25+
Years in Media & Entertainment
20+
Years Creating Content Online
100+
Reviews, Interviews & Event Features Published
Kia ora koutou, I’m Kate Taylor, the founder and editor of OTK Magazine, a New Zealand and Australian entertainment and lifestyle publication dedicated to helping readers discover what to watch, what to eat, where to go, and what experiences are worth saying yes to.
I’m an entertainment writer, film reviewer, actor and content creator who also happens to be a movie lover, traveller, wife, proud aunty and cat mum to Rafa and believes life is far too short to save the good things for later.
For more than twenty years I’ve been creating content in one form or another, and for more than a decade I’ve worked professionally across media, publishing, social media, copywriting, community management and digital communications.
These days I’m also navigating what it means to be in my mid-forties and genuinely excited about the decades ahead. OTK Magazine has grown alongside me, evolving from a personal blog into a publication that celebrates entertainment, adventure, creativity, curiosity and community.
From Music to Movies
My professional career began in the music industry in Australia in 1999.
At the beginning of my career in media, I was invoicing retailers and sending CDs across the country by the box load. Over the years I watched the industry evolve through physical media, DVDs, downloads, streaming and the digital transformation that completely changed the way people discover and consume entertainment. While a love for physical media is enjoying a resurgence, one thing is certain: vinyl never died.
I worked across music retail, distribution and media with organisations including Border Music NZ, Shock Records Australia and Satellite Media NZ, while contributing reviews, interviews and features to publications including Real Groove, Rip It Up, Groove Guide, Ambient Light, Junction Magazine, Bride & Groom Magazine, URBIS Magazine and GrownUps New Zealand.
Along the way I interviewed musicians, actors and creatives including Dave Bautista, Devin Townsend and members of Avenged Sevenfold while attending concerts, festivals, premieres and media events throughout New Zealand and Australia.
One Take Kate originally began as an online portfolio where I could showcase my published music writing in one place. As blogging emerged, the site evolved into a personal blog. As social media grew, the way stories were shared changed again. I’ve been fortunate enough to sit on the edge of every major shift in digital publishing over the last two decades and watch the media landscape continually reinvent itself.
A Bachelor of Communication and a Love of Storytelling
After years working in the music industry, I made the decision to return to study at Massey University to deepen my understanding of media, communications and marketing.
I graduated with a Bachelor of Communication, majoring in Media Studies and minoring in Marketing Communications, earning Merit recognition and specialist accreditation in emerging digital marketing and integrated marketing campaigns.
During my studies I developed a particular interest in film theory, genre studies, semiotics, audience behaviour, digital culture and storytelling. I became fascinated by the way films, television and media shape how we understand ourselves and the world around us.
While music opened the door to media, it was cinema that truly captured my heart.
Why OTK Magazine Exists
OTK Magazine helps everyday entertainment lovers discover movies, streaming, events, delicious food, travel experiences and pop culture worth their time and money.
We exist to celebrate stories, experiences and fandoms through reviews, recommendations and real-life adventures.
Whether you’ve arrived here looking for your next favourite film, a restaurant worth booking, a destination worth visiting, or simply a little inspiration for your next adventure, I’m glad you’re here.
There has never been more to watch, more places to visit, more experiences to try and more recommendations competing for your attention.
Our goal is simple: To help you decide what is worth saying yes to.
OTK Magazine exists to help readers cut through the noise and confidently choose experiences they’ll genuinely enjoy.
Life is busy. Time is precious.
Let’s spend both wisely.
Entertainment Industry Experience
One of my favourite parts of running OTK Magazine is the opportunity to experience the entertainment industry from multiple perspectives.
As a reviewer and entertainment journalist, I’ve attended film premieres, press events, screenings, concerts and festivals throughout New Zealand.
Career highlights include sharing red carpets and industry events with filmmakers and talent including Quentin Tarantino, Zoë Bell and Danny Boyle, being part of a press conference junket where I convinced Hugh Jackman to sing Metallica with me, and attending the New Zealand premiere of The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim at Hobbiton alongside Sir Peter Jackson, Andy Serkis and Miranda Otto.
As an actor, I’ve appeared in local and international productions including:
- Shortland Street
- Brokenwood Mysteries
- Ash vs Evil Dead
- One of Us Is Lying
- Homebound
- The Dream Ship
- The Ridge
- M3GAN 2.0
- Heart Eyes
- The Wrecking Crew
- A Minecraft Sequel (upcoming)
I’ve also worked on productions for Warner Bros. Discovery, Amazon, Great Southern Television and South Pacific Pictures.
