Strong growth in readership for the Otago Daily Times and The Star (Christchurch) highlights value of local print journalism.

Allied Media is proud to announce strong growth in readership for two of its flagship titles, the Otago Daily Times and The Star (Christchurch), according to the latest Nielsen survey.

The Otago Daily Times saw readership climb to 92,000, up from 80,000 the year prior. Meanwhile, The Star reached 97,000 readers, up from 94,000.

“These results reinforce what we already know: local journalism matters and in the South, people read it,” said Allied Media CEO Grant McKenzie. “We continue to invest in our editorial teams, and it’s clear our communities value that commitment.”

Allied Media’s digital platforms are also seeing strong engagement. ODT.co.nz and StarNews.co.nz now reach almost half a million New Zealanders each month, acting as the digital home for more than 20 local newspapers.

The Otago Daily Times remains the country’s oldest daily newspaper and is a major part of life in Otago and Southland. The Star is Christchurch’s most-read newspaper, delivered weekly to homes across the city.

Together, these titles show that print continues to be a powerful and trusted medium, especially in regions where local reporting still gets the time and resources it deserves.

“Allied Media is focused on keeping journalism strong in the South,” said McKenzie. “These numbers are proof that local news, done properly, has a future, in print and online.”

Source: Nielsen Consumer and Media Insights Q2 24 – Q1 25