AUCKLAND, Today: The Otago Daily Times has taken out Metropolitan Newspaper of the Year at the 2024 Voyager Media Awards, alongside three other major wins — including Best Editorial Campaign.
That campaign, Our Health is Priceless, was all about the Dunedin Hospital cuts. The ODT team exposed hidden documents and government plans that could have gutted services across the lower South Island.
Their reporting sparked public outrage and led to a 35,000-person protest through Dunedin, with people holding ODT posters in the air. The pressure forced the government to reverse its worst proposed cuts.
Editor Paul McIntyre said that he was “immensely proud” of the results.
“The day of the march against cuts to the new Dunedin hospital when 35,000 took to the streets was a reminder that the media has the power to move people and make a difference.
“You can’t win these awards without the hard work from our team of dedicated journalists across the region – it’s a real team effort.” – Paul McIntyre
“Our coverage in the year prior to the march and online throughout the day ensured our readers were aware of the proposed cuts to the new hospital,” McIntyre said.
The judges were on the same page: “In a tightly-contested category, ‘Our Health is Priceless’ had the edge for its laser focus on holding the government to account over the future of Dunedin Hospital.
“Bold front page treatments and scoop after scoop kept locals informed, and the community was mobilised to march in the streets.”
ODT also picked up wins for Best Photography – News (Stephen Jaquiery) and Local Journalist of the Year (Matthew Littlewood).
The judging panel praised the paper’s strong local focus and impact. Their ability to break region-first stories that mattered nationally gave them the edge across several categories.
“You can’t win these awards without the hard work from our team of dedicated journalists across the region – it’s a real team effort,” McIntyre said.
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