NZ Herald News: History, Bias, and Comparisons

Few newspapers have outlived their founders by more than a century, but the NZ Herald has done exactly that since 1863. Whether you’re new to Aotearoa or just trying to figure out which news source to trust, this guide breaks down the Herald’s ownership, political leanings, and how it stacks up against Stuff and RNZ.

Founded: 1863 ·
Owner: New Zealand Media and Entertainment (NZME) ·
Political leaning (perceived): Centrist to centre-right ·
Daily readership (print + digital): Over 1.5 million weekly unique users ·
Headquarters: Auckland ·
Primary language: English

Is the NZ Herald Left or Right?

New Zealand’s political spectrum doesn’t map neatly onto left–right labels, but readers often ask where the NZ Herald sits. The short answer is that the Herald’s editorial pages lean centre-right, while its news reporting aims for neutrality.

How does the Herald’s editorial stance compare to Stuff and RNZ?

Three outlets, three different models: here’s how they line up on ownership, funding, and perceived bias. The pattern is clear — each outlet’s editorial character is shaped by its financial structure.

The implication: the Herald’s commercial model forces it to balance credibility against shareholder returns, a tension that pushes opinion pages centre-right while news coverage stays neutral.

The pattern: The Herald’s editorial stance is best understood as reflecting its ownership structure. NZME, a publicly traded company, must balance journalistic credibility with shareholder returns. That tension pushes opinion pages toward the centre-right while news coverage stays broadly neutral.

What Is the Best News Source in New Zealand?

Choosing the “best” news source depends on what you value: breaking news speed, depth of analysis, or editorial independence. Here’s how the main players compare.

How does NZ Herald compare to Stuff?

Both are commercial digital publishers, but their ownership stories diverge sharply. Stuff was acquired by Nine (Australia) through the 2018 Fairfax merger and then sold in a 2020 management buyout for $1, making it 100% New Zealand-owned (Nine for Brands announcement). The Herald has been continuously published since 1863 and is now part of NZME, a company that also owns Newstalk ZB and The Hits.

Traffic-wise, the Herald remains the largest news website by unique visitors, followed by Stuff. RNZ, though smaller, punches above its weight on trust metrics.

What role does RNZ play in the news ecosystem?

RNZ is a non-commercial public-service broadcaster funded by Parliament. The New Zealand Treasury Crown entity listing classifies it as an independent public-service broadcaster. It does not run advertising and focuses on in-depth reporting, documentary, and news.

The trade-off: RNZ provides the highest editorial independence but lacks the scale to break local stories as fast as the Herald. For breaking news, the Herald and Stuff dominate; for context, RNZ leads.

Who Owns the NZ Herald and What Is Its History?

The NZ Herald’s ownership journey is a story of family control, public listing, and corporate consolidation.

How did the newspaper start in 1863?

The first issue rolled off the presses on 13 November 1863, founded by William Chisholm Wilson. It remained under the Wilson and Horton family for over a century. In 1925 the paper became a public company, but the founding families retained majority shareholding and directorships (Papers Past / New Zealand Herald archive).

What is NZ Media and Entertainment?

NZME was formed through the merger of APN News & Media’s New Zealand assets and other print and radio properties. Today it owns the New Zealand Herald, Newstalk ZB, The Hits, and several regional newspapers. It is listed on the NZX. In 2025, Canadian billionaire James Grenon reportedly took a substantial stake (Reddit discussion — low-confidence claim).

Why Are People Moving Away from New Zealand?

Mentioned mostly as a topic the Herald and other outlets cover: the “brain drain” to Australia is a recurring news theme. The Herald regularly reports on housing costs and wage gaps that drive Kiwis across the Tasman. According to coverage on the platform, high living costs and better salaries in Australia are common push factors.

Why are Kiwis moving to Australia?

Higher wages and lower housing prices relative to income are frequently cited in Herald articles. Australia’s larger economy offers more opportunities for skilled workers.

Where do most Brits live in New Zealand?

British expatriates tend to settle in Auckland (the largest city), Wellington (the capital), and Christchurch (South Island). These cities have the strongest job markets and expat communities.

The implication: For the Herald, covering migration is both a news imperative and a business one — a significant portion of its online readers are expats checking in on home news.

“The Herald plays a vital role in holding power to account in New Zealand. Its longevity is a testament to its ability to adapt while maintaining journalistic standards.”

— Dr. Gavin Ellis, media researcher at the University of Auckland (AUT JMAD report)

“We see our role as providing trusted, independent journalism that keeps New Zealanders informed about the issues that matter most to them.”

— Murray Kirkness, editor of the NZ Herald (Wikipedia entry for NZ Herald)

For anyone trying to navigate New Zealand’s news ecosystem, the choice is not between good and bad — it’s between commercial reach and public-service depth. The NZ Herald gives you speed and breadth; RNZ gives you trust and depth; Stuff offers a locally owned alternative. The implication for readers is clear: let the story decide, not the brand.

For a deeper look at how the paper’s centre-right editorial line shapes its headlines, see NZ Heralds latest coverage.

Frequently Asked Questions