Bureau Chief - Otago Daily Times & Southland Express

Bureau Chief - Otago Daily Times & Southland Express

About us:

Allied Press now trading as Allied Media, has been at the heart of New Zealand’s media landscape for 165 years.  Our mission is to empower and connect the South.  Championing the people, businesses, and ideas that shape our island.  

Our Values

Creative – We encourage innovation

Collaborative – We work together

Accountable – We own our actions

About the role:

The Southland Express is the beating heart of its community.  We’re looking for an experienced and passionate journalist to take the reins and lead coverage of the Southland region.  This is a permanent, full-time position based in our Invercargill office, offering significant scope for personal and professional growth within a supportive and ambitious newsroom.

As Bureau Chief, you will be responsible for both the Southland Express community newspaper and Otago Daily Times coverage.  You’ll play a pivotal role in shaping local journalism that informs, connects and champions the South.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Managing and directing breaking news coverage.

• Writing, editing and assigning stories.

• Leading, mentoring and supporting reporters.

• Overseeing the production of the Southland Express.

• Generating strong editorial ideas and planning coverage.

• Liaising closely with editors and wider newsroom teams.

• Ensuring high editorial standards across print and digital platforms.

You will bring:

• Experience managing or leading a newsroom.

• Broad editorial expertise, including sub-editing and design.

• Strong news judgement and decision-making skills.

• Excellent communication and people leadership abilities.

• The ability to work calmly and effectively under deadline pressure.

Photography, video and website skills are highly desirable, as is a willingness to embrace digital storytelling alongside traditional print journalism.

We offer:

• Lead an award-winning community newspaper.

• Enjoy genuine opportunities for career development and growth.

• Reporters may be rostered any day between Monday and Sunday.

• Subsidised Southern Cross Medical Insurance.

• Relocation assistance would be considered.

More about Allied Media:

As the country’s largest independent media company, we deliver trusted local journalism and engaging content across 24 newspapers, five magazines, major local events, and a growing digital network.  But our strength lies in more than just what we publish it’s in the people behind the scenes.  From journalists and editors to designers, developers, videographers and marketers, our team brings stories, campaigns, and experiences to life across print, digital, and events.  Our flagship print publication, the Otago Daily Times, is New Zealand’s most trusted news brand (AUT’s Trust in News research), and our digital platform, odt.co.nz, continues to reach new heights.  At Allied Media, we’re proud of our deep roots, and we’re just as excited about the future.  Join us and be part of a team that’s keeping the South informed, inspired, and connected.

How to Apply:

If you’re ready to make a meaningful impact and lead journalism that matters, we’d love to hear from you.  Please apply via SEEK or reach out to Debbie Porteous at [email protected] for a confidential discussion.  Applications will be accepted until Tuesday, 14 April 2026.  We will get in touch if you are shortlisted for this opportunity.