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# Face of the Day
- URL: https://goodoil.news/face-of-the-day-1507/
- Published: 2026-06-15T18:30:34.000Z
- Updated: 2026-06-15T18:30:33.000Z
- Description: In a move described on Stuff’s own website today as a “bombshell”, Hooton replaces Tracy Watkins, who is becoming the director of communications at Business NZ.
- Author: Good Oil Staff
- Tags: Face of the Day, Media

> Former National Party political strategist and operative, scholar and academic, and *NZ Herald* columnist **Matthew Hooton** has been appointed editor-in-chief of Stuff-owned Wellington newspaper and website t*he Post* and weekend newspaper the *Sunday Star-Times*.  
>  
> In a move described on Stuff’s own website today as a “bombshell”, Hooton replaces **Tracy Watkins**, who is becoming the director of communications at Business NZ.  
>  
> Other highly placed media and political sources reacted with shock and incredulity. “What the f\*\*\*?” said two sources, in separate conversations.  
>  
> In a press statement, Stuff described Hooton as “New Zealand’s most experienced, exciting and intellectually engaged political and business commentator.”  
>  
> Hooton, who is not trained as a journalist, himself said in the statement: “Some may see this as a bold appointment...”  
>  
> He is a former Young Nat who has worked for the party under the leaderships of **Jim Bolger**, **Don Brash** and **Todd Muller** in various roles; he is also a former adviser for ACT.  
>  
> Hooton was an outspoken advocate for the National Party caucus to replace **Simon Bridges** with Muller in 2020, a leadership spill that ultimately ended painfully and dismally for Muller and the party.  
>  
> NZ Herald

[Read More](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/media-insider/media-insider-former-national-party-staffer-matthew-hooton-appointed-editor-in-chief-of-the-post-and-sunday-star-times/premium/JSWGJR45LNAZLKHNH36B62JUX4/?ref=goodoil.news)