AGENDA ITEM 2.14

PUBLIC INTEREST JOURNALISM FUND: ROLES
FUNDING DECISIONS

RECOMMENDATION
That the Staff Investment Committee approves up to:
•  $214,245 to Te Reo o Ngati Kahungunu Inc for Ara Mai he tete kura – two roles for one year

•   $160,000 to Te Reo Irirangi o Maniapoto for Te Reo Kahika –  two roles for one year

•   $362,520 to Indian Newslink for Content producing roles – two roles for two years

•
$88,852 to Chinese Herald Digital Limited for Exploring Issues Facing Chinese New Zealanders – one role for
one year

•  $139,520 to Peter Newport for Crux – Junior/Intermediate roles – one role for two years

•  $88,800 to BayBuzz Ltd for Hawke’s Bay Local Accountability Reporting – two part-time roles for one year

•   $159,340 to Newsroom NZ Ltd for a Video Content Creator – one role for two years

and declines funding of:
•

Seven applications recommended for total funding of up to $1,213,277
under the Official Information Act

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
Released
informed the design of the Public Interest Journalism Fund (PIJF). NZ On Air collaborated with Te Māngai Pāho
on the design and delivery of the fund. The General Guidelines were updated in March 2022.
3.  The PIJF supports journalistic capability across three funding pillars: Projects, Roles and Industry Development.
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OVERVIEW
1.
The fourth round of the PIJF sought applications across all three pillars of the fund. NZ On Air earmarked $5m
for this funding round and received 39 applications with a total funding request of $11,292,212.
2.
Building on funding already distributed in the previous three rounds, the Round 4 criteria focused on funding
that supports the sustainability, capability and capacity of public interest journalism in Aotearoa. Applicants
were advised that given the number of roles funded in Round 2 and feedback from industry around shortages
in the journalism workforce, Round 4 would prioritise Industry Development and projects that deliver to long
term outcomes or support current sector shortfalls and underserved audiences.
3.
Given  the  constrained  pūtea,  prior  allocations  and  expected demand, media entities were able to make
separate applications under each of the three pillars but the total number of proposals per applicant were
limited to:
•  1 Industry Development application
•  1 Project application
•  Maximum of 2 Roles (across both Targeted and Content Creation role categories)
4.
This SIC paper assesses Roles with recommended funding of up to $1,213,277 from a total ask of $2,828,966.
6.
The two types of journalism roles eligible to apply for in this round are:
a.  Content Creation–  A role that produces content within an agreed PIJ reporting subject scope
(aligned to the General Guidelines)
b.  Targeted– A Role that either enhances the quality of public interest journalism (e.g., Craft roles such
as Editors), enhances the sustainability of public interest journalism (e.g., Audience engagement
experts), enhances organisational cultural capability (e.g., Kaupapa Māori Editor).
7.
Content Creation roles could apply for up to two years funding and Targeted roles for up to one year only.
8.
The assessment panel for Round 4 included:
a.

b.

under the Official Information Act
c.

d.  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.
e.  Gabriel Thomas, Journalism Manager, NZ On Air. Former executive producer of The Nation and
Firstline, producer Newshub Live at 6.
Released
f.  Dr Fairooz Samy, Journalism Funding Advisor, NZ On Air. Recently graduated from Victoria University
of Wellington with a PhD in Media Studies.
9.
Due  to  an  increased  number  of  Chinese  media  applications,
  Otago  University  was
commissioned to assess Chinese media applications only.
has a background in Culture and
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Communication as well as Media, Film and Television. His assessments were shared with the assessment panel
to further inform their decision making.

