AGENDA ITEM 2.6
PUBLIC INTEREST JOURNALISM: ROLES
FUNDING DECISIONS
RECOMMENDATION
That the Staff Investment Committee
approves funding of up to:
•
$36,956 to 95bFM for a
Digital News Sub-Editor
•
$204,176 to Te Reo o Ngāti Kahungunu for
Ara mai he tete kura 2023
•
$199,650 to Indian Newslink for
Audience Engagement Expert and
Hamilton Reporter
•
$249,260 to Stuff for Te Reo Māori Translator and two Marlborough reporters
•
$430,849 to Pacific Media Network for a Political Reporter, Current Affairs Producer, Digital
Editor/Camera operator and Sub-Editor
•
$85,000 to Te Reo Irirangi o Maniapoto for
Te Reo Kahika Video Journalist
•
$89,981 to AgriHQ for the
Farmers Weekly Digital Editor
•
$123,600 to NZME for an extension to the
Kaupapa Māori Editor role
•
$266,951 to Allied Press for three
Court Reporter roles,
•
$350,496 to E-Tangata for
PIJF Roles
•
$51,066 to Metro for
Te Ao Māori Editor and
Sub-editor
•
$85,000 to The Ashburton Guardian for
Rural Content Editor
•
$77,464 to The Gisborne Herald for
Kaupapa Māori Reporter
•
$84,579 to Local Matters for
Auckland Council Reporter,
under the Official Information Act
•
$145,810 to Newshub for
Māori Affairs Reporter,
•
$94,395 to Newsroom for
Sub-Editor,
•
$61,050 to The Spinoff for
Māori Political Reporter,
•
$105,450 to The Spinoff for
Sub-Editor
Released
•
$89,300 to The Valley Profile for
Valley Profile and Coromandel App Reporters x2
•
$88,800 to BayBuzz for
Local Accountability Reporters x2
•
$126,250 to Crux for
Senior Editorial Role.
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link to page 27
Declines
•
$82,058 to NZME for an
Audio Innovation Editor
21 applications recommended for total funding of up to $3,046,083.
BACKGROUND
1.
In January 2021 Cabinet agreed to draw down $55 million over three years (2021 - 2023) from the tagged
contingency set aside by Cabinet for broadcasting initiatives. This funding is administered by NZ On Air to
support the production of public interest journalism including Māori and Iwi journalism that is relevant to
and valued by New Zealanders.
2.
General Guidelines for the PIJF were published in April 2021. The principles set out in
the Cabinet paper have
informed the design of the Public Interest Journalism Fund (PIJF). NZ On Air col aborated with Te Māngai
Pāho on the design and delivery of the fund. Th
e General Guidelines were updated in March 2022.
3.
The PIJF supports journalistic capability across three funding pillars: Projects, Roles, and Industry
Development Funding (IDF).
OVERVIEW
4.
The final general contestable round (Round 7) of the PIJF saw $3,247,617 available for funding. A further
$3m is committed to an upcoming Te Māngai Pāho co-fund supporting Māori regional news media.
5.
Staff sought advice from the PIJF Industry Advisory Panel on 9 December 2022 as to the pillars this round
should focus on. The strong consensus was that maintaining roles previously funded by the PIJF, and
supporting the long-term sustainability of the sector via industry development training programmes would
meet the greatest need. Given the limited pūtea available in this round it was recommended that
applications be limited to extending existing funded roles and IDF. Projects would not be included.
6.
On 15 December 2022, the Round
7 guidelines were published limiting applications to one IDF application
(new or previously funded) and/or up to five previously funded roles across both targeted or content
creation role categories.
7.
The Round 7 guidelines also made clear to applicants that this was the final general round of the PIJF, and
assessment criteria required them to demonstrate how funding would increase a role’s future sustainability.
8.
Applications opened on 12 January 2023 and closed on 9 February 2023 wit
h 22 applications received under
the Roles pil ar covering 40 roles and 5 under IDF. The total funding sought was $3,936,646.
9.
under the Official Information Act
10. This SIC paper assesses recommended funding of up to $3,046,083.
11. The assessment panel for Round 7 included:
•
•
Released
•
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•
Raewyn Rasch (Ngāi Tahu) – NZ On Air Head of Journalism. Former General Manager Māori and
Pacific programmes at TVNZ, executive producer of
Seven Sharp, producer of
Fair Go and Marae
Investigates, TV and radio journalist.
•
Gabriel Thomas - Journalism Manager, NZ On Air. Former executive producer of
The Nation and
Firstline, producer
Newshub Live at 6.
•
Dr Fairooz Samy - Journalism Funding Advisor, NZ On Air. Recently graduated from Victoria University
of Wellington with a PhD in Media Studies.
12. Conflicts of Interest are outlined below. Where a conflict was noted, assessors did not have access to, assess,
discuss, or vote on applications:
•
•
GENERAL ASSESSMENT & STAFF OPINION
Digital News Sub-editor
95bFM
$36,956
Key personnel
Title/s
Relevant Past Work
Role previously funded in Round 3 – original proposal here Digital News Sub-Editor
Contract start: 15/03/22
Contract end:
Current funded amount: $32,916
15/03/23
Funded amount: $32,916
Proposed funded salary: $
Synopsis 13. Campus Radio 95bFM is applying for funding to continue its Digital News Sub-Editor role for one year.
General Assessment 14. The Digital News Sub-Editor repackages radio content for online platforms, to better connect with a young
audience and is currently staffed with two part time reporters.
15. 95bFM was formed in 1969 as a student radio station and is a registered charity. The radio station, including
its newsroom, relies largely on volunteers, with few paid positions.
under the Official Information Act
16. This role is the only PIJF funding bFM receives, though it also receives
platform funding from NZ On Air.
17. The original aim of the role was to repurpose radio content for the website and social media channels.
Secondary benefits were expected to be training of volunteer staff and increasing the reach of 95bFM news.
18. The output goal for the role was to repackage at least two pieces of content for online distribution every
day, and this remains the same for this application. The application says the Sub-Editor has also been
creating video content, which was described as long-term goal in the initial proposal.
19. The budget for this role has increased from
. It is unclear whether the increase is to cover
Released
an increase in hours or an increased hourly rate of the part time staff member. Funding this proposal would
see the role funded through until March 2024.
Staff Opinion 20. Assessors felt this role has been effective in delivering on its goals, particularly reaching a wider student
audience with improved news content.
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21. Assessors also praised the training element of the role, and its potential to bring more young people into the
industry by increasing the visibility of bFM’s news. It is noted that volunteers involved with this role from
bFM have been hired by Stuff, TVNZ and Newshub in the past year.
22. bFM knows its audience wel and wants to deliver more of its content online as that audience moves away
from linear broadcasting. This role helps bFM stay in touch with its youth-oriented audience, which is not
well served by other news outlets.
23. The story examples included in the proposal show important issues are being brought to light by bFM.
24. The budget is for a part-time salary only and is small, but as mentioned above,
25. Assessors saw this as a highly effective and low-cost role serving a very underserved audience.
Funding is
recommended up to $36,956
Ara mai he tete kura 2023
Te reo o Ngati Kahungunu
$204,176
Key personnel
Title/s
Relevant Past Work
Roles previously funded in Round 4 – original proposal here Digital Content Creator
Contract start: 29/09/22
Contract end :29/09/23
Current funded salary: $
Proposed funded salary: $
Producer
Current funded salaries: $
Proposed funded salary: $
Synopsis
26. Te Reo o Ngāti Kahungunu is seeking to extend two targeted roles to support its breakfast radio programme.
General Assessment
27. Te Reo o Ngāti Kahungunu is based in Hastings and broadcasts from Wairoa to Masterton. Its output is
bilingual, and it has te reo commitments linked to its Te Māngai Pāho funding. It is the only Māori language
radio station in the region. The breakfast programme, which this application is focused on, is bilingual, but
also relies on interviews with guests who may only speak English.
under the Official Information Act
28. Although these are primarily Targeted roles rather than Content Creation roles, the application does set out
clear outputs, including the producer adding 2 x 7’ interviews to the breakfast programme every weekday
morning, and the digital content creator increasing content on the Whare Kōrero app and other platforms.
