Tracy Watkins to leave Stuff after 25 years

After 25 years with Stuff Group, The Post’s editor Tracy Watkins is moving on, taking up a new role as director of communications with Business New Zealand in July.

Watkins has been with Stuff since 2001 as a political journalist, political editor and editor.

Her career began at one of Stuff’s regional newspapers four decades ago, where she covered national politics from the press gallery for 20 years.

This included more than a decade as political editor, before becoming Sunday Star Times and The Post editor. Over the past three years she has led The Post to become the country’s fastest growing national news brand.

Watkins has also been a Jefferson Fellow and an industry member of the New Zealand Media Council. In 2024, she was named Editorial Leader of the Year at the Voyager Media Awards.

Time for a change

“This has been the hardest decision of my life because this has honestly been the best job in journalism,” says Watkins. “We have a brilliant senior team who have grown an audience of the country’s most influential people through political news and analysis that you just can’t get elsewhere.

“But after such a long media career, I am ready for a change. Can you call it a mid-career pivot after 40 years?”

An excellent tenure

Stuff owner and publisher Sinead Boucher says Watkins leaves with the company’s gratitude for her excellent tenure as editor, and for building an outstanding senior team at The Post.

“Tracy has set The Post up as a truly influential national brand, a must-read for political and business leaders with more than 70% of its high-powered readership now outside of the Wellington region,” she says. 

“Her successor will inherit a brand that has the power to set the news agenda, an ability to produce quality journalism without fear or favour and a stable of some of New Zealand’s best reporters and commentators. This is an excellent opportunity for one of the best business and political brains in journalism to step into the role and continue the fearless, independent journalism The Post is known for.”

Stuff’s managing director of masthead publishing Joanna Norris says Watkins has set the bar high. 

“She has a highly attuned journalistic and political nous and she has been a brilliant colleague and leader, always challenging and lifting the bar to ensure her team produces journalism of extraordinary ambition and quality.”

Ensuring the business perspective is heard

“With the economy front and centre, the voice of business has never been more important,” says Watkins.

“Being election year, there is no more critical time to ensure the business perspective is heard, and I am looking forward to taking on that challenge.

“A huge part of the attraction was working with BusinessNZ CEO Katherine Rich, who I have admired since her time in Parliament – she was a courageous MP, and I have huge respect for her.”

Rich welcomes Watkins’ appointment, calling her a heavyweight in the media landscape in Aotearoa.

“Tracy is renowned for her sharp political insight and leadership. Her experience will be invaluable in developing our communications strategy as we advocate for a competitive and sustainable business and economic environment. We are thrilled to have someone of her calibre joining our team.”