Whakatane Beacon (Independent)

The Whakatane Beacon is in its 77th year of operation under independent management, and continues to be innovative with services to readers and advertisers. In the recent 2014 NZ Community Newspaper Awars (presented May 2015), it took out three major Advertising Awards, including innovation in Special Projects for a multi-media approach Wedding Guide and Winner in the Best Advertising Supplement Feature category. The newspaper has also been a leader in setting up and developing its news website as available by digital subscription only for those who do have the paper home delivered. CEO Simon Ellis says, 'The ability to move fast and react quickly to customer needs is an important part of the way we work.'