Stuff Group celebrates audience growth in latest Nielsen results

Stuff Group’s subscriber news brands The Post, The Press and the Waikato Times have seen double digit audience growth over the past year.

The latest Nielsen results show 1.6 million Kiwis consume these outlets each month.

The national business- and politics-focused brand, The Post, has seen its print and digital audiences grow 16% year over year, while the South Island’s The Press saw a 21% increase. In print alone, the Waikato Times audience grew 14.5% average readership per issue in the year to December.

Overall, Stuff’s subscription news brands saw a 19% digital audience increase in 2025 and a 37% increase in digital subscriptions.

Quality journalism

Across print and digital, Stuff Group now reaches 3.5 million New Zealanders aged 15+ every month. Owner and publisher Sinead Boucher says it proves Kiwis want quality journalism they can trust.

“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.”

Content that resonates

Stuff’s magazines also grew readership in the latest results. NZ Gardener magazine saw a 6.5% increase year on year and NZ House & Garden’s readers were up 6.5% on the previous quarter.

Stuff masthead publishing managing director Joanna Norris says every publication which is growing its audience is doing so by delivering unique and relevant content which resonates with New Zealanders.

“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 influential audience of decision makers across the country. The Press has expanded its coverage throughout the South Island and it reflects the confidence of what is now New Zealand’s most prosperous region.”

Sources:

1 Nielsen CMI Q1 24-Q4 24 Jan 25 vs Q1 25 – Q4 25 Jan 26

2 Nielsen National Readership Report Newspaper Toplines Q1 25 – Q4 25

3 Stuff subscription data