MANDY SMITH: Supervising News Editor

I feel blessed to call the sunny Eastern Bay home, since making the move across the ditch in 2008.

I'm still astounded at the beauty and amazing opportunities available to the residents of this paradise!

Making my radio debut aged 11, it would seem I was destined to pursue a career in the industry and I've always been pleased I did.

In my early years as a radio journalist, I reported for Australian, US & British networks.

After a subsequent decade reporting for television - mainly in Australia - I was ready to return to my preferred medium, RADIO.

It's now an honour to assist younger journalists to craft their skills and carve out a satisfying and rewarding media career for themselves.

I remind myself daily of how lucky I am to work at the last independently owned and operated NZ commercial radio station, still committed to providing its audience with a local news service.

It's truly a privilege to be part of the 1XX Team and the Eastern Bay community.