Political Editor

An opportunity to work with New Zealand’s award-winning public media company. RNZ aims to strengthen Aotearoa and the Pacific through informative, challenging and entertaining content.

Te Mahi – About the job

RNZ is New Zealand’s only non-commercial public multimedia organisation and exists solely to serve the public interest by providing unique, impartial services and content to all New Zealanders.

Part of RNZ’s strategy involves continuing to expand our digital content and distribution to connect with a growing and increasingly diverse audience.

Your responsibilities in this role will include:

Manage parliamentary reporters:
Assign stories and provide direction and support.
Monitor and appraise performance providing regular feedback.
Guide, support and assist all reporters in covering the correct news angles for all items supplied for broadcast and on-line.
Collect and analyse information on newsworthy political activities ensuring the accuracy and integrity of all sources.
Conduct major interviews.
Regularly feature on programmes such as "Morning Report", "Checkpoint" and "Nine to Noon" to clearly explain and analyse current political events.
Provide first class commentary and analysis on air and on the RNZ website of significant events as they occur and be able to anticipate them.
Provide often-instant expert political advice to Programme Editors and the RNZ website.
Foster and maintain a widespread network of contracts throughout the political community.
Liaise regularly with output editors on coverage plans and item delivery.
Liaise with other RNZ programmes providing advice and commentary as required.
Collaborate and maintain effective liaison with other parts of RNZ.
Other tasks and assignments as may be required from time to time.

Ōu Pūkenga - About You

To qualify for this role you will need:

A tertiary qualification in journalism or equivalent experience is essential. A qualification in either political science or a related discipline is desirable.
Full RNZ on-air pass (including Māori pronunciation), or the ability to meet its requirements.
Significant reporting experience at a senior level.
Proven news-gathering and story-breaking ability and editorial judgment.
Extensive interviewing experience, preferably in radio broadcasting.
Full knowledge of media law and statutory obligations regarding standards.
Management experience.
In-depth knowledge of the political scene in New Zealand and key political figures and their position on issues of the day.

Ngā Hua: What we offer

A fantastic opportunity to lead our Parliamentary and Political reporting team.
Work with a friendly, welcoming and inclusive team/organisation.
Development and regular training opportunities for our people.
Competitive salary.
Will match an employee’s KiwiSaver contribution up to 4%.
Additional leave provisions for some roles and the option to buy extra leave.
Comprehensive parental leave over and above standard legislation.
Company discounts and benefits including discounted Southern Cross health insurance, car rental services and free flu shots.
RNZ supports work/life balance for our people including working from home initiatives where possible.
Comprehensive wellbeing support including access to a confidential support, guidance and counselling service.

Te Ahurea – Our Culture

At RNZ we are committed to fostering an inclusive and constructive culture. This means creating a place where our people feel like they belong and can do their best work. We do this through our attitudes; Be Bold, Better Every Day and Extend Manaakitanga.

This is a full-time role based in Wellington.

To apply for this role please complete your application on our careers site, including both your covering letter and a CV. If applying through Seek you will be able to view and download a copy of the job description for this role after clicking Apply.

Applications close: Tuesday, 28th November 2023

If you'd like to speak to someone about this role, please get in touch with the RNZ recruitment team on jobs@rnz.co.nz