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 Right
- Measured from coverage
- Centerbased on 125
80/100
Factual
77/100
Objective
262
Articles
253
reports
Top stories
Most covered right now
Grey power politics
The top tidbits and takeaways from New Zealand’s first Michelin ceremony
Twenty-four arrests, drugs, guns and cash seized in year long police operation across North Island
One dead after five overdose on fantasy in separate incidents
'Crying out to be heard': How the manosphere is hurting Kiwi boys
Widespread fibre outage in central Auckland suburbs
Tim Payne’s 50 best moments from New Zealand vs Iran, ranked
‘Slid on the road’: Diesel spill sends drivers skidding, causes delays on busy Auckland road
One person taken to hospital in critical condition following alleged assault
Recent coverage
'Unacceptable': Ex-Lotto presenter on leave with full pay from Govt job for five years
An ex-Lotto presenter has criticized the practice of taking leave with full pay from a government job for five years, calling it 'unacceptable.' The individual, who previously worked as a presenter on the popular New Zealand game show Lotto, expressed concerns over the financial implications and potential misuse of public resources. The comment comes amid ongoing discussions about government employment practices and transparency in public sector benefits. While the article highlights the individual’s criticism, it does not provide specific details about the government job in question or the broader context of such leave policies.
El Niño is here! What’s El Niño, again?
El Niño has been officially declared in New Zealand by Earth Sciences New Zealand (ESNZ), marking a significant climatic shift. The phenomenon involves weakened trade winds leading to warmer waters in the eastern Pacific and cooler waters in the western Pacific, resulting in drier conditions in eastern New Zealand and increased rainfall in the west. ESNZ forecasts a 'strong' or even 'super' El Niño, with sea surface temperatures expected to rise significantly. This could lead to heightened risks of drought and wildfires, especially impacting regions like Christchurch, which recently had its driest May on record. Scientists warn that New Zealand may have underestimated its vulnerability to extreme droughts, citing historical events like the 1914-15 drought. However, experts note that not all El Niño events result in droughts, nor do all droughts occur during El Niño. While some European heatwaves have been linked to El Niño, scientific analyses suggest they are primarily driven by climate change rather than El Niño alone.
Local board votes for widespread intensification in Auckland's central suburbs
Residents of Auckland's central suburbs, such as Mount Eden, Kingsland, and Epsom, have strongly opposed a proposed plan to allow high-density housing developments, including 15-storey apartment blocks, in areas known for their historic character. The plan aims to address the government's requirement for building 1.4 million new homes, especially near public transport and the city center. Two options were put forward for public consultation: Option A, meeting the minimum requirements, and Option B, involving broader intensification. Most submitters opposed both options, citing concerns about the removal of special character status for nearly 5,000 homes, increased flood risks due to aging infrastructure, and potential environmental damage. Residents highlighted issues such as outdated wastewater systems and the dangers posed by flooding, referencing past experiences during the 2023 Auckland Anniversary floods. Some community members argued that preserving these historic areas is crucial to maintaining Auckland's unique identity.
Iconic chocolate returns to Kiwi shelves after five-year wait
An iconic New Zealand chocolate brand has returned to local shelves after a five-year absence. The product, which was previously unavailable due to supply chain issues or production challenges, is now available again in stores across the country. Consumers have expressed excitement at its return, highlighting its nostalgic value and quality. The re-launch marks a positive development for the brand and its loyal customer base.
'Mind-boggling greed': BNZ staff stunned as key benefits cut for workers
The NZ Herald reports that BNZ employees were surprised by significant reductions in their workplace benefits, which they described as indicative of 'mind-boggling greed.' The cuts reportedly affect various employee perks, leading to dissatisfaction among staff. The article highlights the impact of these changes on workers' morale and financial stability. No specific figures or detailed explanations for the benefit cuts are provided in the article.
