The Oamaru based role will include both directing North Otago coverage in the Otago Daily Times and editing the new weekly Oamaru Mail.
Mr Meikle (38) moves from the role of ODT sports editor, which he has held since 2008. He has worked from the Oamaru office for the past 12 months.
Mr Meikle said he was excited about the appointment and the future of both the ODT and the Oamaru Mail in North Otago.
''I am a proud North Otago man, born and raised, and accepting this role is a hugely exciting step in my career.
''The ODT, in both print and digital forms, is committed to increasing its coverage of the province.
''There is also a fantastic opportunity to start a new look Oamaru Mail and deliver lots of quality local news to the community.''
Chris Tobin, currently editor of the Oamaru Mail, has been appointed chief reporter.
Mr Meikle was educated at Waitaki Boys' High School.
After completing his journalism studies at Aoraki Polytechnic, he worked as a sports reporter at the Otago Daily Times from 1998 to 2000, before spending 15 months at the Oamaru Mail.
He returned to the ODT in 2002 and spent four years (2004-08) as rugby writer before rising to sports editor.
Mr Meikle is married to Saskia and has three children, including two stepchildren.