29. The producer role increases the number of interviews, and the digital content creator repurposes content
for a range of online platforms.
30. The roles have been in place since August/September 2022, and the proposal shows they have been
reaching their targets and the organisation sees the roles as a great success.
31.
Released
There are wider targets and goals for the organisation included in the application and linked to the roles,
These are part of the
wider long-term strategy, and these roles are mentioned as key to the goals being reached.
32. Unusual y for roles such as these, the application mentions a substantial training element, with the producer
and the digital role eventually moving towards teaching other staff and rangatahi how to do the producing
and
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digital jobs. The application describes how short-staffed radio operations often rely on everyone knowing
how to perform every role, as they have no extra resource to cover sickness, holidays, etc.
33. The application lays out an ongoing sustainability plan for the roles, although it notes this will probably rely
on some level of external funding in future.
34.
are included in the budget as is an increase of $797 to the additional costs
($77,587.12) which include vehicle lease, travel and capacity and capability building. Further funding of these
roles would see them funded through to September 2024.
Staff Opinion
35. Assessors say this is a comprehensive proposal that demonstrates the value of retaining these roles and
continuing the capacity-building and iwi reporting functions that they provide.
36. Assessors were also impressed with the innovation of this proposal, saying the applicants could become
mentors to other iwi stations. The strong focus on digital platforms and the holistic approach to training
show a strategic approach is being taken and that these roles could make a real difference to a small
organisation and its audience.
37. On the budget, costs for training and travel are relatively high. However, staff accepts there is a need for
these roles to travel throughout the region especially given the kanohi ki te kanohi nature of Māori
journalism and recent flooding events will make this outreach even more important.
38. There is no doubt the roles also contribute to the training of other staff given the isolated nature of the radio
station, provides opportunities that would otherwise no be available. For all these reasons staff feels that on
balance, that these costs are reasonable.
39. Te reo o Ngāti Kahungunu is clearly an important provider of news and local information to a tightly-
connected iwi audience and these roles are making a strong contribution to the organisation’s ongoing
vitality.
Funding is recommended up to $204,176.
Audience Engagement Expert / Hamilton Reporter
Indian Newslink
$199,650
Key personnel
Title/s
Relevant Past Work
Audience engagement role previously funded in Round 5 – original proposal here
Audience Engagement role
Start date: December 2022
End date: December 2023
Current funded salary: $
Funded amount: $
Proposed funded salary: $
Hamilton Reporter previously funded in Round 4 – original proposal here
under the Official Information Act
Reporter
Contract start: 02/10/22
Contract end: 02/10/23
Current funded salary: $
Proposed funded salary: $
Synopsis
40. Indian Newslink is applying for continued funding for two roles – an Audience Engagement Expert and a
Hamilton Reporter for a further year.
General Assessment
41. Indian Newslink has been established for more than 20 years. It produces a fortnightly digital newspaper
Released
covering general news for a South Asian audience in New Zealand. The website is updated with new stories
between issues, but the focus is on the newspaper. Al print and digital content is free to access.
42. Before receiving PIJF funding Indian Newslink employed just one ful -time reporter, two part-timers, and
stringers. It now has funded reporters in Hamilton and Auckland and two funded targeted roles – Audience
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Engagement Expert and a graphic designer. The applicant has chosen two of those roles to apply for
continued funding.
43. The reporting roles intended to focus on issues of particular importance to youth, and on social issues such
as education, child poverty, family violence, culture, and heritage. They were to each produce at least five
stories per week of at least 400 words, some including video, photos, and infographics. Reporting from the
applicant shows these targets are being reached.
44. The Audience Engagement Expert was intended to work though social media channels to connect with a
wider audience within Indian Newslink communities, in particular a younger audience. In the short time
there has been someone in this role, social media posts have increased, although the proposal doesn’t
include figures on engagement.
45.
Continued funding of these roles would see them continued
through to the October and December 2024.
Staff Opinion
46. The PIJF is keen to support Asian news media outlets in New Zealand, given how underserved their
audiences are by mainstream news media. Assessors felt that Indian Newslink has a strong track record of
providing PIJ to its community and is a great candidate for such support.
47. The applicant is committed to PIJ and is also keen to reach a younger audience, which is even less served
than its current niche audience.
48. Outputs from these two roles have been impressive and staff expects to see that continue. There is also
hope that the Audience Engagement Expert wil grow audience and support Indian Newslink’s sustainability.
49.
50. Indian Newslink is providing public interest journalism to an underserved audience and has goals of
increasing that audience and attracting younger readers. These roles would continue to serve the audience
well and support an established provider that has for many years provided a good service to a hard-to-reach
audience.
Funding is recommended up to $199,650
Roles extensions Round 7
Stuff
Requested $395,520
under the Official Information Act
Key personnel
Title/s
Relevant Past Work
4 Roles previously funded in Round 2 – original proposal here
Non-incremental role – Regional Reporter
Contract start 8/6/22
Contract end 8/6/24
Non-incremental role – Regional Reporter
Contract start 8/6/22
Contract end 8/6/24
Current Funded amount: $
Current Funded Salary: $
Auckland Community Reporter
Contract start 8/6/22
Contract end 8/6/24
Released
Auckland Community Reporter
Contract start 8/6/22
Contract end 8/6/24
Current Funded amount: $
Current Funded Salary:
1 Role previously funded in Round 3 – original proposal here
Te Reo Māori Translator
Contract start 25/7/22
Contract end 25/7/23
Current Funded amount: $
Current Funded Salary: $
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Synopsis
51. Stuff is seeking to continue its commitment to public interest journalism with a request to extend five roles
funded through the PIJF for a further year for two Marlborough Regional Reporters, two Auckland
Community Reporters and one Te Reo Māori Translator.
General Assessment 52. In Round 2, Stuff was funded up to $2,789,240 over two years for 11 Auckland Community and nine Pou
Tiaki reporters. After recruitment, nine Community reporters and eight Pou Tiaki reporters were contracted
for $2,178,375. Stuff is requesting to extend two of the Auckland Community reporters for a further year.
53. In a separate assessment as part of Round 2, Stuff was also funded up to $731,300 over two years for five
non-incremental roles to keep the Stuff Marlborough newsroom operating.
54. Extended funding wil see these roles funded through to June 2025.
55. In Round 3, Stuff was funded up to $103,000 for a Te Reo Māori Translator as a targeted role. This non-
content producing role was funded for one year and an extension saw it funded through to July 2024.
Staff Opinion
56.
It states this investment would continue to contribute to
public interest journalism goals and address underserved communities.
57. Staff does not accept that Auckland, as a whole, is an underserved community. The original proposal spoke
to supporting hyper local content focused on Stuff’s community publications across the city, but staff has
repeatedly identified and had to question the PIJ nature of the stories being produced as it appeared these
roles were being used to fil the Auckland newsroom roster, and that many stories were of a national nature
and not localised as pitched and contracted.
58.
59.
under the Official Information Act
60. Staff has not seen a noticeable increase in local reporting in Stuff’s community publications such as the
North Shore Times, an observation shared by one of the assessors who felt the community reporters had
shown little impact in delivering at a local level.
61. The amount of content along with audience engagement data show the roles have delivered in terms of
output.
has told staff in previous discussions, that Stuff sees the roles as highly successful because they
Released
have increased Stuff’s Auckland share significantly.
62. However, staff does not believe these roles have successful y delivered on the original proposal, to better
serve Auckland local communities and funding two roles for a further year would not improve the situation.
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63. Stuff has given no indication as to whether it intends to continue any of its funded roles past the PIJF funding
and staff is concerned that funding only two of a potential 17 Auckland roles will have little impact on the
provision of PIJ in the city.
64.
65.
66.
67.
68.
69. The fifth role requested by Stuff is an extension to the Te Reo Māori translator role which staff believes has
been ground-breaking in providing daily te reo Māori translations of news and current affairs stories. In
terms of the amount of content and its impact normalising te reo Māori, staff believes this role has been
highly successful. Assessors unanimously supported funding an extension of this role.
70.
Funding is recommended up to $249,260 for one year to extend the Te Reo Māori Translator role along
with the two Marlborough Reporter roles
71.
