NEWSLETTER FEBRUARY 2016

C N A Annual Conference Do not include: Reminder , this will be held in Rotorua on Friday • Circulation revenue if you have paid newspapers May 27 and Saturday May 28. For those booking ENTRIES NOW travel in advance, I would suggest you aim to be in How to enter your data: Rotorua no later than 10 am on the 27th, as we may • Your business will be sent a unique code, simply have our first session a bit earlier than normal. This have your revenue stats ready, go to , enter your OPEN FOR will be confirmed in the next few weeks. code and revenue. All bookings for accommodation will be carried out through the C N A once we have finalised the Deadline 2016 ANNUAL Agenda and circulated to members. Monday 29 February 2016 via the website link Annual Subscriptions you will receive. C N A Will collate all the data and AWARDS to C N A supply one overall figure to ASA by their deadline. It’s that time of the year for your annual Please be on time for this, last year required a Entries Are now open for the subscriptions to be paid, so expect and account significant amount of time chasing up information C N A Awards for the calendar from the C N A next week. Subs have remained from members. year January 1 2016 to at $100 per masthead for Full and Associate December 31 2016. Membership. Please pay these on time, as this ASA Funding allows the Association to keep operational. Go to the web site • ASA will also be sending out accounts for $90 www.cna.org.nz Annual Advertising + GST to members, this funds the service ASA Survey offer to C N A members. Since the reduction of C and follow the links and awards In 2014, our members generated over $50 million in N A member fees, ASA has billed members direct the online entry process. for this service, so expect an account soon. The Most awards can be advertising2015 revenue, AWARDS we need to again survey our entered online, so the members to gather the 2015 Advertising Revenue organisation provides a valuable service to our process is easy. statistics from members. All your submissions members around advertising content around the RESULTS &remainMetropol JUDGESconfidential, and we only discloseCOMMENTS to the does and don’ts , a quick call to ASA in advance of Gather your teams together Advertising Standards Authority the cumulative publishing any potentially misleading advertising can and start the process moving amount from all members. today. Winning Awards for your save a lot of time and angst. newspaper can provide suitable What we need: recognition to your teams, and be Conference Sponsors 2016 • All Advertising revenue from your mastheads from used as a marketing exercise to • We are pleased to confirm the sponsors from last January 1 2015 to 31 December 2015 your customers show you are the year have agreed to support the Annual Conference best in the country. • All advertisingWinner revenue from special publications from January 1 2015 to 31 December 2015 again, and as recognition of their support they will Get on to it today, • Include any web based advertising revenue from be included on our newsletters for the year. Without Bestentries Advertising close January 1 Feature2015 to 31 December 2015 or Supplementtheir support we would not be able to plan and 18 March 2016. Associate Memberdeliver a quality conference.

CONFERENCE SPONSORS 2013We thank our Sponsors to the Conference, without their support the costs of running such an event would be significantly higher to members

Norske Skog

- 1 - John Spring President CATEGORY: PAGE:

1. BEST JUNIOR NEWS JOURNALIST ...... 3

2. BEST SENIOR NEWS JOURNALIST ...... 3

3. BEST JUNIOR SPORTS JOURNALIST ...... 4

4. BEST SENIOR SPORTS JOURNALIST ...... 5

5. BEST HEADLINE ...... 5

6. BEST JUNIOR FEATURE/LIFESTYLE JOURNALIST ...... 6

7. BEST SENIOR FEATURE/LIFESTYLE JOURNALIST ...... 6

8. THE FRANK VEALE MEMORIAL AWARD FOR THE MOST IMPROVED NEWSPAPER ...... 7

9. BEST NEWSPAPER PHOTOGRAPHER ...... 8

10. BEST FEATURE/LIFESTYLE PHOTOGRAPHER ...... 8

11. BEST FRONT PAGE NEWSPAPER ...... 9

12. BEST FRONT PAGE FEATURE/LIFESTYLE ...... 9

13. BEST WEBSITE ...... 10

14. SALES EXCELLENCE - SALES PERSON OF THE YEAR ...... 11

15. SPECIAL PROJECT AWARD ...... 12

16. BEST INDIVIDUAL ADVERTISING PORTFOLIO ...... 13

17. BEST ADVERTISING FEATURE OR SUPPLEMENT ...... 13

18. SELF PROMOTION ...... 14

19. COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT ...... 15-17

20. BEST ALL-ROUND LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE ...... 18

21. BEST ALL-ROUND NEWSPAPER ...... 19

22. OVERALL BEST NEWSPAPER & SUPREME WINNER ...... 20

- 2 - 1 : BEST JUNIOR NEWS JOURNALIST

Judge JIM TULLY Jim Tully is Adjunct Associate Professor with the School of Social and Political Sciences at the University of Canterbury and Researcher-in- Residence at the School of Communication, Journalism and Marketing, Massey University. He joined academia in 1987 after 18 years in daily newspapers during which he was the inaugural Journalist of the Year and held such positions as editorial manager and assistant editor of the and editor of the 8 O’Clock weekend newspaper. Jim received the Canterbury University’s Teaching Award in 2007 and in 2011 at the national Canon Media Awards, the Print Industry Award for Outstanding Achievement. He is a frequent commentator on the media. He now lives in Wellington.

