How a colonial-era newspaper became New Zealand's most influential and controversial media institution

Entertainment · Published 3 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Founded in 1863 to capture a booming Auckland population, The New Zealand Herald has evolved from a partisan broadsheet into a modern digital powerhouse. Yet, its journey through ownership shifts, format changes, and high-profile editorial blunders reveals the complex tensions inherent in maintaining a national newspaper of record.

William Chisholm Wilson launched The New Zealand Herald on 13 November 1863, specifically to challenge existing publications and advocate for the government's stance during the conflict with the Māori. By 1876, the paper had absorbed its primary rival, The Daily Southern Cross, cementing its dominance in the Auckland region. For over a century, the publication remained a family-led institution under the Wilson and Horton partnership, eventually earning the affectionate, if slightly dated, nickname Granny Herald due to its traditionally centre-right editorial perspective.

The 21st century brought radical transformation. In 2012, the paper abandoned its long-standing broadsheet format for a compact design, and by 2019, it introduced a digital paywall. However, this era of modernization has been punctuated by significant reputational challenges. In 2014, the paper mistakenly published a photo of a deceased television star, misidentifying him as a fallen soldier. Research by academics Philippa K. Smith and Helen Sissons later identified this error as the result of systemic newsroom failures, noting that the subsequent apology was a necessary attempt to salvage the paper's standing.

Controversies have persisted, ranging from ethical lapses in reporting—such as a 2015 incident involving a columnist's treatment of a source—to the 2020 publication of state-sponsored disinformation regarding COVID-19. Most recently, in August 2024, the paper faced a boycott from Te Pāti Māori after running a controversial advertisement from the lobby group Hobson's Pledge. These events highlight the ongoing struggle to balance commercial interests, such as those of current owner New Zealand Media and Entertainment, with the rigorous standards expected of a national newspaper of record.

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