PIJF roles
Pacific Media Network
Requested $512,240
under the Official Information Act
Key personnel
Title/s
Relevant Past Work
3 Roles previously funded in Round 2 – original proposal here
Political Reporter
Contract start: 14/2/22
Contract end:14/2/23
Current approved salary:
Proposed salary:
Current Affairs Producer
Contract start: 14/2/22
Contract end: 14/2/23
Current approved salary:
Proposed salary:
Released
Digital Video Editor – camera op
Contract Start 10/1/22
Contract end: 10/1/23
Current approved salary:
Proposed salary $
Senior sub-editor
Contract Start Feb 2024
Contract end: Dec 2024
Current approved salary:
Proposed salary $
1 Role previously funded in Round 6 – original proposal here
Multi-Media Journalist (Te Rito graduate)
Contract start: Feb 2023
Contract end Feb 2024
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Current approved salary:
Proposed salary
Synopsis
72. Pacific Media Network (PMN) is requesting funding in Round 7 to support the extension of five existing PIJF
roles that have shown impact in reaching Pasifika audiences in the last year.
General Assessment
73. Of the four roles funded to PMN in Round 2 of the PIJF, only three were recruited in a timely fashion.
A new appointment was made in February 2023.
74. The Multi-Media Journalist (Te Rito Graduate) was funded under special criteria for Round 6 to enable Te
Rito Cadetship programme partners to offer employment to graduates of the Te Rito programme.
75. All roles have produced content and outputs in keeping with their contracts where roles have been fil ed.
76.
Staff Opinion
77. These roles were originally funded to meet an extreme lack of Pacific journalists in Aotearoa New Zealand
and unfortunately that need has only grown as mainstream newsrooms seek to increase their diversity.
78. PMN says the political reporter was a complete game changer in the representation of Pacific journalists in
the political sphere. Arriving the day before the lockdown of August 2021, the reporter became the only
Pacific journalist at the daily COVID-19 1pm press conferences providing crucial coverage from a Pacific lens.
It says his work increased the visibility of PMN among ministers and MPs and opened wider coverage of
events in the Pacific Region.
79. Assessors agree the role deserves further funding given PMN believes it is the only dedicated Pacific political
reporter role across New Zealand media, and that this is particularly important as we enter an election year.
80. PMN says the digital video editor/camera operator role proved another highly successful role pointing out
that, as NZ On Air’s ‘Where Are the Audiences’ research has highlighted, Pacific people are high users of
online video content. The role gave PMN the ability to move beyond radio in covering stories such as the
Tongan community’s response to the Tonga eruption, the Samoan Prime Minister’s first visit to Aotearoa and
the Prime Minister’s treaty visit to Samoa.
81. The appointment of a dedicated current affairs producer was a first for PMN News enabling it to consistently
reach younger audiences with stories that were told in a way they found appealing and engaging both in
under the Official Information Act
video and online. PMN says the role also helped exploit new channels of engagement including the creation
of an Instagram page.
82. The difficulties faced in filling the Sub-Editor role clearly demonstrates the critical shortage of experienced
Pacific journalists. However, PMN believes the new appointee will support the credibility of its news
coverage and bring fresh ideas and development of its newsroom. Assessors agree the level of experience of
the new appointee is an exciting development and further funding wil maximise the opportunity for the role
to make an impact.
83.
Released
84.
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85. Assessors saw the importance of supporting roles that serve the highly underserved Pasifika community and
in extending al roles except for the Multi-media Journalist which was deemed ineligible.
Funding is
recommended up to $430,849 for the Political Reporter, Current Affairs Producer, Digital Editor/Camera
operator and Sub-Editor roles
86.
Te reo Kahika Video Journalist
Te reo Irirangi o Maniapoto
$85,000
Key personnel
Title/s
Relevant Past Work
Role previously funded in Round 4 – original proposal here Video Journalist
Start date: 10/10/22
End date: 13/10/23
Current funded amount: $
Funded amount: $
Proposed funded salary: $
Synopsis
87. Te reo Irirangi o Maniapoto is applying for continued funding of its Video Journalist, for its news service Te
reo Kahika.
General Assessment 88. Te Reo Irirangi o Maniapoto has been operating as an iwi radio station for more than 30 years. It aims to
deliver content in 75% te reo Māori (with English subtitles online). The application says its latest ratings
showed listenership was 235,000.
89. The proposal says the applicant is the only ‘live and local’ broadcaster in the King Country region.
90. Its dedicated news service, Te Reo Kahika, provides radio news bulletins and current affairs content, but is
also strongly focused on online platforms, including the Whare Kōrero app and social media, particularly
Facebook.
91. In Round 4 the applicant initially applied for two roles, but subsequently found out that Te Puni Kōkiri
funding for one of the roles was to continue, so the PIJF ended up funding only one – the Video Journalist.
Wikitoria Day is an experienced journalist and has video and editing skills.
92. The intended output was 3 x 5’-7’ video stories per week for social media platforms. The current application
says 2 x 5’ stories per week. The stories are in te reo Māori with English subtitles.
93.
under the Official Information Act
Extending this role funding wil see the role funded through to October 2024.
Staff Opinion
94. Assessors were strongly in favour of supporting iwi radio in general, as it provides unique local news content
in te reo Māori and is often underfunded.
95. It was also noted that it’s good to see iwi radio stations expanding their reach, and potentially reaching a
younger audience, by moving more onto online platforms. The proposal for the extended funding says the
applicants’ Facebook page, the primary platform, has reached 455,106 people and attracted a further 4,704
followers since the role has been in place.
Released
96. Assessors were unanimously in support of this application, with one saying, “
the role appears to deliver twin
benefits – expanding the flow of information to iwi while encouraging use of te reo”.
97. The outputs linked with this role have reduced, but staff accepts the first targets might have been optimistic
and quality should not be sacrificed for quantity. The stories staff has seen are of a very high standard.
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98.
As they have put in the same budget
this time, staff suspects the same change. But for simplicity it is recommended for funding up to the
requested amount, with a revised budget which staff will discuss with them.
99. This is a strong application from a proven iwi radio performer and an experienced individual.
Funding is
recommended up to $85,000
Farmers Weekly Digital Editor
AgriHQ
$89,981
Key personnel
Title/s
Relevant Past Work
Role previously funded in Round 3 – original proposal here
Digital Editor
Start date: 20/04/22
End date: 20/04/23
Current funded amount: $
Funded amount: $
Proposed funded salary: $
Synopsis
100. AgriHQ is applying for extended funding for a Digital Editor for Farmers Weekly, its flagship publication.
General Assessment 101. AgriHQ is a group of websites including weather and agribusiness information for farmers. It also produces
Farmers Weekly, which is delivered free to every farm in New Zealand – more than 77,000 of them.
102. The role aims to increase the quantity and quality of content on the Farmers Weekly website, repurposing
content from print, video, and podcasts for online. The role has a secondary aim of increasing Māori content
by actively seeking Māori contributors.
103. In its initial application AgriHQ said the Farmers Weekly website at that time was basically a replication of its
print version, which did not offer the best user experience. It also recognised that its online and print
audiences were different, but it was treating them the same, and it wanted to change that.
104. The application for a Digital Editor was aimed at revising the website layout, curating content specifically for
online, and integrating video and podcast content.
106. Adding diverse voices has also been prioritised. The number of Māori stories has been increased and the
under the Official Information Act
Digital Editor is seeking a Māori writer to contribute weekly.
107. The Digital Editor has also been involved in training a junior within the digital team, adding capacity. The
proposal includes some additions to the work this role will focus on, including establishing an ongoing
collaborative relationship with Māori contributors, further diversification of voices beyond Māori, and digital
mindset coaching for print journalists and junior staff.
108. The proposal lays out some plans for sustainability of this role, based on a move towards paid content, and a
news podcast. Funding this proposal wil see the role extended until April 2024.
Released
Staff Opinion
109. Improving the quality and accessibility of rural reporting has been a priority for the PIJF as the audience is
not well-served by mainstream media.
110. Assessors were very impressed with this proposal, which lays out very clearly the successes of the role so far.
One assessor it
“sounds like this role has had a huge impact for AgriHQ and it has had some great growth in
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online audience. The application also outlines further mahi to be done by the role, rather than just a
continuation of the same”.
