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Jannette Thompson
General manager
Jannette has been at the helm of Local Matters for 20 years. As a journalist for most of her working life, she still keeps her hand in, writing stories for most issues. She has no fears for the future of newspapers, believing that social media and advertorial-based magazines will never replace a properly researched and balanced story, written by a trained journalist and printed in a trusted local paper. Jannette’s family has lived in the district for generations, and she loves the outdoor life that this region has to offer. Off duty, she has three children living in NZ and Australia, three adorable grandchildren, and a cheeky dog named Elvis to keep her busy.
p: 021 263 4423 e: gm@localmatters.co.nz
Heather Arnold
Graphic designer, Mahurangi Matters
An egg, each is individual and unique. The variety of colour and pattern, different sizes and shapes, an expression of each hen. We tell your editorial stories and share your unique advertising messages. I look forward to designing your advertisements with your unique messages. Your audience awaits.
Courtney Gerrand
Digital and online coordinator, Mahurangi Matters
Australian-born and country-raised, Courtney met her Kiwi husband Matt on her OE in Scotland. They returned to Australia to get married at her family home. After a 3-month honeymoon through the wild savannahs of Africa, they settled in New Zealand for the last 20 years. They have two tenacious teenage boys, a beautiful cat, Goldie and live locally. With an array of life and work experience with website management, social media marketing and customer service, she brings her confidence and flair to the Local Matters team and the wider community.
Sally Marden
Journalist & Proofreader, Mahurangi Matters
Sally Marden has been a journalist since leaving college, when she joined her local paper in the UK, the Sussex Express & County Herald. After stints with a drinks trade newspaper and as a freelance wine writer, she moved to Australia to live and work north of Adelaide for the Barossa Winemakers. It was there she met her husband Richard, also a winemaker. They moved to New Zealand in 2007, after a spell in Western Australia, and once their two sons were settled at school, Sally happily returned to local journalism with Mahurangi Matters.
Marc Milford
Ad media sales, Mahurangi Matters
After years of travelling the globe and living abroad, Marc decided he was finally over Auckland city’s woeful traffic congestion and headed north in 2019 for a change of scenery and lifestyle. When he’s not plying his trade in advertising sales, he loves to fish (surfcasting), spend quality time catching up with friends and family, as well as occasionally tinkling the ‘ol ivories! Marc also enjoys going to the cinema and admits to having a soft spot, in particular, for the odd romantic comedy or Disney classic! His basic motto in life is simple: ‘Have courage and be kind. ’
Tristan Ogden
Journalist, Mahurangi Matters
A versatile writer, Tristan began his reporting career back in 2001. However, it just takes a quick look at his CV to see he defected to the dark world of creative advertising as a copywriter only a few years later. Ironically, after winning Young Journalist of the Year. Despite crossing that invisible line, he continued to contribute articles to a variety of publications and is now back where he belongs – roving in Rodney, on the ground, covering community news. In the light.
Anthony Ord
Ad media sales, Mahurangi Matters
Anthony started his media sales career in radio and TVNZ before moving into media planning and buying roles at Colenso, OMD, DDB and FCB. After FCB, Anthony founded “Acquire Online”, a market-leading programmatic first digital media buying agency. Anthony now lives in Matakana with his wife Juliet and two school-aged children – Archie and Hugo. Anthony loves to play golf, assist with coaching the Mahu J2 rugby team and fishing from his kayak… well, fishing from anywhere, really.
Angela Thomas
Administration manager, Mahurangi Matters
Angela is a Warkworth local, and although she spent some seven years on the Hibiscus Coast, she and her husband Mark moved back to Warkworth to bring up their two children and enjoy the beaches and close-knit community lifestyle. She has been on the Local Matters team for 13 years, working in accounts, distribution and administration, and has watched the papers and staff grow over the years. She loves being part of the team that reports on community news. On the weekends, you’ll find Angela on local walking tracks and bike routes or competing in adventure racing, rogaine or the odd half marathon.
Leigh Cameron
Advertising Consultant, Hibiscus Matters
Leigh traded ice skates for jandals when she moved from Canada to New Zealand in 1999—and she’s never looked back (except maybe during hockey season). She landed on the Hibiscus Coast in 2002 with her wee daughter in tow and has been charmed with the beaches, the people, and the lifestyle ever since. A self-confessed people person, Leigh runs on good coffee, great chats, and the occasional cheeky wine. She’s always up for a catch-up and loves nothing more than connecting with locals and helping businesses tell their story. When the stars align (and the budget agrees), you’ll find her hopping a plane to Canada to visit family. If she had her way, she’d be travelling the world with her favourite sidekick—yep, still the daughter. For now, she’s perfectly content being coast-bound, swapping snow for sand, and getting to know the community she loves—one ad at a time.
Adrienne Kohler
Editor, Hibiscus Matters
Adrienne Kohler has had a varied career in journalism and communications. She has also co-authored several non-fiction books and enjoyed a stint in the entertainment industry in Los Angeles. She shares a lifestyle block in Coatesville with a band of mischievous dogs, cats, horses and a teenager.
Lorry McCarthy
Graphic designer, Hibiscus Matters
Lorry has been working for Hibiscus Matters since 2009, back before Instagram and Covid-19 were a thing, when her now 20-year-old daughter was in her first year of primary school, and her 25-year-old son (who is now a dad) was just starting College. She is the mouse click behind Hibiscus ads, paper layout, website and Facebook … and obviously, setting the paper. She has worked as a graphic designer in NZ and Australia, with more than 30 years of experience. Lorry, previously a volunteer firefighter for five years, likens it to working for the paper – putting out fires while doing her bit for the community.
Maddy Derbyshire-Smith
Journalist, Hibiscus Matters
Maddy graduated from AUT in December 2024, majoring in journalism and minoring in radio and creative writing. She is a big believer in holding people accountable and digging to find the truth, so she decided to pursue journalism. Someday, Maddy hopes to travel the world and make a change somewhere. Her hobbies include video games, Dungeons and Dragons, and napping with her cats (Aster & Goose). She also enjoys writing fiction stories that she hopes to finish one day.
Rebekah Augustin
Graphic Designer, Mangawhai Focus
Bex has been bringing creative magic to the Mangawhai Focus team for over 5 years, with a graphic design career spanning an impressive 25 years. Based in beautiful Maungakaramea with her partner Mark, her twin daughters, and a lively crew of pets, Bex’s life is full of energy, love, and laughter. When she’s not designing, you’ll find Bex enjoying great company (with a glass of wine in hand), sharing plenty of laughs with friends, and whipping up delicious creations in the kitchen. Cooking and discovering new recipes is her true passion – almost as much as crafting eye-catching designs!
Hayley Bills
Sales consultant, Mangawhai Focus
With over 17 years of experience in sales and account management, Hayley brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the table. Growing up in Hawera and Hamilton before settling in Kaiwaka nine years ago, she has a deep connection to the community and a passion for helping businesses thrive. When she’s not working, Hayley loves spending time with her family, including her three kids and her fiancée, who runs a successful building business. Let Hayley help you create an advertising campaign to best suit your business. Her dedication and innovative approach ensure that your business gets the attention it deserves.
Hernan Diaz Lopez
Journalist, Mangawhai Focus
Hernan was born in Argentina and has lived in New Zealand since 2023. He graduated with a degree in journalism and social communication from the University of La Matanza and then decided to leave the country to live abroad. He is a very communicative person and a great enthusiast of radio, sports, animals, and geography. His biggest dream is to drive a Formula 1 car, but in the meantime, he’s a high-speed journalist for the Mangawhai Focus.
