Our Editorial Team
Meet the journalists, editors, and contributors who bring you The Wellington Times.
Leadership
Sarah Mitchell
Editor-in-Chief
With 15 years of journalism experience, Sarah has covered everything from local council meetings
to national elections. Previously the Deputy Editor at a major metropolitan daily, she brings a
commitment to rigorous reporting and ethical journalism. Sarah holds a Master's in Journalism
from Victoria University of Wellington.
James Chen
Managing Editor
James oversees daily operations and ensures our newsroom runs smoothly. With a background in
both print and digital media, he's passionate about innovative storytelling. Before joining
The Wellington Times, James spent seven years at various New Zealand publications, including
three years as News Director.
Rachel Thompson
Deputy Editor
Rachel brings expertise in investigative journalism and data reporting. Her work has uncovered
stories on government spending, environmental issues, and social justice. She's a two-time
recipient of the Voyager Media Awards and holds a degree in Political Science and Journalism.
Section Editors
David Park
Political Editor
David has spent a decade in the press gallery covering New Zealand politics. His deep
understanding of parliamentary processes and relationships with key political figures make
him one of Wellington's most respected political journalists. He previously worked for RNZ
and The Dominion Post.
Emma Rodriguez
Business Editor
Emma specializes in economic policy, corporate affairs, and Wellington's startup ecosystem.
With an MBA and journalism degree, she bridges the gap between business and news reporting.
Her analysis of the tech sector has been featured in numerous publications.
Tom Williams
Sports Editor
A lifelong Wellingtonian and sports enthusiast, Tom covers everything from the Phoenix to
local club rugby. His engaging writing style and deep knowledge of Wellington sports make
him a favorite among readers. He's covered three Rugby World Cups and multiple A-League seasons.
Sophie Anderson
Culture Editor
Sophie brings a passion for Wellington's arts scene, from theater to visual arts to music.
She has a background in arts criticism and has written for publications across New Zealand
and Australia. Her reviews are known for their insight and accessibility.
Michael Lee
Technology Editor
Michael covers Wellington's growing tech sector, from Weta Digital to emerging startups.
With a computer science background and journalism training, he translates complex tech
stories for general audiences. He's particularly interested in how technology impacts
society and policy.
Kate Morrison
Opinion Editor
Kate curates our opinion section, ensuring diverse voices and perspectives. She's committed
to fostering constructive public debate and has a talent for identifying emerging issues
before they hit the mainstream. Previously, she worked in public policy and advocacy.
Reporters & Contributors
Alex Turner
Senior Reporter
Alex covers breaking news and investigative stories across Wellington. Known for tenacious
reporting and getting to the heart of complex issues quickly.
Maya Patel
Community Reporter
Maya focuses on stories from Wellington's diverse communities, ensuring voices from across
the city are heard. She speaks three languages and has deep connections throughout the region.
Chris Bailey
Environment Reporter
Chris specializes in environmental and climate issues, from local conservation efforts to
regional climate policy. He has a background in environmental science and journalism.
Lisa Zhang
Visual Journalist
Lisa combines photography, videography, and data visualization to tell compelling visual
stories. Her multimedia work has won multiple awards for innovation in journalism.
Join Our Team
We're always looking for talented journalists, editors, and contributors who share our values.
View Open Positions