Manawatu¯ editor departs
Today is Manawatu¯ Standard editor Jonathon Howe’s last day in the role after more than a decade in the newsroom.
Howe took over as editor in Manawatu¯ in mid-2015, following four years as chief of staff. During his tenure, the Standard was a two-time finalist for regional newspaper of the year at the annual media awards and moved to morning deliveries.
Howe joined the team as part of Fairfax’s internship scheme in 2007.
As police reporter, he devoted untold hours to writing about the still-unsolved murder of Feilding farmer Scott Guy, who was gunned down in his driveway in 2010. ‘‘This was a massive national story and I led the coverage of the ninemonth-long investigation, which culminated in the arrest of Ewen Macdonald,’’ he said.
‘‘Over this time I formed a strong and mutually respectful relationship with the Guy family and the lead police investigator Sue Schwalger, which meant we managed to break a lot of angles during the investigation.’’
That year was a busy one, as Howe also covered the death of Lieutenant Tim O’donnell in Afghanistan, a midair plane collision that claimed two lives over the Taonui Aerodrome, a murder-suicide in Feilding, and the fatal Anzac Day Iroquois helicopter crash.
Howe also covered the defence, Feilding and Manawatu¯ District rounds, and was sent to Christchurch the day of the 2011 earthquake.
Living in Palmerston North, where he attended Highbury, Monrad Intermediate and Palmerston North Boys’ High schools, Howe grew up reading the Standard and always had an eye on joining the newspaper.
‘‘I used to joke that I’d grow up to be the editor of the Standard, though the possibility of this happening seemed like pure fantasy. To actually achieve this boyhood dream was extremely humbling and something I’ll always be proud of.’’
Howe said it was a ‘‘truly rewarding experience’’ to see reporters and photographers flourish and develop their skills in Manawatu¯ .
‘‘All journalists know that serving our communities by presenting them with the most informative, engaging, relevant and entertaining news content possible is vital. This is what we’ve always done in Manawatu¯ , and I have no doubt it will continue after my departure.’’
Stuff editor in chief for newsrooms Bernadette Courtney said Howe had been an outstanding champion for the Manawatu¯ region and for his newsroom. She said he was an editor with integrity and a brilliant journalist.
‘‘Jonathon is well respected by his team and the community. We wish him well in his new career.’’
Howe leaves to become corporate communications manager at the Midcentral District Health Board.