111.
112. This role has demonstrated success in bringing increased content to an under-served audience.
Funding is
recommended up to $89,981
Kaupapa Māori Editor
NZME
$123,600
Key personnel
Title/s
Relevant Past Work
Role previously funded in Round 3 – original proposal here
Kaupapa Māori Editor
Start date: 14/03/22
End date: 13/04/23
Current funded amount: $110,00
Proposed funded salary:
Synopsis
113. NZME is applying for extended funding for a Kaupapa Māori editor. The role is content creating and involves
training and providing a Māori lens for stories from across the newsroom.
General Assessment
114. The Kaupapa Māori Editor role was proposed by NZME in order to shape the entire newsroom’s tangata
whenua and Te Ao Māori approach to storytelling. The role is intended to have a strong editorial and training
role, as well as writing stories.
115. In assessing the initial application for the role, it was noted that NZME initially registered their interest in the
Partnership Editors scheme and met with consultants Aotearoa Media Collective to discuss it. NZME
subsequently said it was not ready to proceed with the Partnership Editor proposal at that stage. NZME
subsequently applied for and was approved funding for a Kaupapa Māori Editor role. Assessors at the time
had some concerns about NZME’s commitment to the role but decided that the potential impact of the role
was great. It was funded subject to the provision of adequate information that demonstrated NZME’s
readiness to take on the role. Since then, NZME has made changes in the newsroom, including appointing
as Head of Cultural Partnerships and Head of Newsroom Diversity.
116. The latest proposal says this role has been a success and the editorial and training goals have been met. It
says the role has been transformative for the newsroom creating stronger relationships with Māori
communities, raising cultural awareness within the newsroom, as well as providing more Māori content. The
Kaupapa Māori editor has also worked closely with the Te Rito cadets and that wil continue in 2023.
under the Official Information Act
117. Outputs have increased in this application from the three stories per week currently contracted, to 10 stories
per week and should this role be extended funding wil continue until April 2024.
Staff Opinion
118. Assessors thought this role appears to be having a great impact in what must be one of the country’s largest
and most influential newsrooms. NZME believes it has been a success and it is hoped they will continue with
the role once PIJF funding ends.
119. Staff saw the appointment of Lois Turei as a strong demonstration that NZME was prepared to support the
Released
Kaupapa Māori Editor and along with NZME’s active involvement in the Te Rito Journalism Cadetship
scheme, Staff believes there has been significant positive change towards greater diversity and recognition
of te ao Māori.
120. The stories written by the Kaupapa Māori Editor are within what was originally proposed and are the kinds
of stories that would not have been seen on NZME’s platforms in the past.
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121. Staff do have questions as to whether the increase in story output is realistic and recommends a discussion
with NZME prior to contracting about how achievable it is.
122.
123. This role appears to be making change at an influential news media outlet, bring more diverse content and
helping the whole newsroom include more Māori voices.
Funding is recommended up to $123,600
Court Reporter roles
Allied Press
$266,951
Key personnel
Title/s
Relevant Past Work
previously funded in Round 2 – original proposal here
Court reporters x3
Start date:
End date:
Current funded amount:
Funded amount:
Proposed funded salaries: $
Synopsis
124. Allied Press is seeking to extend three PIJF funded court reporters enabling a crucial tool of justice and
extending time for the roles to become sustainable.
General Assessment 125. In Round 2 of the PIJF, Allied Press was funded up to $711,797 spread over two years for three court
reporters and one Southern Issues reporter. It argued the roles were required to fill gaps in court coverage
covering the Queenstown, Alexandra, Oamaru, Dunedin, Invercargill, and Gore Courts. Coverage was to be
shared with the NZME Open Justice Court reporting scheme also funded in that round.
128. Allied says as a result of the three PIJF roles, there has been a clear increase in court coverage not just
allowing the public an insight into the crimes being committed in their communities but assisting them in
under the Official Information Act
understanding how the justice system deals with such offending. It says there has also been the opportunity
to delve into civil proceedings, coronial inquiries, Youth Court, Family Court, Employment Relations
Authority, and other tribunals as well as investigating trends linked to justice. Alongside the PIJF reporters,
Allied employs a 1.6FTE specialist court reporter in Dunedin.
129. Allied says the benefit of being in court every day means lawyers, Corrections, court staff, mental-health,
restorative-justice, and victim-support workers build a rapport with the reporters providing invaluable story
leads and strengthening coverage.
130. The application notes Allied has had a staff member dedicate time to manging the court reporter team and
Released
that collating the statistics for NZ On Air reporting has been time consuming.
Staff Opinion
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131. Staff confirms that Al ied has met its contract output requirements and accepts that Allied’s ability to cover
such a large part of the South Island will have had impact.
132. Staff believes the 5% salary increase request is reasonable,
133. Given the large area covered by Allied, there is no doubt it could not manage widespread court reporting on
its existing 1.6 FTE specialist reporter and the loss of the PIJF funded roles wil have an impact.
135. Assessors were supportive of the need for court reporting and believe Allied’s history of providing this
content for South Island audiences deserves support.
Funding is recommended up to $266,951
PIJF Roles
E Tangata
$350,496
Key personnel
Title/s
Relevant Past Work
Roles previously funded in Round 2 – original proposal here e-tangata_pijf_ful _proposal_spreadsheet.xls
Senior writer/editor Pacific
Start date: 01/02/22
End date: 01/02/24
Current funded amount: $
Funded amount: $
Proposed funded salary: $
Senior Writer/editor Māori
Start date:01/3/22
End date: 01/03/24
Current funded amount: $
Proposed funded salary: $
Roles previously funded in Round 3 – original proposal here Editor Mentor
Start date: 07/02/23
End date: 06/02/24
Current funded amount: $
Funded amount: $
Proposed funded salary: $
Digital Marketing Manager
Start date: 30/09/22
End date:30/9/23
Current funded salary: $
Proposed funded salary: $
Synopsis
under the Official Information Act
136. E Tangata is applying for extended funding for all four of its PIJF funded roles – Senior writer/editors
focussed on Māori and Pasifika, plus an Editor/mentor and a Digital marketing manager.
General Assessment 137. Mana Trust is a not-for-profit trust set up in 2014 to provide Māori and Pasifika stories, voices and
worldviews that are largely missing from the mainstream media and to counter harmful negative narratives
and stereotypes prevalent in mainstream media coverage. Its publication E-Tangata is a respected high
quality longform online journalism publication.
138. Since its inception, it has operated almost entirely by koha from the E-Tangata team, from Māori, Pacific and
Released
Pākehā contributors, from readers, and from one philanthropic foundation (Tindall Foundation). E-Tangata
has continued largely through the unpaid services of the two senior journalists who founded it.
139.
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140. E-Tangata has content sharing arrangements with Radio Waatea and close relationships with
Te Ao with
Moana team. Mana Trust is highly committed to Te Tiriti o Waitangi. It is led by Māori and Pacific co-chairs,
and a further two of three trustees are Māori.
141. E-Tangata was approved funding for four roles in Round 2 but due to pressures on the Māori journalism
workforce was only able to fill two of them – the Māori and Pacific writers. E-Tangata was subsequently
approved funding for the two targeted roles. It decided the best person for the Editor/mentor role was
someone currently in one of the writing roles, so it hired a new writer, moving the existing writer to the
Editor/mentor role.
142. The writers are currently contracted to provide at least one long-form article per month (of at least 1,500
words). They also edit pieces from other contributors.
143. The new application doesn’t contain content targets, but as it does state that the writers have exceeded
expectations in terms of output, staff expects the targets to remain the same as a minimum requirement.
144. The targeted roles were created to give another layer to the smal editorial team – the Editor/mentor to
provide editing, mentoring and guidance and the Digital marketing Manager to extend the reach of content
on social media platforms and to therefore improve the publication’s long-term future. The new application
says all roles have been a success and are critical to the continuation of E-Tangata.
145.
Extending funding wil see the Digital Marketing role funded until September 24 with the other
three roles funded through to early 2025.
Staff Opinion
146. E-Tangata not only provides PIJ to target audiences, but it also helps support the development of Māori and
Pacific writers through the experienced mentoring provided by Gary and Tapu.
