Reader support even more vital

Stuff has a long and trusted history of telling New Zealand stories. Through some of our newspapers, that dates back more than 150 years. Now we’re seeking your continued support to keep us telling Kiwi stories for another 150 years.

This reliance on our readers is in our DNA; through a history of paid newspaper subscriptions that has helped keep our journalism alive and flourishing.

Whether you’re among the faithful, long-term subscribers to The Press, the Dominion Post, the Waikato Times and our widespread regional newspapers, or whether you have signed up recently to help make sense of these extraordinary times, your support is invaluable.

In fact, reader support is even more critical now as the financial headwinds buffeting the industry’s advertising revenue have been amplified by the global Covid19 pandemic, laying waste to many outlets even as the demand soars for timely news and analysis.

So, along with many other news organisations here and overseas, we have launched a new supporter scheme by which online readers can make a direct digital donation to Stuff. Donating supports Stuff’s mission to report your stories without fear or favour, and with fierce independence – it directly contributes to powering newsrooms across New Zealand.

Our reporters, together with those in our sister newsrooms, sit through council meetings and courtroom hearings, connect with local community and business leaders, and front up to press conferences in the halls of Parliament.

We’ve investigated, righted wrongs and given voices to those who were unheard. We’ve championed marriage equality, fought to have New Zealand history taught in schools, and taken on the thankless task of building the only public record of our country’s shameful child death toll.

We’ve also rallied together in times of tragedy, bought a beach, entertained, shared a laugh and stayed relevant in everyday Kiwis’ lives.

News is essential but, equally, easy to take for granted in our always-connected lives. It’s not free to produce and the advertising revenues that traditionally funded it are increasingly being swallowed up by big global platforms, such as Facebook. But Facebook doesn’t create local journalism.

We thank all those who have helped with this vital mission and encourage others to come on board through print subscriptions or our new digital donation scheme.

Your support, in any way you can, helps us keep reporting on issues that matter to everyone during a time when open and robust public discussion is under threat on a number of fronts.

It allows us to continue to play our role in helping safeguard a free and open society, and fostering a democracy that’s accountable to all its citizens.

Learn more at stuff.co.nz/support

Your contribution ... helps us keep reporting on issues that matter to everyone during a time when open and robust public discussion is under threat on a number of fronts.