Chao (Charles) YANG
Auckland
Summary
Experienced digital communications and content creator with 14 years in media, including 6 years in New Zealand focusing on social issues, community engagement, and political reporting. Skilled in social media management, multi-channel campaigns, digital storytelling, data-driven engagement, and video production.
Currently pursuing a Licensed Immigration Adviser qualification to formally enter the immigration sector, bringing extensive expertise in strategic communication, social media marketing, and client service.
Overview
2026
2026
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Content Editor
Hougarden
06.2023 - Current
- Closely monitor, interpret, and organize the latest policies (including immigration), providing the Chinese community with the most accurate and easy-to-understand information.
- Lead creation of engaging digital content and video scripts focused on social issues, economy, politics, and community.
- Utilize social media trends and analytics to optimize content reach and audience engagement.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to align storytelling with brand values and social impact goals.
- Increased social media engagement by 120% through targeted campaigns.
- Delivered 50+ multilingual video scripts with 100K+ combined views.
- Improved CMS workflow efficiency by 30% using automation tools.
Journalist & Editor
Chinese Herald
08.2019 - 05.2023
- Produced feature stories and interviews highlighting community resilience, political developments, and social policies.
- Engaged with diverse stakeholders including politicians and community leaders to deliver balanced coverage. Interviewed candidates during two local election campaigns; Christopher Luxon and other MPs to inform Chinese Community of the latest policies and different perspectives from the spectrum.
- Wrote featuring stories of famous Kiwi companies, e.g. Zespri, ZURU Toys, CIRCLES Golf improvement, RCR, Don Ha Real Estate, Boulgaris, Foundation North, and well known Chinese emigrants who work for big firms, including Thompson & Barfoot, etc.
- Communicated clearly and patiently with clients, aiming to achieve mutual understanding and benefit for both sides.
Freelancer
Freelancer
- Hosted live brand campaigns, delivering compelling narratives that connect with international audiences.
- Collaborate with real estate agents to produce videos explaining policy updates and promoting property listings, helping them gain more visibility and close more deals.
- Experienced in handling live broadcasts and public-facing events under pressure, with the ability to remain composed and solution-focused during unexpected situations.
- Event execution, copywriting, and external communications for Southern Alps Retirement in New Zealand
Journalist / Chief Editor / Director
Shanghai Media Group
01.2011 - 01.2019
- Oversaw weekly news talk show from content planning to final broadcast; led a team of editors and producers.
- Managed social media strategy and grew multi-platform audiences over six years.
- Reported from global events including G20, APEC, Rio Olympics, and Belt & Road coverage.
Education
Graduate Diploma - New Zealand Immigration Advice (Level 7)
Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology
06-2027
Bachelor of Arts - Russian Language & Literature
Beijing Foreign Studies University
07-2011
Skills
- Immigration Advising (course in progress)
- Research, investigation & interview
- Content strategy development
- Deadline management
- Writing reports & stories
- Communication & Brand promotion
- Directing and producing videos, visual storytelling
- Multi-channel Campaign Development & Execution
- FinalCut/Premiere/Photoshop/Avid
- Website&CMS Management
- Leadership & teamwork spirit
- Cross-cultural Communication & Inclusive Messaging
- Adobe Creative Suite (Premiere, Photoshop etc)
- Video Editing (CapCut, Canva, Final Cut, Avid etc)
- Social Media Platforms & Tools (WeChat/WeChat Video, Rednotes, Meta Ads)
- Microsoft Office Suite
- Photography
LANGUAGE
Chinese (Mandarin)
Native or Bilingual
English
Full Professional
Russian
Professional Working
Timeline
Senior Content Editor
Hougarden
06.2023 - Current
Journalist & Editor
Chinese Herald
08.2019 - 05.2023
Journalist / Chief Editor / Director
Shanghai Media Group
01.2011 - 01.2019
Freelancer
Freelancer
Graduate Diploma - New Zealand Immigration Advice (Level 7)
Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology
Bachelor of Arts - Russian Language & Literature
Beijing Foreign Studies University