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  "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.",
  "path": "/face-of-the-day-1507/",
  "publishedAt": "2026-06-15T18:30:34.000Z",
  "site": "https://goodoil.news",
  "tags": [
    "Read More"
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  "textContent": "> 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_.\n>\n> 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.\n>\n> Other highly placed media and political sources reacted with shock and incredulity. “What the f***?” said two sources, in separate conversations.\n>\n> In a press statement, Stuff described Hooton as “New Zealand’s most experienced, exciting and intellectually engaged political and business commentator.”\n>\n> Hooton, who is not trained as a journalist, himself said in the statement: “Some may see this as a bold appointment...”\n>\n> 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.\n>\n> 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.\n>\n> NZ Herald\n\nRead More",
  "title": "Face of the Day",
  "updatedAt": "2026-06-15T18:30:33.797Z"
}