New owners for Metro magazine

Metro magazine has been acquired by Simon Farrell-Green and Hannah Kidd, the publishers of Here magazine, from its previous owner, Still.

The acquisition comes after a period of change for the lifestyle and current affairs magazine, which recently lost its full-time staff and editor following a major restructure.

Farrell-Green and Kidd founded Here, an architecture magazine about houses in Aotearoa, in April 2020 after Bauer Media closed its New Zealand operations. Farrell-Green had previously been an editor with the company.

In the six years since, Here has developed a model combining a high-quality print title with a vibrant digital and events strategy, as well as a studio producing branded content, says Farrell-Green. Central to that model is a strong community focus, with the magazine championing local architecture, design and culture.

Publishing things worth reading

The acquisition of Metro represents a significant milestone for the duo.

“We believe in publishing and making things worth reading,” says Kidd. “Here has shown you can thrive as an independent title – leading with your values and doing things with heart. Those are things Metro has always done too.”

Metro, a staple of Auckland’s media landscape for 45 years, was purchased by Still in 2023.

“We want to acknowledge Still’s guardianship and support in enabling the transition of the title to us,” says Farrell-Green. “We don’t take this on lightly – Metro is an iconic brand and we’re honoured to be its new guardians.”

Still projects director Sam Johnson says: “We always want to play the role that makes the most sense, whether owning, supporting, sponsoring or passing on to others to help grow great New Zealand companies. We are delighted to have supported Simon and Hannah in building a consolidated magazine business to see Metro continue for Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland.”