Charles Mabbett: our new Media and Eye On Asia editor

 Former Asia New Zealand Foundation media adviser Charles Mabbett will be joining SMNZ  as Media and Eye on Asia Editor.Based in Wellington, Charles has worked as a journalist for NZPA, RNZ,  Sydney's AAP and Yomiuri Shimbun out of the Japanese newspaper's Sydney office. He's also been a former broadcaster with stints at Radio Active 89FM and Wellington Access Radio.During his six years at the Asia New Zealand Foundation, Charles managed a media programme placing young New Zealand journalists with various Asian media organisations. He also helped implement the Foundation's social media strategy as well as its media outreach programme.Charles will oversee the online and offline growth of our Media and Eye On Asia content and he will also help Social Media NZ develop and expand its outreach efforts in the Asia-Pacific region.Adding to his extensive journalistic experience, Charles also has an in-depth understanding the digital space, making him an enourmously valuable addition to the team."It's a coup for us,", says Social Media NZ creative director, John Lai."Charles will hit the ground running Monday next week and we're looking forward to having is experience and knowledge on the team"You can get in touch via his email regarding stories or interviews at charles@smnz.co.nz or you can follow and tweet him at @DocRaccoon