GENERAL ASSESSMENT & STAFF OPINION
Ara Mai he tete kura

Te Reo o Ngati Kahungunu Inc

Requested $417,133
Key personnel
Title/s
Relevant Past Work

Synopsis
10.  This  application  from  Te  Reo  o  Ngāti  Kahungunu  is for two targeted roles to support its breakfast radio
programme; a producer who would increase the number of interviews, and a digital content manager, who
would repurpose content for a range of online platforms.
General Assessment
11.  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.
13.  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.
14.  There are wider targets and goals included in the application and linked to the roles, including an increase of
2% in audience and an increase of 2% in online followers. These are part of the wider long-term strategy, and
under the Official Information Act
these roles are mentioned as key to the goals being reached.
15.  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 digital jobs.


16.

17.

Released
The finalised
budget asks for $214,245 for two roles over one year, with a platform contribution of $100,237, all in-kind
(32% of the overal  budget).

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Staff Opinion
18.  Assessors were very positive about this application, saying it could contribute substantially to Te Reo o Ngāti
Kahungunu’s PIJ output.
19.  The training aspect of the proposal was also praised, with assessors noting it would contribute to the
sustainability of the station and provide opportunities for young people in the area.
20.  The planned content outputs seem realistic, and staff believes it is good to have concrete measures for what
are not primarily content creating roles.
21.  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.
22.  On the budget, while the applicant cut this back, costs for training and travel are still relatively high. However,
given the need for these roles to travel throughout the region, and training being a large component of these
roles, staff feels, on balance, that these costs are reasonable.
23.  These roles should enhance the quality and sustainability of the public interest journalism this organisation
provides to an underserved audience. Funding is recommended for up to $214,245 for two roles for one year

Te Reo Kahika

Te Reo Irirangi o Maniapoto

$160,000
Key personnel
Title/s
Relevant Past Work

Synopsis
24.  This application is for two Content Creation roles for one year, for Te Reo Kahika, which is the news service for
Te Reo Irirangi o Maniapoto.
General Assessment
25.  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.
26.
under the Official Information Act

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.
27.  Current output on the Facebook page is at least one story per day, a mix of edited video pieces and radio
pieces adapted for online.
28.  The two proposed roles would work together to research, script, film and edit 3 x 5-7’ stories per week for
online platforms. The stories wil  be in te reo Māori with English subtitles.
29.

Staff Opinion
Released
30.  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.
31.  They were also positive about this application, praising Te Reo Kahika for its strong focus on online platforms,
in response to its audience behaviour. This move is seen as a smart way to reach a younger audience. Their
Facebook page features lots of posts, good local content, and strong engagement.
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32.  These roles would build on the existing strategy, supporting the radio side of the news service, while also
ensuring that the move towards digital platforms is strengthened.
33.  Given the concerns around funding content that wil  only appear on internationally owned social media
platforms, staff believes it is necessary in this case to ensure that content from these funded roles is also
broadcast on radio as well as online, which is something that the application implies given the content wil  be
voice-over driven. Staff notes that this confirmation of a radio broadcast will be required prior to contracting.
34.  The salaries are in line with what we would expect for the experienced journalists they hope to retain.

36.  This is an organisation already delivering public interest journalism to a dedicated audience, and continuation
of this service with new funding will provide crucial public interest journalism to audiences.  Funding is
recommended up to $160,000 for two roles for one year

Content producing roles

Indian Newslink

Requested $416,400
Key personnel
Title/s
Relevant Past Work

Synopsis
37.  Indian Newslink’s application is for two reporters for two years, to increase news coverage of youth-related
issues in South Asian communities in New Zealand.
General Assessment
38.  Indian Newslink has been established for more than 20 years. It produces a fortnightly digital newspaper
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. All print and digital content is free to access.
39.  Indian Newslink currently employs one full-time reporter, two part-timers, and stringers.
40.  Indian Newslink intends these two funded reporting roles to focus on issues of particular importance to youth,
and on social issues such as education, child poverty, family violence, culture, and heritage. They would each
produce at least five stories per week of at least 400 words, some including video, photos, and infographics.
under the Official Information Act
The focus on youth issues is a conscious move towards attracting a younger audience.
41.

Staff Opinion
42.

Released

43.

