Stuff re-launches NZFarmer with unique regionalised proposition

NZFarmer – New Zealand’s largest free rural newspaper – is being re-launched by Stuff after a five-year hiatus.

Edited by experienced farming journalist and also former dairy farmer Sonita Chandar, the highly-regarded monthly tabloid will be delivered to over 91,000 rural properties across the country with an anticipated readership of 180,000.

“NZ Farmer will get to the heart of what is happening across agribusinesses and the people who drive primary industries. Its reprisal and rejuvenation is testament to how important the rural sector is to Stuff,” Lee Piper, Stuff Director of Regional and Rural Markets, says.

“The agriculture, forestry and fisheries industries provide major production and export business in New Zealand with a GDP amounting to over $13.5 billion per annum*. We are seeing some confidence slowly returning to the market after a tough 2023 and the last three Global Dairy Trade auctions have seen the price steadying, meaning a slight change in Fonterra’s forecast farmgate milk price, and we hope this trend will continue. 

“NZFarmer offers a unique proposition for advertisers because it is New Zealand’s only rural national newspaper that has regionalised editions.

“Stuff is where it’s at when it comes to rural audiences, reaching 82% of the rural market** across print and digital channels. We are firm believers in using insights to build powerful, multi-channel campaigns to help our rural partners reach, influence and convert new customers,” Piper adds. 

Chandar has worked in media for more than 20 years, with a  decade of experience in the rural sector, and has an inherent understanding of what is important to her audience. Among the regular features she has planned, Chandar has secured expert panellists including Gordon Stuart from Chaperon sharing his views on rural banking and New Zealand soil scientist Doug Edmeades. 

“NZFarmer has established a strong and enduring connection with rural communities across Aotearoa New Zealand, holding a special place in the hearts of many farmers and their families,” she says.

“Our regular features will span everyday work life on the farm, through to lifestyle content for those rare moments away from the farm,” she says. “We will feature stories on what matters to people in the rural sector – from future-focussed research, sustainability and innovation features through to travel and real estate.”

The team can be reached at nzfarmer@stuff.co.nz for any media or advertising enquiries.