147. Staff believes the application makes a good case for all these roles. The writer roles have been in place for
about a year and the content described fits the initial brief and covers a range of topics. One assessor said
these roles have
“clearly had a major effect in terms of generating additional stories about issues and
subjects of particular interest and importance to Māori and Pacific audiences.”
148. It is more difficult to gauge the results of the digital marketing manager and editor-mentor given their more
recent starts. The targeted roles have not been going long, but the rationale for their approval remains
relevant. The Editor/mentor role in particular seems set for success, being filled by an experienced journalist
who has been with E-Tangata for some time.
149. This is a very important outlet in terms of the stories it tells for underserved audiences, but it is also
struggling for funding. The impact this continued funding has, is important for its ongoing viability.
Funding
under the Official Information Act
is recommended up to $350,496
Te ao Māori Editor and Sub-editor
Metro
$51,066
Key personnel
Title/s
Relevant Past Work
Te ao Māori Editor previously funded in Round 2 – original proposal here Te Ao Māori Editor
Contract start date: 06/12/21
Contract end date: 06/12/23
Released
Current funded salary: $
(p.a)
Funded amount: $
Proposed Funded salary: $
Sub-editor previously funded in Round 5 – original proposal here Sub-editor
Contract start date: 28/11/22
Contract end date: 28/11/23
Funded amount: $
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Funded amount: $
Funded salary: $
Synopsis
150. Metro is applying for extended funding for two part-time roles – a Te Ao Māori editor who writes regular
features and columns as well as mentoring Māori contributors, and a Sub-editor.
General Assessment
151. Metro is a current affairs magazine focused on Auckland. It has been published since 1981, and after closing
temporarily because of the effects of COVID-19, it has resumed publishing under new ownership. It is now a
quarterly magazine, and there is increased focus on the website and social media channels.
152. As well as funding for both these roles, Metro has received funding for two projects $39,380 for
Uneasy
Money: How we pay for art and
$30,460 for
Who owns Auckland?
153. Metro has a small team of two full-time staff, as well as the two part-time PIJF-funded roles.
154. This application includes the same outputs for the Te Ao Māori editor, four columns of 800-1000 words, a
commission of one other column from a Māori contributor of the same length, one major feature and a
commission from one other from a Māori contributor (both 2,000-4,000 words and accompanied by
photography from Māori photographers).
155. Additional goals including sharing their work with Māori-focused platforms, identifying, and mentoring new
Māori contributors for Metro and contributing to other Metro projects, ensuring a Māori lens across all
stories. This role is 10 hours per week.
156. The Sub-editor’s role is to oversee all of Metro’s print and online content, ensuring accuracy, editing,
proofreading, tone of voice, house style, writing headlines and captions. This role is 60 hours per quarterly
issue.
157.
Staff Opinion
158. Assessors were very supportive of this application, for the Te Ao Māori editor in particular. One said “
Kua
whai hua ke enei turanga – results have been seen, relationships further developed, and opportunity
(including autonomy) has been created for Māori writers, the fabric of Metro has been enhanced".
159. There was discussion among the assessors, as there has been in previous hui, about the funding of Sub-
editors. Initial y they had been seen by staff as business as usual, but it has become increasingly obvious that
many organisations can’t afford to pay for them. Sub-editors have also been funded for Newsroom and The
Spinoff.
under the Official Information Act
160. This role has only been in place since December, but feedback from the applicant has been that it’s very
beneficial, has improved the quality of output, and freed the Editor up to work on editorial.
161. These roles will have an impact for a small outlet that’s committed to PIJ and Māori journalism.
Funding is
recommended up to $51,066
Rural Content Editor (extension)
Ashburton Guardian
$85,000
Key personnel
Title/s
Relevant Past Work
Released
Role previously funded in Round 2 – original proposal here Rural Content editor
Start date: 21/12/21
End date:21/12/23
Funded Salary amount: $
Funded amount:
Proposed Funded salary: $
Synopsis
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162. This is a one-year continuation of the Rural Content Editor role for the Ashburton Guardian.
General Assessment 163. The Rural Editor Role was first funded for two years in Round 2 of the PIJF. It is in its second year of funding
and the current contract will finish in December 2023.
164. Its purpose was to address the gap in rural news reporting across the Canterbury region, which has a large
rural community and a financial reliance on the agricultural sector.
165. The Ashburton Guardian’s Editor,
, was very positive about the role’s impact on the newspaper
and its readers, writing: “
The quality and quantity of work from our NZ on Air-funded rural content
editor……has been of the very highest standard and widely applauded and welcomed”.
166. Ashburton and the Mid-Canterbury district are faming strongholds with a high proportion of the population
working in or adjacent to the sector. Among them are 4,000 migrant agricultural families and workers (many
new to the area)
167. The application argued that the role has been successful enough that the Ashburton Guardian has increased
both the page numbers (from 32 to 44-50) and distribution of its monthly Rural Guardian publication, which
now reaches
168. It contends that these increases are demonstrations of the newspaper's attempts to become more
sustainable (in hopes of keeping the role on post-PIJF) by continuing to meet audience demand for rural and
agricultural content.
169. Darryl claims the role’s diligence in reporting on rural issues has increased the Canterbury community’s trust
in local news, helped the Ashburton Guardian to attract new audiences, and bolstered its reputation as a
source of trustworthy content. Al these factors have also improved the paper’s long-term viability.
170. The impact of the Rural Content Editor's outputs resulted in the deepening of a professional relationship
between the Ashburton Guardian and NZME. The applicant hopes that it may lead to increased advertising
revenue and the potential of wider audience reach if the role’s content is cross-platformed across NZME's
sites. The Ashburton Guardian is currently in talks with NZME about this possibility.
171. Continuing the funding for an additional 12 months would build on the role’s momentum
172. The requested salary for the role has remained the same and the Ashburton Guardian has contributed
. If funded, this role extension wil provide funding through until the end of 2024.
Staff Opinion
173. Staff felt that the Ashburton Guardian had demonstrated the impact of this role well in supporting the rural
under the Official Information Act
community and the ongoing viability of the paper.
174. One assessor praised the
“comprehensive proposal that demonstrated the value of retaining these roles and
continuing the capacity-building and reporting functions that they provide”.
175. Staff also noted that serving rural and agricultural audiences, particularly with news that is relevant to their
socio-economic issues, has been a goal of the PIJF.
Funding is recommended up to $85,000.
Kaupapa Māori Reporter (extension)
Gisborne Herald
$77,464
Key personnel
Title/s
Relevant Past Work
Released
Role previously funded in Round 2– original proposal here GH Kaupapa Maori Reporter Proposal.docx
Kaupapa Māori Reporter
Start date: 12/04/22
End date: 12/04/24
Current funded amount: $
Funded amount:
Current funded salary: $
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Synopsis
176. The Gisborne Herald seeks an additional 12 months of funding for its Kaupapa Māori Reporter.
General Assessment 177. The Kaupapa Māori Reporter was originally funded in Round 2 of the PIJF for two years and its purpose is to
cover te ao Māori issues and topics in the Tairāwhiti region, for publication in the Gisborne Herald, and when
appropriate, the Wairoa Star and Kāhu platform on www.nzherald.co.nz.
178. The role is currently filled by a reporter from the Gisborne region who has extensive connections with Te Ao
Māori o Te Tairāwhiti.
179. Unfortunately, shortly after starting at the Herald, the reporter contracted COVID-19 and suffered some
resulting health issues which limited his reporting. These limitations included being unable to conduct
regular interviews on Tauranga FM, report as widely on Wairoa-based stories, and the regular sharing of his
stories on the NZ Herald’s Kāhu platform.
180. The reporter has now resumed al his reporting duties and has been conducting mana whenua-related
interviews on Tauranga FM since January 2023.
181. The application argues that, despite these setbacks, the role has been highly valuable in helping the Gisborne
Herald to strengthen its cultural capacity and revitalise and normalise te ao Māori reporting in the region.
182. To evidence this, the application provided examples of positive community feedback the role has received:
•
“Often when I go to events people come up to me and bring up some of my articles. I have had the chairs
of the iwi here in Tairāwhiti commend me on my mahi. People up the East Coast have thanked me for
coverage of their kaupapa.”
