NZOwnership & 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 219
70/100
Factual
68/100
Objective
263
Articles
256
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
Political stop-start has cost $11.8b in infrastructure waste
The article highlights concerns over significant financial waste due to political instability in New Zealand's infrastructure projects, estimating a total cost of $11.8 billion. It suggests that frequent changes in policy direction and decision-making delays have led to inefficiencies and wasted resources. The focus is on how inconsistent governance has impacted large-scale development initiatives. While the article presents the issue as a major economic concern, it does not provide specific examples or detailed breakdowns of which projects were affected.
Europe records more than 30,000 deaths from blistering heatwaves - so far
The article reports that Europe has recorded over 30,000 deaths linked to extreme heatwaves so far this year. The focus is on the severe impact of these heatwaves, particularly highlighting the human toll. While the article provides data on mortality rates, it does not delve into specific countries affected, underlying causes of the heatwaves, or potential mitigation strategies. The tone is factual but emphasizes the gravity of the situation, suggesting a concern over climate-related health risks.
NZFW: 'Don't come and be boring' - Pacific Fusion's euphoric finale for day 5
The article reports on the final show of Pacific Fusion at the New Zealand Fashion Week (NZFW), highlighting the event's energetic and vibrant conclusion on day five. The headline suggests a call for attendees to avoid being dull, emphasizing the show's dynamic and engaging nature. The piece focuses on the atmosphere and impact of the finale, capturing the excitement and creativity associated with the fashion presentation.
Elected board members may have cheated in election, council CEO concedes
The CEO of a local council has admitted that there may have been instances of cheating in the recent election for board members. This admission raises concerns about the integrity of the electoral process and could lead to further investigations into the matter. The issue highlights potential vulnerabilities in the system used for electing board members and may prompt calls for reforms to ensure fairer elections. The CEO's acknowledgment suggests that there is evidence or allegations that require closer examination.
'Extended surveillance': Motorist takes AT to court over parking cameras and $85 in fines
A motorist in New Zealand has taken the Auckland Transport (AT) agency to court over the use of parking cameras and associated fines. The individual received $85 in penalties for alleged violations captured by the automated enforcement system. The case centers around concerns regarding the extent of surveillance conducted through these cameras and whether the enforcement practices comply with legal standards. This legal challenge highlights growing public scrutiny of automated traffic monitoring systems and their implications for privacy and due process.
'It feels like we stepped into a trap': Buyers count cost of property slump
The article discusses the impact of the current property market downturn on buyers in New Zealand. Many individuals who purchased homes during the housing boom are now facing financial strain due to falling property values and rising interest rates. Some buyers express regret over their decisions, feeling they were lured into a situation where they overpaid for properties that have since lost value. The economic pressures are particularly evident in regions where property prices have dropped significantly, leading to concerns about long-term financial stability for homeowners.
Mauao tragedy: Report warned of deadly risks – 4 councillors didn't read it
The article reports on the Mauao tragedy, highlighting that a previous safety report had warned of deadly risks associated with the area. It states that four local council members failed to review this report, potentially contributing to the incident. The focus is on the council's oversight and the implications of their actions regarding public safety.
Government to retain Labour's clean car standard for imported high-emissions vehicles
The New Zealand government has decided to retain the Clean Car Standard, which imposes fees on importers for bringing high-emission vehicles into the country. The policy, originally introduced by the previous government, charges importers $15 per gram of excess tailpipe emissions for new vehicles and $7.50 for used vehicles. Although the government previously reduced penalties by 80% due to supply constraints, a review concluded that the standard remains the most cost-effective way to increase access to lower-emission vehicles. While the government has not finalized new emission limits, it plans to work with the motor industry to establish 'realistic and achievable' settings. The review also includes separate targets for used vehicle imports, acknowledging their older technology. The current standards will remain in place until early 2028, with updated targets expected by mid-2027.
Flu-related hospitalisations in Auckland double in space of a week
Flu-related hospitalizations in Auckland have doubled in a single week as the country's flu season begins later than usual. Dr. Hannah Cooper from PHF Science noted a sharp increase in cases, with the rate rising to 3.781 per 100,000 people by the week ending 9 August, up from 1.574 the previous week. While still within normal seasonal ranges, the surge coincided with colder weather prompting indoor gatherings and increased virus transmission. Public awareness has risen due to at-home testing options, and the current flu strains align well with the vaccine. Emergency departments across New Zealand, including Wellington, are experiencing severe strain, with St. John declaring a 'major incident' due to a sudden spike in demand. Nurses report overcrowded emergency rooms and strained resources, with patients increasingly turning to EDs when GP appointments are unavailable.
Report on Mt Maunganui landslide risk unread: Tauranga City Council
A report highlighting a high risk of death from landslides at a local campground in Tauranga was prepared and circulated but not read by Tauranga City Council members. The report, which was part of an August 2025 council agenda, was never presented or discussed, leading to a deadly landslide that killed six people five months later. Retired High Court Justice Paul Davison KC noted that while the information was received and filed, it was not acted upon. Council chief executive Marty Grenfell stated that senior staff did not see the reports, claiming they remained at an operational level and were not escalated. The council admitted the report cost over $12,000 and claimed the meeting was canceled due to attendance issues, though the reason for not rescheduling remains unclear. Local activist Erika Harvey criticized the council's lack of accountability, comparing the situation to a 'governance failure' and calling for responsibility.
Spark boss defends bonus, brushes aside departure talk as shares jump
The chief executive of Spark, a major telecommunications company in New Zealand, has defended their recent bonus payment while dismissing speculation about their potential departure from the company. The CEO's comments came amid a rise in Spark's share price, suggesting positive market sentiment towards the leadership's decisions. The article highlights the CEO's stance on the bonus, which appears to be a point of discussion among stakeholders, and indicates that there is currently no confirmation regarding any changes in leadership. The increase in shares could reflect investor confidence in the company's direction under current management.
Less property, more mining: Shane Jones wants fast track change
The article discusses New Zealand's Minister of Resources and Water, Shane Jones, proposing changes to streamline the process for developing mineral resources. The proposal aims to reduce bureaucratic hurdles and expedite mining projects, shifting focus from property development to resource extraction. This initiative has sparked debate among environmental groups and industry stakeholders, highlighting tensions between economic growth and environmental protection. The proposed changes would require legislative action and could impact land-use planning policies.
Yesterday Luxon won, again. Who lost?
The article discusses the recent internal turmoil within New Zealand's National Party, focusing on Prime Minister Christopher Luxon's continued dominance despite threats of a caucus revolt. Similar to a previous incident in April, Luxon managed to quell dissent and secure full support from his party members. The narrative highlights the repetitive nature of these events, drawing comparisons to a 'cruel existential test.' The piece critiques the internal dynamics of the party, suggesting that potential challengers to Luxon lacked both strategy and resolve. It references Mike Hosking's commentary, emphasizing that those plotting against Luxon were ultimately less effective. The article also notes the challenges of removing a leader under New Zealand's Mixed Member Proportional (MMP) electoral system, including managing coalition relationships and timing considerations ahead of an upcoming election.