Q&A with Charlotte Smulders
Tell us about your job.
Allied Press publishes New Zealand’s oldest daily newspaper the ODT, which is in its 159th year. The magazine team is based in Christchurch where we produce five magazines – Style (a South Island lifestyle magazine), Rugby News, Classic Driver, Kiwi Gardener and KG Quarterly.
Allied Press is a family business. Is that a good thing or a bad thing?
That depends! Being that “next generation” is an honour and a privilege, but also brings with it the pressure (especially in this industry) to be a good caretaker. A family business with the right culture is a wonderful environment to work in.
How’s the ad market in Christchurch?
Like most media we are having to think creatively. Relationships are crucial, the market is very cluttered.
You’ve got three school age kids and a full-on job: how do you make that work?
With help and gin: there is no way I could manage without it. I also work flexible hours, thank goodness for technology and the acceptance of working outside the old 9-5 work hours and from anywhere.
Biggest challenges?
The fragmented market and the constant need to justify that print is not dead! And finding good staff.
What’s your favourite part of the job?
The people (internal and external) and relationships and the satisfaction of seeing our magazines in print. You can’t beat the smell of a freshly printed magazine!
What are the best things about living in Christchurch?
We are a rebuilding city and that means great innovation and exciting projects, all of which our children will benefit from. Structurally, we must be the safest city now too! Christchurch can now tick all the boxes of most cosmopolitan cities – shopping, dining, culture - without big city problems like traffic congestion. We can escape to the Southern Lakes or anywhere in the world via our international airport.
What do you do to relax?
Spend time with family and friends, usually with a glass of something – we are a very social family! And I also try to stay fit.
What’s one thing you want to achieve this year?
Further acquisitions!