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North & South is back and growing
North & South has made a comeback, having launched its first newsletter to subscribers in late January with promising results.
After announcing a publishing hiatus in November 2024, the current affairs magazine has always planned to return.
January’s digital newsletter marks an important milestone on its way back to print.
“We just look a little bit different. And with the support of subscribers, we can bring back the magazine that has been so loved for nearly 40 years,” says Digital Editor Sarah Daniell.
N&S is ready for a comeback
School Road Publishing data reveals that N&S generates strong interest and audience loyalty.
This is further backed by the latest Nielson figures, which show that N&S has grown to 143,000 readers – an increase both compared to the previous quarter and the same time last year.
According to School Road, in-depth investigative articles have resonated with the audience.
“One of our highest-performing stories is Charlotte Bellis’ The Sheep of the West.
“It explores why New Zealand needs to take a more principled stance on foreign policy.
“The analysis also shows strong click-throughs from our newsletter to the website, with open rates at nearly 70% – well above industry standards,” says Daniell.
The path forward
“As New Zealand’s media faces a critical junction, independent voices are under pressure. We can see the vulnerability,” says Daniell.
A recent shakeup involving Jim Grenon, a billionaire with a 9.5% stake in NZME, who has called for a ‘cleanout’ of the company’s leadership, has raised important questions in the industry.
“This made us question what this would mean for New Zealand’s media, audience and democracy,” Daniell adds.
“North & South has always been unapologetically parochial.
“We value Kiwis’ wellbeing and are committed to providing readers with information on NZ’s current affairs, crime and culture.”
As part of its expansion, N&S is adding new content, including a health and social issues column by Poet and NZ Order of Merit clinician member Dr Renee Liang.
“Our website will soon feature a regular wine column and video series with Timothy Giles.
“We will continue to publish popular investigative stories and add podcasts and culture columns to keep our audience updated with important events around ngā motu,” Daniell adds.
“While countless global sources provide interesting current affairs, the stories that affect and reflect those in Aotearoa are the true mandate of our readers.”
School Road remains committed to reintroducing N&S as a print magazine.
