That’s very cool. Susie is great for it too.
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The developer has done a really good job in trying to make it (well, Susie!) sound natural, unlike other text-to-speech voices.
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2 posts were merged into an existing topic: Herald Now
Refreshed NZ Herald website launches today, following Stuff’s changes last week.
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I think this kinda falls into Online.
Stuff Staff tell Stuff to Get Stuffed…
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That’s a lot of Stuff 
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The Fairfax Archives haven’t posted a new auction for months now… I wonder if they’ve given up?
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Kiwi finance news site NBR suing its own customers
New Zealand premium finance masthead NBR is taking some of its biggest customers to court, alleging they are cheating on subscriptions.
The extraordinary move has already netted the publication “hundreds of thousands of dollars” as government departments and big businesses have been forced to ensure all workers accessing the content have subscriptions.
Last year owner and publisher Todd Scott began fiercely pushing for organisations such as the Internal Revenue Department (IRD – New Zealand’s tax collector) to stop distributing NBR articles and take out an appropriate number of subscriptions.
Scott has documented his crusade on Linkedin, calling the misuse “unlawful” and “unethical”, and saying “integrity, lawful conduct, and respect for intellectual property are fundamental to credible institutions and responsible journalism.”
According to Scott, NBR has now settled with five institutions for “HEFTY damages” along with legal costs and extra subscriptions ongoing. He did not reveal the damages amounts or identities of the institutions.
Tee Hee, but the NBR can expect to be audited before the end of this financial year.
Madison Malone of the Herald’s Markets with Madison got into a bit of a spat with David Farrier:
My Negative Aura [PAYWALLED, but the gist is in the picture anyway]
Whatever it’s about… Team Madison ! Can’t stand DF sorry
Stuff is facing a costly eviction from the Wellington building that has housed its printing presses for more than 35 years, with building owner and outspoken businessman Troy Bowker saying he has better uses for the property.
It has meant Stuff has faced a costly dilemma: either move out in mid-2027 when the building lease expires – a huge cost, in that Bowker earlier said that Stuff is required to remove its printing press equipment and return the building to its original state - or agree to what is likely to be a substantially higher rent.
Bowker, the executive chair of Caniwi Capital, says he has made a decision himself.
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Swish new masthead for Whanganui’s community paper, the River City Press. Includes a mystery QR code, fancy!
Old (19 Feb 2026)
New (26 Feb 2026)
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RNZ have started using moving images on their news page.
Not sure if that’s really an improvement, or necessary on thumbnails.
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Former TVNZ reporter Katie Bradford joining NZ Herald after stint in corporate world.
Matthew Hooton appointed editor-in-chief of NZ daily the Post
Matthew Hooton, a veteran lobbyist, columnist, political staffer, academic and business owner, will take the reins of The Post later this month, bringing decades of experience and insight at the highest echelons of power.
Hooton’s appointment comes with a new role for Luke Malpass, currently the Post’s Business, Economics and Political Editor. He moves into the Associate Editor role, working with Hooton to deliver The Post’s growth strategy and major editorial initiatives. Malpass will also retain a high-level writing portfolio.
UPDATE 19/6
In the Post’s report on the controversial appointment it noted: “There’s one thing missing from his list of credentials: journalism. Hooton has never trained as or been a journalist, yet he’s now the new editor-in-chief of The Post.”
The Stuff Group owner and publisher, Sinead Boucher, explained that she had chosen the lobbyist for his understanding of power.
Hooton, who was writing a column for the New Zealand Herald before he landed the gig, said he was a fast learner who would “delegate things pretty readily”.
“The Post is not one person, The Post is not one generation of people, The Post is its whole history,” Hooton said. “You’ve got pre-existing institutional frameworks that ensure the highest standards of ethics, and the highest standard of balance and rigor.”