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44.  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
public interest journalism to its community and is a great candidate for such support.
45.  It is clear Indian Newslink has the story ideas to produce significant additional content if supplied with the
extra staffing. One assessor noted, “It is high time the publication expands its resourcing and introduces more
experience to its newsroom. It would be a justifiable and valuable contribution on the part of the Fund to invest
in this way.”
46.  While staff is keen to fund these roles for two years, assessors felt that the topics proposed may not sustain
two reporters for two years, and Indian Newslink should be encouraged to widen the news coverage brief.
48.  Indian Newslink is a well-established outlet that knows it audience and is making moves to expand it. Assessors
believe it is in a good position to do that and to provide public interest journalism to an underserved ethnic
community. Funding is recommended up to $362,520 for two roles for two years

Exploring issues facing Chinese New Zealanders  Chinese Herald Digital Ltd    Requested $355,409
Key personnel
Title/s
Relevant Past Work

Synopsis
49.  The Chinese Herald is applying for two Content Creation roles for two years, to focus on two topics – Chinese
New Zealanders’ mental wellbeing during the COVID-19 pandemic, and issues of identity facing Chinese youth
in New Zealand.
General Assessment
under the Official Information Act
50.  The Chinese Herald was founded in 1994. The newspaper is free and has a local readership of around

There is an accompanying website, also in Chinese,

The Chinese Herald has another
every month on its WeChat channel.
51.  The organisation has a staff of
including experienced journalists.
52.

53.  This application is for two roles, for reporters covering two related but separate streams of content. The
application states outputs of 100 articles and 10 short videos over two years.
Released
54.  Al  the content produced wil  be bilingual, in Chinese and English, to reach the widest possible audience. The
application also says it would translate some content into te reo Māori.
55.

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Staff Opinion
56.  Chinese-Kiwi audiences are underserved by, and underrepresented in, mainstream news and media outlets.
Because of this, and other cultural barriers, engagement with mainstream media is generally very low across
Chinese-Kiwi communities, who prefer to consume news from Chinese-language sources, many of which
originate from Mainland China and do not speak directly to a Chinese-kiwi experience. This claim is also
supported by research conducted in NZ On Air’s own Asian Media Use in Aotearoa NZ in 2021 Report.
57.  The Chinese Herald is a major player in Chinese NZ media and produces a lot of content for a wide audience.
Considering the PIJF strives to reach underserved ethnic communities, the assessors felt this outlet would be
in a prime position to do that, with a significant reach into the Chinese NZ community.
58.  Our Chinese cultural assessor
was supportive of this application, saying that the topics are timely
and important to the community, that the Chinese Herald reaches a significant Chinese audience, and that the
proposal meets the criteria of the PIJF.
59.  Unlike many new applicants to the PIJF, the Chinese Herald has a well-established newsroom set-up, with
other journalists well-placed to support new hires.
60.  The story ideas covered in the application -  about cross-cultural identity, loss of language, bullying,
intergenerational conflict, etc - fit well with the definition of public interest journalism. There was however a
feeling amongst the assessors that the two broad topics could easily be merged into one stream of content,
so could be covered by one reporter.
61.  Given that there would only be a finite number of stories within the two topics specified by the applicant, it
was felt that the PIJF should fund this role for one year only at this stage. If the role is a success and the number
of new stories grows, a further application could be made in the final round of the PIJF. A revised budget and
deliverables will be required prior to contracting.
62.  The outputs stated in the application are comparatively low and staff will encourage the applicant to increase
them so that the reporter creates at least one story per week, plus short videos. Given the amount of content
the Chinese Herald currently produces, this seems realistic.
63.

under the Official Information Act

64.

