Fairfax NZ wins in London

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Fairfax Media NZ won in three categories at the 2016 International News Media Association Awards in London last night – more than any other company, taking out Best Use of Video, Best Use of Consumer Research and Best New Corporate Innovation Initiative. 

The judges also selected Fairfax Media’s editorial transformation project entry as the Best in Asia/Pacific award-winner.

Fairfax Media NZ managing director Simon Tong said being recognised to this degree is a remarkable feat for a New Zealand-based operation competing on the global stage.

“The INMA Global Media Awards represent the very best of news media companies’ work to grow audience, revenue and brand,” he said. “To see our name among some amazing international brands like The Wall Street Journal, London’s Evening Standard and The Economist makes me immensely proud of our success on the world stage.

“These accolades reaffirm our world-class approach – something that wouldn’t be possible without the talented people we have at Fairfax Media.”

Fairfax editorial transformational project, News Rewired, saw the reorganisation of newsrooms to deliver quality content – in all forms – to audiences. With a new ‘modern newsroom’ in place, there was a 300% increase in the number of digital stories almost overnight.


“Stuff became New Zealand’s #1 website – not just in news, but the number one domestic site of any kind.”

The Waikato Times and Stuff.co.nz won Best Use of Video for their All In campaign. “Ben Strang and team took a cinematic approach to tell the inspiring story of a high school girls’ rugby team, highlighting women’s sport, Tong said.

“Optimised for a social audience, footage was shared around the world and resulted in a surge of interest from girls across New Zealand wanting to be involved in the sport.”

The Best Use of Consumer Research award was won for a project that aimed to create world class community newspapers. Insights from the comprehensive research were used to redesign and reinvigorate Fairfax Media’s stable of community newspapers, resulting in positive feedback from readers at “unprecedented” levels.

Fairfax Media NZ also placed second in the Best Use of Data Analytics category for Touchpoint NPS Research and third in Best Idea to Grow Advertising Sales or Retain Advertising Clients for Melbourne Cup Incentive Programme.

“Congratulations to our team on their success,” Tong said. “They should be incredibly proud of their achievements.”


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