Flavell urges Te Pāti Māori leadership change amid 'infighting'
The article reports that Flavell, a prominent figure associated with Te Pāti Māori, has called for a leadership change within the party due to internal conflicts described as 'infighting.' The piece highlights concerns about the party's stability and effectiveness, suggesting that current leadership may be hindered by factional disputes. No specific details about the nature of the infighting or proposed solutions are provided. The focus is on the potential impact of leadership dynamics on the party's performance and cohesion.
Do your research: Organisation issues warning to Kiwis moving to Queensland
The article warns New Zealanders considering relocation to Queensland, Australia, to conduct thorough research before making the move. It highlights potential challenges such as differences in healthcare systems, cultural norms, and cost of living. The piece emphasizes the importance of understanding local regulations and community dynamics to ensure a smoother transition. While the article provides practical advice, it does not offer specific resources or detailed guidance on how to prepare for life in Queensland.
More than 5000 teens fail NCEA numeracy test four times or more
Over 5000 New Zealand teenagers failed the NCEA numeracy test four times or more by the end of 2023, according to a report by the Qualifications Authority. The report noted that 2508 students struggled with the reading test and 2687 with the writing test under the same criteria. Students must pass all three components—literacy, numeracy, and writing—or complete 20 credits in approved standards to earn NCEA certificates. While most students passed via the online co-requisite pathway, some schools emphasized the need for the alternative pathway due to difficulties with online testing. The report highlighted a trend toward earlier engagement with literacy and numeracy skills, with 75% of Year 10 students participating in co-requisite assessments in 2025. The government plans to replace NCEA Level 1 with a foundation certificate in literacy and numeracy by 2030.
'This proposal is extreme': $400m vision for Devonport divides locals
The article discusses a $400 million development proposal for Devonport in New Zealand that has sparked controversy among local residents. The plan involves significant infrastructure changes and urban redevelopment, which some describe as extreme. Local opinions are divided, with concerns raised about the impact on community life, environment, and existing services. Supporters argue the project could bring economic benefits and modernization, while critics emphasize the need for more sustainable and inclusive planning. The debate highlights tensions between growth-oriented policies and local priorities.
Michael Laws to announce candidacy for NZ First tomorrow morning
The article announces that Michael Laws will formally declare his candidacy for the New Zealand First party tomorrow morning. The piece provides minimal detail beyond the announcement itself, focusing primarily on the upcoming event. As there are no additional specifics regarding Laws' platform, previous political involvement, or the broader implications of his candidacy, the summary captures the core information presented. No further context or commentary is included.
Helen Clark: Plan Change 120 targets the wrong suburbs to create affordable housing
The article criticizes Helen Clark, a former New Zealand Prime Minister, for her involvement in Plan Change 120, which is accused of targeting the wrong suburbs for creating affordable housing. The piece suggests that the plan's focus areas do not effectively address the need for affordable housing, potentially exacerbating issues in other regions. While the article highlights concerns about the strategic placement of housing initiatives, it does not provide specific data or detailed policy analysis to support these claims. The tone implies skepticism toward the effectiveness of the plan, but lacks comprehensive evidence or alternative viewpoints.
Minister to hold urgent meetings after airborne asbestos found in play sand
A minister has announced plans to hold urgent meetings following the discovery of airborne asbestos in play sand. The presence of asbestos in materials used for children's play areas raises serious health concerns, particularly regarding exposure risks for young children. Asbestos is a hazardous material linked to severe respiratory diseases, including mesothelioma and lung cancer. The situation has prompted immediate action from authorities to address potential contamination and ensure public safety. Investigations into the source and extent of the contamination are likely underway.
Watch: Waikato Hospital witness says staff 'set up to fail' on night man died
A witness at Waikato Hospital has claimed that hospital staff were 'set up to fail' during the night shift when a man died. The report highlights concerns about systemic issues within the hospital's operations, suggesting that staffing and procedural challenges contributed to the tragic outcome. The incident has sparked discussions about patient safety and the adequacy of healthcare resources. No specific details about the cause of death or further investigations have been provided in the article.
Overlooked
Under-reported & one-sided