•
“Another example of the impact was fol owing my story on the Titirangi Summit Development -
Rongowhakaata were happy with the story and thanked me for publishing it. Since then, Rongowhakaata
has been communicating with me on other issues. That article helped strengthen our relationship.”
•
“One situation was at the Ngāti Porou Oranga day in Whangara where I got to meet a lot of Ngāti Porou
kaimahi. George Reedy their CEO had a chance to talk to me and thanked me for the mahi I do to show
what the iwi is doing.”
183. The applicant contends that the role has enabled it to build trust with local iwi and the wider Māori
community, which in turn, al ows it to produce better stories that speak to Māori issues from a culturally
informed way.
under the Official Information Act
Staff Opinion
185. Assessors were unanimously in favour of this role, while acknowledging that the impacts of COVID-19 on the
reporter had restricted his ability to meet the original output requirements.
186. They felt the proposal was strong and highlighted the importance of the role’s mahi, not just for the
publication’s cultural capacity-building, but to the local Māori and iwi audiences who have been well-served
by the role’s content.
187. Staff found it compelling that over half of Gisborne’s population is Māori yet reporting on Māori issues in the
Released
region has been lacking. As evidenced by the responses of local iwi (included in a supporting letter) and by
the enthusiasm expressed by the reporter in the role, the Kaupapa Māori Reporter has benefitted Gisborne
and provided important news stories.
Funding is recommended up to $77,464.
Auckland Council Reporter (extension)
Local Matters
$84,579
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Key personnel
Title/s
Relevant Past Work
Role previously funded in Round 2 – original proposal here
Auckland Council Reporter
Start date: 24/1/22
End date: 24/1/24
Current funded salary: $
Proposed Funded salary: $
Synopsis
188. Local Matters is seeking a one-year funding extension for its Auckland Council Reporter.
General Assessment 189. Local Matters (on behalf of the nine community newspapers) was first approved for an Auckland Council
Reporter (two years) in Round 2 of the PIJF.
190. The position provides an independent reporting service on Auckland Council, for Gulf News, Waiheke, The
Howick and Pakuranga Times, The Botany and Ormiston Times, the Pohutukawa Coast Times, Mahurangi
Matters, Hibiscus Matters, The Devonport Flagstaff, and the Rangitoto Observer. This allows publications on
Auckland's rim to be represented at Auckland City Council meetings.
191. The role has consistently met output requirements of four stories per week (45 per quarter). In addition to
providing robust reporting on council activities, the role also endeavours to provide a Te Tiriti o Waitangi
lens when reporting on Auckland Council business.
192. To facilitate this, the Auckland Council Reporter has developed relationships with local iwi to raise the voices
of mana whenua/ mātāwaka at Council. The reporter has also platformed the issues raised by the
Independent Māori Statutory Board, such as the Council’s consultation process with iwi being unsatisfactory,
the co-governance proposal for the Hauraki Gulf Forum and the Council needing unique kaupapa on
emergency management.
193. The proposal argues reporting on these topics has filled a huge gap around iwi and Māori council concerns
that have been ignored by mainstream outlets. Last year, the role published 28 stories dedicated to mana
whenua-related matters.
194. The proposal included statements of support for the role from two additional editors:
•
: “[their]
work has been excel ent and the range and breadth extremely useful.
We do cover very specific council stories but cannot get into many of the other bigger relevant city-wide
issues due to resourcing. This material has given us that additional depth we've been missing since our news
teams were reduced. We sincerely hope you continue to get funding.”
•
: “
I think the transparency of that very basic reporting of ‘who, what,
why, when, where, how’ has given our readers a whole new lens to look at things through.”
under the Official Information Act
195.
If
approved this role would be funded through until January 2025.
Staff Opinion
196. Assessors were unanimously in favour of this application. They found the role to be an excel ent example of
collaboration between local papers that ensured greater scrutiny of local government for the local Auckland
audience.
197. They were particularly impressed that the role’s reporting had resulted in better outcomes and
Released
representation for tangata whenua.
198. As one assessor noted, “
this role has successfully fulfil ed an important local democracy function in Auckland.
The reporter in the position has built meaningful relationships with local iwi and the reporting that has arisen
from that relationship has benefitted local iwi and Māori communities, as wel as the broader community at
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large. The role is great value for money and benefits multiple newsrooms and their readers.”
Funding is
recommended up to $84,579
Māori Affairs Reporter (extension)
Newshub
$145,810
Key personnel
Title/s
Relevant Past Work
Role previously funded in Round 2 – original proposal here
Māori Affairs Reporter
Start date: 10/01/2022
End date:10/01/2024
Currently Funded salary: $
Proposed Funded salary: $
Synopsis
199. Newshub is seeking a one-year extension of its PIJF-funded Māori Affairs Reporter.
General Assessment 200. The Māori Affairs Reporter was first funded in Round 2 of the PIJF, and the application argues it has played a
key part in providing stories of importance to the Māori community and to broader audiences in Aotearoa
New Zealand.
201. Newshub notes that the reporter in the role has worked tirelessly to include Māori voices and Māori
specialists in her news stories and championed the use of te reo in her content.
202. The reporter has ensured that te tirohanga Māori (a Māori lens) was placed on coverage of significant
mainstream stories, all while educating colleagues and informing decisions made in the wider newsroom.
203. Additionally, she has been a valuable mentor and supporter of Newshub’s Te Rito cadets, as well as other
Māori journalists in the newsroom, to support Newshub’s cultural competency efforts.
204.
Such a role extension wil see the role funded until January 2025.
Staff Opinion
205. Staff were underwhelmed by the applicant’s one-slide proposal, which they felt missed an opportunity to
provide input from the reporter in the role or truly demonstrate the clear depth of the role’s impact.
206. Despite this, staff were impressed by the reporter’s news output, and it was evident to them that the role
was fit-for-purpose and has made a positive impact on Newshub’s reporting, and therefore, its audience.
207. Staff noted it is vital a national news organisation is moving in the right direction towards greater diversity
and along with the Te Rito cadets this role will support that transformation.
Funding is recommended up to
under the Official Information Act
$145,810
Sub-Editor (extension)
Newsroom
$94,395
Key personnel
Title/s
Relevant Past Work
Role previously funded in Round 3
– original proposal here
Sub-Editor
Start date: 04/2022
End date: 04/2023
Released
Current funded salary: $
Funded amount:
Proposed funded salary: $
Synopsis
208. Newsroom seeks continued funding of its full-time PIJF Sub-Editor role for an additional 12 months.
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General Assessment 209. The Sub-Editor edits content from Newsroom’s journalists, freelance writers, and contributors as well as
providing editing and production services for the platform’s newsletter. Additionally, they provide quality
control to ensure that reporting is accurate and that a consistent standard is maintained across all
Newsroom articles.
210. The proposal contends that the Sub-Editor’s work on its newsletter has been important for Newsroom’s
sustainability. Newsletters help to attract and retain readers and their curation is time consuming and
requires a “high level of craftsmanship”.
211. In recognition of the role’s impact, Newsroom says its senior writers have been able to publish as many as
seven additional longform articles per week, including two additional weekly PIJ stories.
212. These stories have covered relevant topics, including local government and justice, water reforms, the cost-
of-living crisis, and other issues that would not have otherwise been possible before PIJF funding.
213. Furthermore, many of these stories came from more junior writers of diverse backgrounds whose work
benefitted from the Sub-Editor’s experience and advice.
214. Because of PIJF funding, the quality and quantity of Newsroom’s output has increased, with readers
providing positive feedback about the trustworthiness of Newsroom’s reporting.
215. Newsroom contends that it had been on track to financially support the role until the last quarter of 2022,
when the cost-of-living crisis instigated rising production costs and declining subscriptions and revenue.
However, Newsroom remains committed to supporting the Sub-Editor role after the completion of PIJF
funding and is covering salary costs between the role’s expiry date and the announcement of Round 7
funding decisions, as a demonstration of good faith.
216.
If funded this role extension wil see the role funded until April 2024.
