more than two years ago. Knowing I was coming to New Zealand's oldest paper gave me a sense of comfort in the paper's standing in the community. I knew of its record of producing quality news and features and hoped I could help add to what was already a fine newspaper.

But I also knew that, as with every paper I had worked on in nearly 20 years in the industry, there would be no sitting back accepting a steady-as-she goes approach. This is and always has been an introspective, overly self-critical industry. We are always looking to do new things, looking for better angles, and reviewing what we have done and assessing what could have been done better.

Perfection is an unattainable goal but we try pretty hard to give you what you most want, and deserve from your local newspaper.

That is the same wherever you go. In the course of my career I have been involved in many redesigns, launched new products and undertaken constant reviews of our approach to news and features and whether we were setting the right tone and covering the bases we ought to.

It is no different here and certainly I join a long list of successive Wanganui Chronicle editors who have overseen significant development of this newspaper over the years.

The move to a smaller, compact format that we adopt from Monday must rate among the most significant changes since September 18, 1856. And, as with so many aspects of newspaper production, the way we have gone about this change has been driven by changing reader habits, needs and technologies.

Who would have thought, 20 years ago even, that we would be advising readers of aspects of such a change through social media? It didn't exist then but now it is one of many ways people can interact with the newspaper and fellow readers. Comments and interaction through Facebook, Twitter, our website and text messaging has become integral to the way we do our jobs. That will only increase as these technologies become more accessible and new ones are developed.

Meanwhile, staff here will still be keeping you informed about the issues, people and places that matter.

That is one thing that will not change, our dedication to giving you the most accurate, balanced and up-to-date news and information possible from in and around Wanganui.

As we embark on a new chapter in Wanganui Chronicle publishing, we will keep an eye on what has come and gone before but also are mindful of the proud history to which we have such a strong connection.

Here's to new beginnings, and an acknowledgement of the past.

Feedback: editor@wanganuichronicle.co.nz