Meet our new reporter - JAKE MCKEE CAGNEY :)

Reporter Hauraki Herald

I've always thought this area was one of the most beautiful areas of New Zealand. I've recently returned from a couple of months backpacking Mexico and South America and exploring what these districts have to offer was something foreigners raved about again and again as their best memories of New Zealand.
I'd have to agree. That's is part of what attracted me to come out to Hauraki and Thames-Coromandel districts as a reporter. Hailing from Wellington, I've grown up with a mixed semi-rural and city life, having lived out in a small village on the Kapiti Coast but going to school in the capital. I also had a three-year stint as a Scarfie whilst I gained my Bachelor's degree in Politics and Communication and another year back in Wellington for post graduate study. The eastern coast beaches of the Coromandel Peninsula are a familiar stomping ground for me. I have spent many weekends, over many summers, driving up to the Coromandel to compete in Surf Life Saving competitions - something I've been passionate about for most of my life. I am by no means a local here - but I am excited to discover the area a lot more. And I could not be happier to be in the Hauraki Herald office for my first job out of Journalism School. To discover this area on a local level is going to be a cool adventure. I look forward to heading out around the area and sharing your stories.