Staff Opinion
217. Assessors were unanimously in favour of awarding continued funding for this role. They felt a strong
argument had been made as to its positive impacts for both Newsroom and its readers.
218. One assessor summarised, “
this proposal made a good case for the continuation of a role whose outputs are
hard to define but whose absence is felt in the newsroom, and subsequently, by audiences. The Subeditor has
met, and exceeded, its output requirements and has al owed Newsroom to produce a higher volume of
better-quality stories from a diverse pool of journalists”.
219. While staff acknowledged that a sub-editing role for an established news organisation like Newsroom may
under the Official Information Act
seem like ‘business as usual’, the economic reality of the current journalism sector means that sub-editing
positions are increasingly rare. Despite this, Newsroom has stated an intention to retain the role post-
funding.
Funding is recommended up to $94,395,
Māori Political Reporter (extension)
The Spinoff
$61, 050
Key personnel
Title/s
Relevant Past Work
Role previously funded in Round 2
– original proposal here
Released
Māori Political Reporter
Start date: 01/02/2022
End date: 01/02/2024
Current funded salary: $
Funded amount:
Proposed funded salary: $
Synopsis
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220. The Spinoff is requesting an additional year of funding for its part-time Māori Political Reporter, beginning
from March 2024.
General Assessment
221. The Māori political reporter role focuses on Māori politics and current affairs. They also advise on Māori
politics and current affairs projects across videos and podcasts.
222. Although the role has been ful -time, The Spinoff is requesting that it moves to part-time hours (24 hours per
week).
223.
Retaining Māori journalists is difficult due to underrepresentation and opportunities in
similar fields (such as communications).
224. The application argues that Māori politics is an area that very few mainstream publications have capability
in. The Spinoff claims to have been the first mainstream media platform to establish a dedicated section to
Māori issues (Ātea) in recognition of its commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi. According to the proposal, Ātea
has been a trusted source of information for Māori and non-Māori readers alike.
225. Furthermore, the Māori Political Reporter would al ow The Spinoff to continue fostering relationships with
Māori writers, with the aim of developing their skil s and keeping them in the journalism industry.
226. The role wil continue to be supported by the platform’s editorial team as well as Te Rōpū, The Spinoff’s
Māori staff group. If funded this role extension wil see the role funded until February 2025.
Staff Opinion
227. Staff felt it was important to build on the groundwork laid by the Māori Political Reporter by continuing the
role, even at a reduced part-time capacity.
228. The Spinoff has demonstrated a good-faith commitment to Māori representation in its newsroom and across
its news content. The Spinoff audience is younger-skewing and appear to be wel -served (and interested in)
The Spinoff’s Māori content, and normalising Māori issues in mainstream outlets is an important step to
achieving equality.
229. One assessor mentioned that The Spinoff “had been a leader in this space” but noted that there was a
missed opportunity in the application to provide feedback from the platform’s Māori staff.
230. Making the role part time has made budget comparisons difficult and staff will ask The Spinoff to ensure any
overall salary increase remains within the 5% cap.
Funding is recommended up to $61,050
under the Official Information Act
Sub-Editor (extension)
The Spinoff
$105,450
Key personnel
Title/s
Relevant Past Work
Role previously funded in Round 3 – original proposal here
Sub-editor
Start date: 04/2023
End date: 04/2024
Current funded salary: $
Proposed funded salary: $
Synopsis
Released
231. This application seeks a further 12 months of funding for the targeted Sub-Editor role at The Spinoff.
General Assessment 232. The Spinoff applied for an additional year of funding in Round 6 and was approved. If funded in Round 7, the
role would continue for a third year, from April 2024 -April 2025.
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233. Its purpose is to provide edit copy, proofread news items, write compelling headlines, fact-check pieces, and
assess potential risks and liabilities before content is published.
234. The applicant argues that the role has been hugely successful in executing these tasks as wel as providing
development for the platform’s junior writers. This type of mentoring and general sub-editing practice has
been increasingly missing from mid-to-small newsrooms because of resourcing constraints.
235. The Spinoff contends that, without the role, sub-editing duties would need to be divided between the
editorial staff, diverting their time and energy, and having a detrimental effect on platform’s commissioning,
editing, and writing.
236. While extending the role has benefits for the commercial sustainability of The Spinoff, the application claims
that their audience also deserve the kind of high-quality journalism that sub-editors help to provide.
237. The budget request is unchanged from the original proposal and
If funded this role extension wil see the role funded until April 2025.
Staff Opinion
238. Staff felt this request was straightforward and reasonable, noting that the role has had a great impact for
The Spinoff, improving the quality of their output and freeing up staff who would otherwise have to do the
subbing mahi.
239. It can be difficult to measure the success of Targeted Roles, but staff felt a case had been made for the
importance of the Sub-Editor in contributing to the quality and reach of The Spinoff’s public interest
journalism, which is precisely what the role was intended for.
Funding is recommended up to $105,450.
Valley Profile and Coromandel App Reporter (extension)
Valley Profile
$89,300
Key personnel
Title/s
Relevant Past Work
Role previously funded in Round 2
– original proposal here
Ful -time Reporter
Start date: 15/11/21
End date: 15/11/23
Current funded amount: $
Funded amount:
Proposed funded salary: $
Role previously funded in Round 6
– original proposal here
Part-time Reporter
Start date: 01/2023
End date: 01/2024
Current funded amount: $
Proposed funded salary: $
under the Official Information Act
Synopsis
240. The Valley Profile are applying for a one-year extension of two funded PIJF roles to produce content for the
community newspaper and its digital platform, The Coromandel App.
General Assessment 241. The Valley Profile is a community newspaper that reaches
across the
Hauraki Plains, Paeroa, Thames and Thames Coast, and the Coromandel Peninsula. In 2022, the paper
launched the Coromandel App as an online extension of its physical newsprint.
Released
242. This application is for two roles. The first is a full-time reporting role (six stories per week) and the second is
a part-time reporting role (four stories per fortnight).
243.
. The
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application partly credits these nominations to the addition of these two roles to the Valley Profile
newsroom.
244. The proposal argues that both roles have been immensely successful. The full-time reporter, Kelley Tantau,
published 292 pieces in her first year, wel above her required output of 246 stories. She has also produced
several impactful community stories, ranging from Te Tiriti issues, a comprehensive crime campaign, council
issues, and court reporting. Her good-standing as a community journalist was evidenced by her ability to
secure an exclusive “tell-all” interview with the Thames-Coromandel District Council’s Mayor.
245. Despite starting recently (at the time of submission) the journalist in the part-time role, regularly produces 1-
2 fortnightly stories, which is more than her required output. The application claims this role routinely
receives positive community feedback from her coverage of local emergency new, road closures, and
flooding issues.
246. The applicant argues that, without PIJF funding, none of this valuable reporting, conducted by reporters who
live and work in the region they serve, would have been possible. It stresses that the Val ey Profile is the only
outlet in the area with locally operating reporters
248. The salary request for the extension of the roles remains the same as the original funded amount and if
approved will see the ful -time role extended to Nov 2024 and the part-time role extended to Jan 2025.
Staff Opinion
249. Assessors were unanimously in favour of this application, agreeing that the goals of the PIJF had been met,
the output of the roles (in quality and quantity) had been high, and that the local audience had benefitted
from the reporting.
251. One assessor summarised that, “
the PIJF roles have been critical in this community-based media entity
establishing itself in the Hauraki-Coromandel region and making a significant contribution to the public good.
The community newspaper has shown remarkable growth in a short time and now has a sibling in the form of
an app serving the Coromandel. The journalists involved have strong credentials and the venture deserves
further PIJF funding. The crippling floods and slips, and obvious demand by local people for news and
information, make the case for further financial support even stronger.”
under the Official Information Act
252. Additionally, staff noted that the Valley Profile had consistently met their funding targets and provided good
value-for-money.
Funding is recommended up to $89,300.
Local Accountability Reporter (extension)
BayBuzz
$88,800
Key personnel
Title/s
Relevant Past Work
Role previously funded in Round 4
– original proposal here
Part time Reporters x2
Start date: 09/08/2022
End date: 09/08/2023
Released
Current funded amount: $
Funded amount:
Proposed funded salary: $
Synopsis
253. BayBuzz is applying for an additional year of funding for two part-time Local Accountability Reporters.
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General Assessment 254. The roles’ purpose is to deepen the outlet’s coverage of critical issues, including the regional economy,
healthcare, agribusiness, and its most contentious political/council decision-making.
