Name: Paul Slater
Citizenship: British and New Zealand
Status: Married with three children and a pug
My wife, Julia and I discovered our passion for adventure and travel in our early thirties, a spark that ignited nearly two decades ago. Since then, our journey has taken us across continents and cultures, shaping our lives in profound ways. Our path led us from London to Italy, and Hong Kong, before finding our ultimate haven in New Zealand. Along this extraordinary journey, we welcomed three children, each born on a different continent, adding an exceptional aspect to our lives.
For the past 16 years, New Zealand has been our home. During this time, our residence traversed from the bustling streets of Auckland to the picturesque allure of Queenstown and back, until we finally embraced a sense of permanence and belonging in New Zealand’s largest city.
My professional voyage has been equally diverse and fulfilling, spanning over two decades across three nations. In the dynamic realm of newspapers and magazines, I have assumed roles as varied as Graphic Artist, Designer, Art Director and Creative Director. My creative endeavours have graced the pages of esteemed publications like The Financial Times, Daily Mail, National Business Review, New Zealand Herald (including the Weekend Herald and Herald on Sunday), Rugby News, and the compelling Mountain Scene of Queenstown.
Through these experiences, I have cultivated a profound appreciation for the power of visual storytelling and I am endlessly inspired by the dynamic interplay between design and the written word. As I reflect on this incredible journey, I am invigorated by the remarkable places I’ve explored, the people I’ve met and the creative ventures that have enriched my life.
I love telling stories.
I am dedicated to harnessing design, typography, graphics, and photography to elevate storytelling to unprecedented heights.
Currently serving as the Creative Director – Editorial at NZME, I hold the role of design lead across an array of esteemed national, regional, and community newspapers. Among the distinguished publications under my sphere are the New Zealand Herald, Weekend Herald and the Herald on Sunday.
In the year 2017, I assumed the role of Art Director for Rugby News, a glossy magazine published by Star Media in Christchurch. This tenure encompassed a comprehensive redesign that revitalised the publication’s aesthetic.
These are truly exhilarating times within the news media and I embrace wholeheartedly the dynamic challenge of embracing a mobile-first newsroom ethos. My familiarity with digital media is well-established, underscored by my pivotal contributions to noteworthy digital undertakings, including the redesign and relaunch of The National Business Review and Mountain Scene websites.
Renowned for my ingenuity, I have earned a reputation as the go-to resource for solving the recurring query in news meetings: ‘How can we effectively illustrate this concept?’
My persona is defined by unwavering creativity, innate motivation, forward-looking vision and a resolute eagerness to embrace challenges. I thrive in an environment surrounded by astute, like-minded individuals, where I can serve as a source of inspiration and, in turn, be inspired.
Slates Design 