Released
65.  The Chinese Herald is a wel -established player, already reaching a large Chinese audience in NZ. This funding
will  help it reach more people with stories that  fit the brief for public interest journalism. Funding is
recommended for one role for one year, up to $88,852

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Crux – Junior/Intermediate roles
Peter Newport

Requested $

Key personnel
Title/s
Relevant Past Work

Synopsis
66.  Crux is applying for two junior/intermediate reporters over two years, to increase its output of public interest
journalism in the Southern Lakes and Central Otago districts.
General Assessment
67.  The Crux website was launched by Managing Editor,
in 2018, aimed at bringing hyper-local
public interest journalism to Central Otago and the Southern Lakes region.

68.  NZ On Air has funded Crux for the mini documentary series Southern Lens for two series, and its successor
Deep South, which is currently in production.
69.  In 2021 the PIJF also approved $151,200 to fund a reporting role for two years.
joined the team
in this role and Crux says her additional content has seen their audience size and engagement almost double.
70.  This application states Crux intends to employ two journalists permanently, regardless of whether they get
ongoing funding after this two-year period.
71.  The reporters would produce on average one story per workday day, circa five per week.
72.  There is also an emphasis on on-the-job training, with the reporters being mentored by both
and

Staff Opinion
73.  Crux has a strong commitment to local news, and while the PIJF has already increased Crux’s funding, staff
believes there is room to increase its funding further, particularly with local elections later this year.
74.  The assessors felt clear that the previous PIJF funding was put to good use and has had good PIJ impact, and
they are confident that Crux could maximise a further investment from the PIJF.
75.  There is a stated commitment to the sustainability of the roles, given that Crux intends to employ them
permanently. Crux also gives thought to its sustainability as an organisation, with a diverse funding model
planned, which includes advertising, membership and subscriptions, donations, and grants.
under the Official Information Act
76.  Assessors appreciated the training element of this application, with two senior journalists available to mentor
new staff. One assessor said this proposal is “a great opportunity for young reporters to get their first role with
someone with
experience, passion and focus on strong, pugnacious regional journalism.”
77.

78.  The budget and salaries are reasonable in terms of industry standards, with no excessive costs.
Released
79.  Assessors were positive about this application, saying Crux has a proven track record of PIJ and clear plans to
increase its outputs. Funding is recommended up to $139,520 for one role for two years

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Hawke’s Bay Local Accountability Reporting

BayBuzz Ltd

$88,800
Key personnel
Title/s
Relevant Past Work

Synopsis
80.  BayBuzz is applying for funding for two senior part time reporters over one year, to increase its coverage of
the environment and agribusiness, healthcare, and local government accountability.
General Assessment
81.  BayBuzz has been established in the Hawkes Bay region for 13 years. The bi-monthly is published in hard copy
and online.

82.  The magazine has a strong local focus. The latest edition had a cover story on problem gambling and pokies in
Hawkes Bay, and features on local businesses and artists. There is a strong theme of environmental stories.
83.  BayBuzz proposes hiring two experienced local senior part-time journalists it has already identified. They will
focus on the areas of agribusiness, the environment, local government, and healthcare.
84.  Each journalist will produce one feature story (2,500 - 3,000 words) and one interview (approximately 1,500
words) for each magazine. In addition, they will produce two stories each per week for the website and will
contribute to two video stories each per month and podcasts produced by BayBuzz. Al  funded content will be
available on the website and will be promoted on Facebook.
85.  The budget is reasonable as the roles are part time - $60,000 of the budget covers salaries and additional costs
include videographer support for making video stories.
86.  The application is supported by a thorough list of local politicians, iwi and business leaders. The application
also outlines the relationship BayBuzz has with local iwi, and the importance of engaging with them.
87.

Staff Opinion
88.  The assessors were enthusiastic about BayBuzz, with  one  saying,  “I found Bay Buzz a really impressive
under the Official Information Act
publication that takes a considered approach to complex issues facing the region”, and another stating, “Given
its small size, this magazine is creating impressive public-interest output for its region and clearly has local
government support.”
89.  The fact that BayBuzz has already identified two local and experienced journalists strengthens this application.
90.  This proposal is a cost-effective way to bring public interest journalism, focused on local government, to a local
audience. The cost is reasonable for the outputs, and the outputs are well defined. There is a lot of content,
and it is across a wide range of platforms.
Released
91.  The primary platform of the BayBuzz magazine is only available to paying subscribers, so an assurance will be
sought that al  funded content is made available simultaneously on the free access website, and the
application makes it clear the content wil  also be promoted by including it in the newsletter and on Facebook.