Experiencing the industry from both sides of the camera gives me a unique perspective on storytelling, filmmaking and entertainment culture.
Life Beyond the Red Carpet
Outside of entertainment, I’m passionate about food, travel, improving my home and garden, wellbeing, and making the most of everyday life.
I love cooking and baking, whether that’s creating my own recipes, experimenting with new ingredients, tackling a meal kit after work, or discovering restaurants and cafés worth recommending.
Travel is another lifelong passion. I’ve been fortunate enough to visit the United States, Australia, Canada, Fiji, Rarotonga, Tahiti and Thailand, while also spending countless hours exploring the incredible places that make Aotearoa so special.
My travel style is equal parts adventure and comfort. One weekend you’ll find me camping beside a lake, kayaking, hiking or visiting filming locations from The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit. The next, I’ll be enjoying a luxury hotel stay, a spa treatment or a beautiful resort experience.
I’m just as happy pitching a tent in the outdoors as I am checking into incredible properties like The Fullerton Hotel Sydney or TreeHouse Villas Koh Yao in Thailand.
Home, Health and the Next Chapter
My husband and I were fortunate to become first-home owners, opening up a whole new chapter of learning, creating and nesting.
We’re still at the beginning of that journey and excited to transform our home into a space that truly reflects who we are. From gardening and growing our own food to home improvement projects, interiors, organisation, landscaping and creating beautiful living spaces, there’s plenty still to come.
As a woman in her mid-forties, I’m increasingly interested in proactive wellbeing, skincare, movement, nutrition and finding products, services and experiences that help me feel my best. If they can save me time and deliver meaningful benefits in the process, that’s a welcome bonus.
I’m passionate about the idea of glowing up as we grow up and embracing every stage of life with curiosity, confidence and optimism.
Creativity Everywhere
Creativity has always been the common thread running through my life.
In recent years I’ve continued pursuing acting opportunities, becoming a recurring background nurse on Shortland Street while also appearing in a growing number of film and television productions.
More recently I’ve stepped further into the arts sector through my work with The PumpHouse Theatre, supporting local creativity and seeing first-hand the impact the arts have on communities every day.
Storytelling, performance, creativity and connection continue to shape both my professional life and personal passions.
Heart-Led Living
I’m heart-led in the work I choose to support.
Like many people, my life has included both extraordinary highs and significant challenges. I understand what it feels like to encounter obstacles and what it takes to keep moving forward.
Causes focused on children, families, women, community wellbeing, mental health, animals and creating opportunities for people to thrive will always have my attention.
Over the years I’ve supported, volunteered with or championed organisations including SPCA NZ, OKE Charity, Ronald McDonald House Charities NZ, Blind Low Vision NZ, KidsCan NZ, Mental Health Foundation of New Zealand, Dignity NZ, NZ Eid Day, I Am Hope, Orange Sky NZ, Eat My Lunch, Women’s Refuge, Sustainable Coastlines, North Shore Hospice, Breast Cancer Foundation NZ, Look Good Feel Better, Dress for Success Auckland, The Heart Foundation and many other organisations doing incredible work throughout New Zealand.
Work With OTK Magazine
OTK Magazine welcomes opportunities to collaborate with brands, studios, publicists, restaurants, tourism operators and organisations whose values align with our audience.
Areas of interest include:
- Brand Partnerships
- Movie, Streaming & Live Entertainment Reviews
- Event Coverage
- UGC Creation
- Sponsored & Advertorial Content
- Website Advertising Opportunities
- Speaking Opportunities
- Travel & Tourism Collaborations
- Product Reviews
- Restaurant Reviews
- Social Media Management Services
- Community Management & Moderation
- Content Calendar Creation
If you’d like to discuss a collaboration, I’d love to hear from you.
Contact
Email: therealkatetaylor@gmail.com
You can also connect with OTK Magazine across social media and follow along as we continue exploring the stories, experiences and adventures that make life worth talking about.
Whether it’s a movie premiere, a hidden café, a theatre production or a weekend adventure, I hope OTK Magazine helps you discover experiences worth saying yes to.
Thanks for stopping by. I’m glad you found us.
Helping you discover experiences worth saying yes to.
Kate Taylor – Founder & Editor, OTK Magazine.
