Laura Macdonald
Lower Hutt
Summary
I am an experienced communications operator with a background in journalism and recent experience as a media advisor in the public sector. I have strong writing skills and a good understanding of the media landscape. I can identify and tell good news stories and I know how to translate complex information into stories that audiences can understand. I am highly organised and I know how to prioritise tasks when under pressure.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
Work History
Media Advisor
Oranga Tamariki - Ministry for Children
05.2025 - Current
- Responding to media queries and working with staff from across the organisation to write compelling, accurate and concise statements.
- Anticipating and mitigating media risk.
- Reviewing OIAs.
- Facilitating interviews with senior staff and providing media training.
- Identifying and writing proactive stories about our organisation for a range of channels.
Freelance Producer
Newshub/ThreeNews
04.2024 - 05.2025
- Producing political and general news stories for the ThreeNews (and previously, Newshub) bulletin.
- Sub-editing scripts.
- Managing relationships with MPs and political staff.
- Conducting interviews with politicians and other key talent.
- Filming interviews and editing stories for the news bulletin.
- Identifying stories, and logistical planning for coverage of significant news events.
Wellington Bureau Chief
Newshub, Warner Bros. Discovery
12.2019 - 01.2024
- Leading a busy and highly productive newsroom to cover news stories in the lower north island and upper south island regions.
- General management of the newsroom and its 25 staff members.
- Editorial responsibility for general and political news in our region, across Newshub’s television and digital platforms.
- Planning and implementing strategies for news coverage.
- Sub-editing scripts and previewing stories to ensure accuracy.
- Recruitment and development of reporters, editors, camera operators and other staff.
Wellington Reporter
3News/Newshub, Mediaworks
05.2013 - 12.2019
- Filing stories for the flagship 6pm bulletin, as well as radio and digital platforms.
- Field reporting on major news stories such as the Kaikoura earthquake.
- Communicating stories accurately, concisely and persuasively.
- Developing strong relationships with sources.
- Maintaining a good knowledge of current affairs and news stories.
Education
Master of Science - Psychology
Massey University
11-2027
Certificate - Multimedia Journalism
Whitireia Polytechnic
04-2013
Bachelor of Arts - Communication Studies
AUT
11-2009
Skills
- Communication - written and oral
- Media relations
- Working to deadlines, handling pressure
- Identifying media risk
- Self motivation
- Interpersonal skills
Hobbies and Interests
Sport and exercise, Studying, Cooking
Timeline
Media Advisor
Oranga Tamariki - Ministry for Children
05.2025 - Current
Freelance Producer
Newshub/ThreeNews
04.2024 - 05.2025
Wellington Bureau Chief
Newshub, Warner Bros. Discovery
12.2019 - 01.2024
Wellington Reporter
3News/Newshub, Mediaworks
05.2013 - 12.2019
Master of Science - Psychology
Massey University
Certificate - Multimedia Journalism
Whitireia Polytechnic
Bachelor of Arts - Communication Studies
AUT
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