Gianina Schwanecke

What I cover: I cover stories that are relevant to rural communities, including business, climate and people-focussed stories.

My background: After completing my Master of Journalism at Massey University, examining the New Zealand media's coverage of the growing afforestation of farmland and media reporting on climate change coverage generally, I started as a rural reporter for the Wairarapa Times-Age. I later moved to a working farm nestled along the coast of Hawke's Bay, where she covered all sorts of stories across Te Matau-a- Māui through to the East Cape of Te Tai Rāwhiti. My time working along the East Coast has only further enhanced my passion for rural communities and their stories. Having spent the past few years working in news, Gianina I decided to return to my rural roots. I currently reside in Wellington, am an avid reader, lover of local wines and an aspiring goat owner.

My work has been recognised with the 2024 Pāmu Agricultural Journalism Encouragement Award and I was named as a finalist in the Best New Talent - Presenter category at the 2025 NZ Radio and Podcast Awards.

Contact me: If you have an idea for a story or have feedback for me, please feel free to get in touch: gianina.schwanecke@rnz.co.nz