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92.  This is a proven local outlet with a plan to bring more public interest journalism to its audience across a range
of platforms. Funding is recommended for two part-time roles for one year, up to $88,800

Video Content Creator

Newsroom NZ Ltd

$159,340
Key personnel  Title/s
Relevant Past Work

Synopsis
93.  Newsroom is applying for funding for a video content creator for two years, to work alongside existing
journalists to visualise public interest stories, bringing them to a wider and more diverse audience.
General Assessment
94.  Newsroom is an independent, New Zealand-based news and current affairs site. It has consistently produced
high-quality public interest journalism since its launch in 2017.
95.  Newsroom has received funding from the PIJF for The Detail, a cadet scheme, a Māori editor, a network of
South Island reports, Newsroom Investigates, and a subeditor.
96.  This application is for a video content producer who would create 4-5 videos per week, working alongside
reporters to make video versions of their stories. Some would be straight video and some infographics.
97.  Newsroom has already identified several candidates for this role and says it is keen to hire outside the ranks
of experienced journalists, so as not to add to the pressures being felt in the industry.
98.  As the applications states, Newsroom already has a video editor, and journalists who are capable of shooting
video. This role would be more specialised towards creating video for social media, based on a desire to reach
a younger audience.
99.  The application particularly focuses on the ability of this role to highlight public interest journalism already
being produced, particularly already funded content, such as that from the Māori issues editor, Newsroom
Investigates, and The Detail.
Staff Opinion
under the Official Information Act
100.  Assessors were in full support of this application with one saying, “Newsroom has been doing some excel ent
public-interest journalism and a video content creator as described would help gain cut-through with younger
audiences.”
101.  Staff notes that Newsroom was one of the providers who gave early feedback about potential talent poaching
across the sector with PIJF role-based funding, so it is a strength of this application that they are looking to
mitigate this risk by recruiting outside of the immediate sector workforce.
102.  Assessors believe Newsroom is a proven producer of PIJ and while it has received a significant amount of PIJF
funding to date, this is a cost-effective proposal which could reach a wider audience with quality content.
Released
103.  The budget and salary are in line with industry standards, as are the suggested outputs.
104.  The PIJF investment in Newsroom to date has seen some excel ent public interest journalism produced, and
the potential to appeal to a harder-to-reach youth audience with high quality PIJF content warrants further
support. Funding is recommended for one role for two years, up to $159,340

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link to page 11 ATTACHMENTS
Annex A: A list of all PIJF Roles applications submitted in this round
Annex A: A list of all PIJF Roles applications submitted in this round
Project Name
Company
$ Requested  $ Recomm
Result
Ara Mai he tete kura
Te Reo o Ngati  $417,133
$214,245
Approved – Panel recommends
Kahungunu
funding approval
Te Reo Kahika
Te Reo Irirangi  $160,000
$160,000
Approved – Panel recommends
o Maniapoto
funding approval
Content Producing Roles
Indian
$416,400
$362,520
Approved – Panel recommends
Newslink
funding approval
Exploring Issues Facing Chinese
Chinese Herald  $355,409
$88,852
Approved – Panel recommends
NZers
Digital Ltd
funding approval
Crux – Junior/Intermediate roles
Peter Newport  $279,040
$139,520
Approved – Panel recommends
funding approval
Hawke’s Bay Local Accountability  BayBuzz Ltd
$88,800
$88,800
Approved – Panel recommends
Reporting
funding approval
Video Content Creator
Newsroom NZ  $159,340
$159,340
Approved – Panel recommends
Ltd
funding approval
under the Official Information Act
Released
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