... is here.

2009 sees NZPWI celebrating its 10th anniversary, and we’re giving our readers the gift of a brand new site. And not just a contemporary look either; NZPWI has a raft of new features.

The update has been planned since last year, as we realised we were coming up on somewhat of a milestone. While all NZPWI staff have had a hand in the discussions regarding the new look and features, the work itself has been undertaken by NZPWI Founder & Owner, Dion McCracken. I scarcely need tell you what a mammoth task it has been. And a big shout-out to Jon “SwantonEdge” Berry for designing our fantastic new logo and banner.

In keeping with this modern world and fast-moving computer age, NZPWI has progressed with the times and set itself up on Facebook and Twitter. We also have regular RSS feeds - all the better to keep fans and readers as up-to-date as possible with All Things Wrestling in New Zealand, so make sure you check us out, add us to your Facebook friends and follow our tweets.

And – although it’s our birthday – we have another gift for two lucky readers: front row, ringside seats to the live RAW show in Auckland on July 3. Any purchase from the NZPWI Store puts you in the draw, and since the Store is having a huge sale, it’s win-win!

Also marking the occasion of our 10th anniversary we have NZPWI veteran Troy Rawhiti-Forbes, who has undertaken the more-than-slightly daunting task of putting together a regular feature counting down the top stars and most memorable moments from 1999 – 2009. Again, while NZPWI staff have all been involved in the discussions regarding those lists (sometimes, quite vociferously!), the task of actually penning each piece (and having the final say over the lists… usually this meant Troy putting his foot down quite firmly to stop the squabbling), fell to Troy. Part I and Part II have been published, so make sure you check them out.

In between dodging crazed Fat Freddy’s Drop and hip-hop fans, Simon Sweetman has managed to slip in several reviews and blogs around his New Zealand Music Month marathon on Stuff. His latest NZPWI blog did cause me to become quite concerned as I read through it, but it all ended up rather well. If you’re wondering what the hell I’m talking about, it’s because… nope, you’ll have to go and read it for yourself.

We’ve had some interesting Gimme Five’s lately. Simon, who thinks up the questions, has been making sure we keep our thinking caps on; we’ve had the Yes/No Gimmick Edition, a special WrestleMania edition, we’ve been joined by reality TV star Johnny Fairplay, as well as having fun with a Reader’s Questions WrestleMania Special edition. And it doesn’t end there. Coming up we have another rather unique gimmick edition, and we are joined by a very special guest.

There’s been a lot to shout about in the NZ Scene lately hasn’t there? IPW’s weekly show, Ignition, has gone nationwide with lots of viewing options, including streaming the episodes online. The show is well worth checking out, especially if, like me, you’re not able to catch them live very often. Speaking of which, Genesis is coming up this weekend, which sees not only IPW Heavyweight Champion “The Deal” Dal Knox defending his title in a Lights Out Death Match, but the return of former Commissioner Daddy Cool, returning to Battle For Power with PWE’s Justin Lane.

Former WWE star Chris Masters was out here for NZWPW’s Power Play in April, during which time he sat down for a chat and some eggs with our own David Dunn. It’s a great interview, well worth checking out.

Also on the Wellington scene, KPW’s Rise of the Champions saw Kade Morgan and Shane Whitehead take home the KPW Tag Team Championship during the show’s huge Tag Team Tournament.

Speaking of the New Zealand scene, current affairs show 20/20 is producing a documentary about the sport in this country. Our own Dion McCracken was interviewed for the piece, along with people from IPW, NZWPW and KPW. And they’re not the only ones; another documentary is also being produced focusing on the history of professional wrestling in New Zealand. A Kiwi Century On The Mat will be definitely worth a look when it’s completed.

We’re still on the hunt for a new TV & Newsboard Reporter. We’ve put out the call a few times now and while we’ve had some decent applicants, we’ve still not been able to find quite the right person for the job. David will be moving to a columnist position once we do find that person, and I for one am very much looking forward to what he’ll produce in this new capacity. So if you think you have what it takes, or know of someone who does, have a read of the position description and get in touch!

I’m keeping this one reasonably short because you’ll be wanting to take in the new site and all its features. The Editorials will be published with more frequency and regularity from now on however, and as such I’m still seeking your input with Letters To The Editor. What do you think of the new site? Got any suggestions for new features you’d like to see? Perhaps there’s something you’d like us to try?  Even if you just want to offer an opinion for discussion, email , or chat with us via Facebook or Twitter. We’re everywhere you want us to be!

Enjoy the new look, and I’ll catch you next time.