Stuff Group expands Waikato masthead

HAMILTON, Today: Stuff Group has launched an expanded Waikato local newspaper, increasing its distribution footprint from the Hamilton Press.

The Waikato Local Te Pūtahi will merge titles like Piako Post, Matamata Chronicle, South Waikato News, and Hamilton Press. It will be delivered to homes and high-traffic areas across Waikato, including Te Aroha and Tirau.

Focusing on local news and regional celebration, it will feature stories about local people, businesses, and community news, complementing the Waikato Times’ journalism.

Since the Waikato Times digital masthead launched in March 2023, its reach has doubled. The Waikato Local will build on this, solidifying Stuff’s presence in Waikato.

Managing Director Masthead Publishing Joanna Norris says merging titles is part of Stuff Group’s review of its community newspapers.

“As a business, we have been publishing community newspapers for more than a century and over that time have acquired a large number of community titles resulting in a network that does not always fit local business and community needs,” she says.

“Having a free newspaper delivered into homes and stores, combined with the growing digital subscriber numbers of the Waikato Times, will provide unrivalled reach and prominence.”

The Waikato Local’s te reo name, Te Pūtahi, means intersection, centre, or meeting place of ideas. It’s a fitting name for a publication that unites communities, says Norris.

Stuff Brand Connections Managing Director Matt Headland says readers will enjoy excellent local coverage. Advertisers will benefit from a bundled offering with the daily Waikato Times and weekly Waikato Local.

“Hamilton is the fastest growing city in New Zealand and its regional areas including Matamata, Te Aroha and Morrinsville drive very strong rural and real estate audiences,” he says.

“Having a free newspaper delivered into homes and stores, combined with the growing digital subscriber numbers of the Waikato Times, will provide unrivalled reach and prominence.”

Stuff also publishes the Franklin County News, Cambridge Edition, and NZFarmer, the country’s largest rural masthead.

The first issue of The Waikato Local Te Pūtahi will be published on July 3.