255. Thanks to PIJF funding, the applicant has been able to recruit two seasoned journalists, and this level of
seniority and experience has enabled BayBuzz to provide expert reporting about the issues that impact the
daily lives of their readers.
256. The application argues that the in-depth coverage provided by both roles are wel -regarded and well-read by
both the influencers in the region (business and political) and the broad public dependent upon their
decisions.
257. The application was also lent support by 13 civil and community leaders, including:
•
Ngahiwi Tomoana, Chair, Ngati Kahungunu Iwi
•
Mike Paku, Chair, Te Taiwhenua o Heretaunga
•
Sandra Hazlehurst, Mayor, Hastings District Council
•
Kirsten Wise, Mayor, Napier City Council
•
Craig Little, Mayor, Wairoa District Council
•
Alex Walker, Mayor, Central Hawke’s Bay District Council
•
Rick Barker, Chair, Hawke’s Bay Regional Council.
258. Despite their support, the applicant noted that its coverage of these leaders had remained fair and balanced.
To demonstrate this point, the applicant included this statement from
259. While BayBuzz is still not able to financially support both roles, its output has helped to strengthen the
outlet’s revenue streams by encouraging more advertising and subscriptions (both of which have doubled
since April 2022). As a result, BayBuzz has been able to “top up” its financial compensation for both roles and
hopes to support them ful y after PIJF funding ceases.
260.
If funded this role extension will see the role funded until August
2024.
Staff Opinion
261. Assessors unanimously supported this application. They felt the impact of the roles was well argued and that
the content produced was strong and impactful.
under the Official Information Act
262. Staff was pleased to see the roles had also had a positive impact on the longer-term sustainability of the
outlet and increased BayBuzz’s ability to support the roles post-PIJF.
263. Additionally, staff felt it was especially important for Hawke’s Bay audiences to continue to receive high-
quality coverage in the wake of Cyclone Gabrielle.
Funding is recommended up to $88,800.
Senior Editorial Role (extension)
Crux
$126,250
Key personnel
Title/s
Relevant Past Work
Released
Role previously funded in Round 2
– original proposal here
Senior Editorial role
Start date: 02/12/2021
End date: 02/04/2023
Current funded salary: $
Funded amount:
Proposed funded salary: $
Synopsis
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264. Crux is applying for funding to extend its Senior Editorial Role for an additional 12 months.
General Assessment 265. This role is staffed by a senior journalist and provides a high level of support, training, and mentoring for
Crux’s PIJF-funded journalist, in addition to her writing and editing duties.
266. The application argues that the journalist has performed an exemplary job providing thorough news
coverage on topics in the Wānaka, Cromwell, and Queenstown regions.
has exceeded her content
outputs of 300 stories, publishing 441 stories at the time of the submission.
267.
268. Crux credits the role’s contributions with increasing its readership exponentially.
269. Crux hopes that it will be able to financially support the role after it establishes a regional news hub model as
a sustainable solution to the funding and managing of hyper-local news.
270.
. If
funded this role extension wil see the role funded until April 2024.
Staff Opinion
271. Although the application focused on the role's usefulness in advancing Crux's regional news hub model, staff
felt that the role itself has been very successful in providing quality local and regional news for the
Queenstown, Wānaka, and Cromwell areas.
272. Assessors noted that the salary was higher than market rates for similar roles. However, on balance, staff felt
it an acceptable rate to retain someone of seniority and expertise, particularly considering the mentoring
responsibilities.
273. Supporting strong regional news is a goal of the PIJF and this role has delivered that for its audience.
Funding
is recommended up to $126,250.
under the Official Information Act
Released
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ATTACHMENTS
ANNEX A: ALL PIJF ROLES APPLICATIONS
Company
Application Name
$
$
Result
Requested Recomm
95bFM
Digital News Sub-
$36,956
$36,956
Approved – Panel recommends
Editor
funding approval
Te reo o Ngati Kahungunu
Ara mai he tete kura $204,176
$204,176 Approved – Panel recommends
2023
funding approval
Indian Newslink
Audience
$199,650
$199,650 Approved – Panel recommends
Engagement Expert
funding approval
and a Hamilton
Reporter
under the Official Information Act
Stuff
Te Reo Māori
$395,520
$249,260 Approved – Panel recommends
Translator and two
funding approval
Marlborough
reporters
Pacific Media Network
Political Reporter,
$512,240
$430,849 Approved – Panel recommends
Current Affairs
funding approval
Producer, Digital
Editor/Camera
operator and Sub-
Editor
Released
Te Reo Irirangi o Maniapoto
Te reo Kahika Video
$85,000
$85,000
Approved – Panel recommends
Journalist
funding approval
AgriHQ
Farmers Weekly
$89,981
$89,981
Approved – Panel recommends
Digital Editor
funding approval
NZME
Kaupapa Māori
$123,600
$123,600 Approved – Panel recommends
Editor
funding approval
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Allied Press
Three Court
$266,951
$266,951 Approved – Panel recommends
Reporters
funding approval
E-Tangata
PIJF Roles
$350,496
$350,496 Approved – Panel recommends
funding approval
Metro
Te ao Māori Editor
$51,066
$51,066
Approved – Panel recommends
and a Sub-editor
funding approval
Ashburton Guardian
Rural Content Editor $85,00
$85,000
Approved – Panel recommends
funding approval
Gisborne Herald
Kaupapa Māori
$77,464
$77,464
Approved – Panel recommends
Reporter
funding approval
Local Matters
Auckland Council
$84, 579
$84, 579
Approved – Panel recommends
Reporter
funding approval
Newshub
Māori Affairs
$145,810
$145,810 Approved – Panel recommends
Reporter
funding approval
Newsroom
Sub-Editor
$94,395
$94,395
Approved – Panel recommends
funding approval
The Spinoff
Māori Political
$61,050
$61,050
Approved – Panel recommends
Reporter
funding approval
The Spinoff
Sub-Editor
$105,450
$105,450 Approved – Panel recommends
funding approval
Val ey Profile
Val ey Profile and
$89,300
$89,300
Approved – Panel recommends
Coromandel App
funding approval
Reporter
BayBuzz
Local Accountability
$88,800
$88,800
Approved – Panel recommends
Reporter
funding approval
Crux
Senior Editorial Role
$126,250
$126,250 Approved – Panel recommends
funding approval
under the Official Information Act
Released
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Document Outline
- RECOMMENDATION
- BACKGROUND
- OVERVIEW
- GENERAL ASSESSMENT & STAFF OPINION
- 36TDigital News Sub-editor36T 95bFM $36,956
- Ara mai he tete kura 2023 Te reo o Ngati Kahungunu $204,176
- Audience Engagement Expert / Hamilton Reporter Indian Newslink $199,650
- Roles extensions Round 7 Stuff Requested $395,520
- PIJF roles Pacific Media Network Requested $512,240
- Te reo Kahika Video Journalist Te reo Irirangi o Maniapoto $85,000
- Farmers Weekly Digital Editor AgriHQ $89,981
- Kaupapa Māori Editor NZME $123,600
- Court Reporter roles Allied Press $266,951
- PIJF Roles E Tangata $350,496
- Te ao Māori Editor and Sub-editor Metro $51,066
- Rural Content Editor (extension) Ashburton Guardian $85,000
- Kaupapa Māori Reporter (extension) Gisborne Herald $77,464
- Auckland Council Reporter (extension) Local Matters $84,579
- Māori Affairs Reporter (extension) Newshub $145,810
- Sub-Editor (extension) Newsroom $94,395
- Māori Political Reporter (extension) The Spinoff $61, 050
- Sub-Editor (extension) The Spinoff $105,450
- Valley Profile and Coromandel App Reporter (extension) Valley Profile $89,300
- Local Accountability Reporter (extension) BayBuzz $88,800
- Senior Editorial Role (extension) Crux $126,250
- Audio Innovation Editor NZME $82,058
- ATTACHMENTS