Launch Of NZ's First Online Men's Magazine

Launch Of New Zealand's First Online Men's Magazine

Attachments below:

General news release
Backgrounder on fire-engine.co.nz
Profile on site editor, Oscar Kightley

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http://www.fire-engine.co.nz

NEW ZEALAND¹S FIRST ONLINE MEN¹S MAGAZINE LAUNCHES TODAY
New Zealand men have their say on www.fire-engine.co.nz

From today, Kiwi men will be able to voice their opinions across the country, with the launch of New Zealand¹s first interactive, online magazine for men, www.fire-engine.co.nz.

fire-engine aims to be the leading male lifestyle and information site in New Zealand. Based on building an online community rather than pushing products and services or selling advertising, the free site offers irreverent and humorous commentary on sports, girls, men¹s health, entertainment and more,

The site is edited by renown Samoan actor, script writer and star of the television sports show, Off Side, Oscar Kightley, and backed by leading global and New Zealand brands such as Lion Red, Sony Music, Sony PlayStation and Columbia Tri-star.

"We are the Kiwi version of FHM or Loaded, without all the advertising and subscription fees", said Oscar Kightley, editor of fire-engine.co.nz. "We are not selling pages of editorial and advertising, we are providing a forum for Kiwi guys to have their say.

"There are plenty of men¹s magazines around, but most of them are aimed at Aussies, Brits and Americans. The Kiwi male is unique and fire-engine is the first men¹s magazine site tailored directly to them ­ it speaks their language and understands their culture".

fire-engine provides a platform for Kiwi guys to provide comment, submit stories, share experiences and offer opinion on everything from the All Black test selection through to the best way to cook mince, from the hottest bars in Hamilton to funny jokes and great pick up lines.

No subscription fees are charged to view the site, and funding is from sponsors who are carefully selected to fit the aspirational values and culture of the site.

Viewers who register as members receive a personalised home page, their own fire-engine email address and access to great competitions and prize draws.

"Instead of hanging around the coffee machine or phoning their mates for a chat, guys will be able to log on to fire-engine.co.nz for a one stop, quick hit lifestyle and entertainment fix", said Oscar. "We will be continually updating the site, so there will always be something new to read, look at or comment on."

- ENDS ­

Oscar Kightley is available for interview from the 6th November 2000. To set up an interview or for more information on the site, please contact: Jackie Fairbairn at fire-engine.co.nz on 09 300 3920 or 025 246 2505.

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FIRE-ENGINE.CO.NZ

BACKGROUNDER

- fire-engine.co.nz launches on 6 November 2000

- fire-engine.co.nz is operated by IT Media.

- IT Media owns and publishes Rip It Up, Crème, New Zealand Rugby World, New Zealand Fishing World and NZ Business Times. Content from these titles is edited for publication on the fire-engine site.

- The fire-engine site is edited by New Zealand entertainment star, Oscar Kightley

- Registered members of fire-engine.co.nz receive access to a personalised home page and a fire-engine email address, the ability to enter competitions and the right to submit information for publication online.

- fire-engine.co.nz is sponsored by Lion Red, Sony PlayStation, Sony Music and Columbia-Tristar.

- fire-engine charges no subscription fees and is free to all viewers.

- ENDS -

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OSCAR KIGHTLEY FIRE-ENGINE SITE EDITOR

Thirty-year old Oscar Kightley is one of New Zealand¹s leading entertainment gurus.

With a background in acting, scriptwriting and journalism, Oscar is perfectly suited to his new role as site editor of New Zealand¹s first online, interactive men¹s magazine. www.fire-engine.co.nz.

Oscar started his career in journalism at the Auckland Star and the Sunday Star. A stint in radio journalism with IRN was followed by a year working in the Publicity Department of TV3.

Working in a television studio opened doors for Oscar, and he started his acting career on the teenage magazine show "Life in the Fridge exists". Stage productions were the next step and Oscar honed his acting and playwriting skills with the Pacific Island Theatre Group, "Pacific Underground".

Further television work was also commissioned and Oscar starred in both Telelaughs and Skitz on TV3, as well as working as a storyliner on Shortland Street.

More recently, Oscar formed the comedy group "Naked Samoans", which took the country by storm with its critically acclaimed performances.

Oscar¹s latest claim to fame is as the presenter of Off Side, a television series dedicated to providing a humorous perspective on the Super 12, and last year¹s surprise TV hit.

Of Samoan heritage, Oscar is often asked to provide social commentary on New Zealand and Samoan culture, and often appears on "Breakfast" on TV One.

Oscar¹s next celebrity appearance will be on Thursday 9 November in the Great TV3 Comedy Debate, "We live in the greatest little country in the world", live at the Bruce Mason Centre.

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