Ownership & classification
Founded: 1863
Ownership
The New Zealand Herald is Auckland's daily newspaper, founded in 1863 by William Chisholm Wilson. It is owned by NZME (New Zealand Media and Entertainment), a publicly listed company on the NZX and ASX formed in 2014 from APN News & Media's New Zealand operations, The Radio Network and GrabOne; NZME has no single controlling shareholder and is held by institutional and retail investors.
Funding
Financed commercially through advertising and a digital subscription/paywall (NZ Herald Premium), with no state funding.
Affiliation & stance
The Herald has a broadly center to center-right editorial lean but is editorially independent. Because it is owned by a publicly traded commercial media company (NZME) with no party, government or single-owner control over its newsroom, it is classified INDEPENDENT.
Editorial lean
- Our estimate
- Lean Conservative
- Measured from coverage
- Centerbased on 270
70/100
Factual
68/100
Objective
302
Articles
302
reports
Factual: How accurately its articles report the facts, judged against primary sources and the cross-outlet consensus. Only articles that cite their sources are counted.
Objective: How neutral the writing is — whether reporting keeps the writer’s own preferences and opinions out of the article.
Recent coverage
Baby in critical condition after woman charged with attempted murder in alleged West Auckland stabbing
A baby is in critical condition after being stabbed during a triple assault in West Auckland, New Zealand. Police confirmed the incident occurred at a residence on Kirby Street in Glendene late on Sunday night. A 33-year-old woman has been charged with attempted murder in connection with the attack. The suspect is set to appear in court on Tuesday, though her initial hearing has been postponed until Wednesday. Two other individuals involved in the incident remain hospitalized, with one in serious but stable condition. Police emphasized the importance of maintaining the privacy of those affected and noted that all parties involved knew each other. Authorities are continuing their investigation into the circumstances surrounding the attack.
FlyDubai attack pilot was in NZ on student visa, police confirm
A pilot accused of assaulting his colleague on a FlyDubai flight spent 175 days in New Zealand during 2018/19 while holding a six-month student visa, according to police confirmation. The information highlights the individual’s recent presence in the country under temporary immigration status. The incident occurred aboard a commercial flight operated by FlyDubai, an airline based in the United Arab Emirates. Authorities have confirmed the pilot’s visa status but have not provided further details regarding the nature of the altercation or any ongoing legal proceedings.
'Idiotic': Mayor Brown blasts National's $1.75b Mill Rd promise
The article reports that Mayor Brown criticized National Party's $1.75 billion promise for the Mill Road infrastructure project, calling it 'idiotic.' The criticism suggests concerns over the feasibility, cost-effectiveness, or prioritization of the project. No specific details about the project’s scope, timeline, or alternative proposals were provided in the headline or teaser text. The tone implies skepticism toward the government's commitment, but no further substantiation or context was included.
Brilliant Ben Old goal not enough for All Whites in defeat to dominant Japan
The New Zealand national football team, the All Whites, suffered a defeat against Japan in a match where Ben Old scored a notable goal. Despite Old's performance, Japan's dominance throughout the game led to their victory. The result highlights the challenges faced by New Zealand in international football competitions against stronger teams.
Hazardous materials found in car that fled police 30km across Auckland
A vehicle containing hazardous materials was discovered after it had escaped police pursuit for 30 kilometers across Auckland. The incident involved law enforcement attempting to intercept the vehicle, which reportedly contained dangerous substances. Authorities confirmed the presence of hazardous materials but did not specify their exact nature. The event highlights concerns around the transportation of such materials and the challenges faced by police in tracking down vehicles that evade capture.
'Absolute carnage': Two dead, one seriously injured in Dairy Flat highway crash
A severe traffic collision occurred on a highway in Dairy Flat, resulting in two fatalities and one person being seriously injured. The incident has been described as 'absolute carnage,' highlighting the severity of the crash. Emergency services responded to the scene, and investigations are likely underway to determine the cause of the accident. Such incidents often raise concerns about road safety and driver behavior, prompting calls for increased attention to traffic regulations and infrastructure improvements.
Blather and bull****: What voters don’t want to hear at high-stakes leaders’ debate
The article discusses voter reactions to a high-stakes leaders' debate, focusing on the types of rhetoric and content that are unappealing to the electorate. It highlights concerns over excessive talk ('blather') and dishonesty ('bull****'), suggesting that voters prefer substantive and truthful discourse during such critical political discussions. The piece likely critiques the current state of political communication and emphasizes the importance of meaningful dialogue in shaping public opinion.
NZ Foreign Minister: If it’s not Winston Peters, then who?
The New Zealand Foreign Minister has raised questions about the absence of Winston Peters, the leader of the ACT Party, in discussions surrounding foreign policy. The statement implies a sense of uncertainty regarding who would take on the role or responsibilities typically associated with Peters in such matters. This comment comes amid ongoing political dynamics within New Zealand, where Peters' influence and involvement in various governmental decisions have been notable.
AC/DC drummer Phil Rudd's 'airborne' careless driving lands him in court
AC/DC drummer Phil Rudd has appeared in court after being charged with careless driving following an incident where he was described as 'airborne.' The case highlights concerns over road safety and the legal consequences of reckless behavior behind the wheel. While the specific details of the incident remain under investigation, the charge underscores the seriousness with which authorities treat dangerous driving practices. This case has sparked discussions about the responsibilities of public figures in adhering to traffic laws. The court appearance marks a significant step in determining the outcome of the charges against the musician.
Lawson returns to F1 points in chaotic Grand Prix in Malaysia
The article reports that Lawson returned to Formula One race points during a chaotic Malaysian Grand Prix. The event was marked by unpredictable conditions and incidents on the track, which affected multiple drivers' performances. While Lawson managed to secure points, the overall race was described as highly disorderly, with several safety concerns raised by officials. The outcome highlights the challenges faced by drivers under adverse racing conditions.
Two men jump into river after failing to stop for police, search underway
Two men jumped into a river after failing to stop for police, prompting a search operation. The incident occurred when the men did not comply with a police request to halt their vehicle. Authorities have launched a search to locate the individuals, who are considered missing. The situation highlights potential risks associated with non-compliance during law enforcement interactions. No further details were provided regarding the men’s identities or the specific location of the incident.
Golf: Tom Kim reveals Tiger Woods text that inspired him to gold
Tom Kim, a professional golfer, has revealed that a message from Tiger Woods played a significant role in inspiring him to win gold in his recent competition. The article highlights the influence of Woods, a legendary figure in golf, on younger athletes like Kim. It emphasizes the personal connection between the two players and how such interactions can impact an athlete's performance. The piece focuses on the emotional and motivational aspects of Kim's victory, linking it directly to the encouragement he received from Woods.
'I just can’t believe it': Shock as three family members dead at South Auckland home
An article reports on a tragic incident in South Auckland where three family members were found dead at their residence. The headline emphasizes the shock and disbelief of those involved, highlighting the emotional impact of the event. The article focuses on the immediate aftermath and the community's reaction, without providing detailed information about the cause of death or any ongoing investigations. It serves as a brief update on the situation, capturing the gravity of the loss and the sense of tragedy surrounding the incident.










