AUCKLAND, Today: Stuff Group’s subscriber news brands The Post, The Press and the Waikato Times have recorded strong audience growth over the past year, with new Nielsen data showing more New Zealanders are turning to trusted local journalism.
The latest figures reveal 1.6 million Kiwis now read the titles each month across print and digital, highlighting growing demand for credible reporting from established local news brands.
Business and politics-focused title The Post saw audiences across print and digital grow 16% year-on-year, reinforcing its position as one of the country’s fastest-growing national news brands.
South Island publication The Press recorded even stronger growth, with its audience rising 21% over the past year as the masthead expands its reach and coverage across the region.
The Waikato Times also delivered solid gains in print, with average readership per issue increasing 14.5% in the year to December, showing continued strength for the brand among regional audiences.
“Our subscribers and advertisers ensure we can have a positive impact in the lives of New Zealanders by telling their stories and holding our elected representatives accountable.” – Sinead Boucher, Owner and Publisher
Across its subscriber news brands, Stuff recorded a 19% increase in digital audiences during 2025, alongside a 37% jump in digital subscriptions as more readers shift online.
Including stuff.co.nz and its fast-growing subscriber platforms, Stuff Group now reaches 3.5 million New Zealanders aged 15 and over every month.
Owner and Publisher Sinead Boucher says the results show audiences are increasingly seeking credible, trusted news sources at a time when misinformation is widespread online.
“The proliferation of fake news and video across global platforms is reinforcing the value of credible media organisations which invest in strong local journalism and communities,” she says.
“Our subscribers and advertisers ensure we can have a positive impact in the lives of New Zealanders by telling their stories and holding our elected representatives accountable.”
Stuff’s magazine portfolio also recorded growth in the latest readership results, with several titles continuing to strengthen their audience base.
“It is now almost three years since we launched our digital news sites and their reach has grown exponentially in that time, with almost 60% of readers now consuming their journalism online.” – Sinead Boucher, Owner and Publisher
NZ Gardener lifted readership 6.5% year-on-year, while NZ House & Garden also recorded a 6.5% increase in readership compared with the previous quarter.
Stuff Masthead Publishing Managing Director Joanna Norris says publications seeing the strongest growth are those delivering distinctive, relevant content that connects with New Zealand audiences.
“It is now almost three years since we launched our digital news sites and their reach has grown exponentially in that time, with almost 60% of readers now consuming their journalism online.
“The Post is the country’s fastest growing national news brand, and in an election year, it is speaking to a highly infl uential audience of decision makers across the country. The Press has expanded its coverage throughout the South Island and it refl ects the confi dence of what is now New Zealand’s most prosperous region.”
¹Nielsen CMI Q1 24-Q4 24 Jan 25 vs Q1 25 – Q4 25 Jan 26
²Nielsen National Readership Report Newspaper Toplines Q1 25 – Q4 25
³Stuffsubscription data
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