One Award However, the two entrants from (Christchurch) - Emma- Entry is restricted to journalists who have had less than three full Jane McLennan and Gabrielle Stuart - stood out because of the years journalism experience as at 31 October 2015, and are on the overall strength of their portfolios. Gabrielle had the edge with permanent staff of community newspapers. a wide range of interesting and well-researched news stories that demonstrated an ability to handle both hard news and human Entry portfolio to include 6 published articles from 1 January to 31 interest stories with admirable empathy. December 2015. Runner up: Emma-Jane McLennan - The Star BEST JUNIOR NEWS JOURNALIST WINNER: GABRIELLE STUART The Star

It was pleasing to see some very good portfolios from smaller community newspapers outside the main centres, such as the Kaipara Lifestyler and Fiordland Advocate. George Driver of Mahurangi Matters impressed with several substantial stories notable for thorough research.

2 : BEST SENIOR NEWS JOURNALIST

Judge JIM TULLY

One Award The team at Mountain Scene can be counted on to provide plenty Entry is restricted to Senior Journalists with more than three full of hard-hitting news that demands to be read. The approach at The year’s journalism experience as at 31 October 2015, and are on the Devonport Flagstaff is more measured but there is plenty of hard- permanent staff of community newspapers. nosed reporting going on there. I liked the work of Liz Brooker (Ruapehu Bulletin) and Neryda McNabb (Whakatane Beacon). Entry portfolio to include 10 published articles from 1 January to 31 December 2015. It was not easy separating the three top entries. Frank Marvin, as always, broke some great stories and Shelley Robinson stood out for the quality of her writing. The winner, by a very narrow margin, was BEST SENIOR NEWS JOURNALIST David Williams for stories of significance that shone the harsh light WINNER: DAVID WILLIAMS of scrutiny on the local council and its chief executive. Mountain Scene Runner up: Shelley Robinson - The Star (Christchurch) and Once again, the overall quality of this category was impressive Frank Marvin - Mountain Scene and it was very difficult to distinguish between some excellent practitioners who have consistently produced strong portfolios, in some cases over many years.

- 3 - 3 : BEST JUNIOR SPORTS JOURNALIST

Judge ARMIN LINDENBURG Managing director, Lindenberg & Partners, Auckland Lindenberg & Partners is a boutique PR consultancy. Managing director, Armin has worked in communications for over 20 years building a reputation as a media and event management specialist. He has been media manager to the Men’s World Bowls (1988), World Cup Cricket (1992), NZ Ironman Triathlon, Benson & Hedges and Bell South Tennis Opens and the Halberg Awards. Before entering public relations in 1986, Armin spent 17 years in mainstream journalism with the Dominion and Auckland Star, becoming a leading all-round sports journalist covering both Olympic and Commonwealth Games, the 1982 All Whites World Cup campaign, test rugby and cricket, the British Open Golf and Wimbledon. He is secretary of the NZ Sports Journalists Association and for eight years has organised the annual TP McLean National Sports Journalism awards.

One Award Junior Sports Journalists who have had less than three full years journalism experience as at 31 October 2015 and are on the permanent staff of community newspapers. Entry portfolio to include 10 published articles from 1 January to 31 December 2015.

BEST JUNIOR SPORTS JOURNALIST WINNER: NICOLE SHARP Mountain Scene

There were only two entries, both from Otago, David Beck the Star () and Nicole Sharp, Lakes & District News. But lack of quantity didn’t lessen the quality of entry. Both entered strong portfolios, with a range of news, profile pieces and interviews.

Nicole demonstrated a good sense for news with a piece about two rugby clubs, affected by lack of player numbers, not entering Premier Teams in the Otago Rugby competition. She backed that up with a range of personality/ profile stories, two in particular were very good reads. The first about a 13-yearold youngster, being selected for the Phoenix Junior Football Academy and the other about an outstanding young 16-year-old rowing talent, Macaela Turfus, who won a gold medal in theunder-`7 double sculls at the Maadi Cup and was also winner at the Otago Rowing Awards. Very readable, well researched and constructed stories.

Runner up: David Beck - The Star

- 4 - 4 : BEST SENIOR SPORTS JOURNALIST

Judge ARMIN LINDENBURG

One Award WINNER: Maire Veith Senior Sports Journalists who are on the permanent staff of I’ve had the pleasure of reading Maire’s entries in the junior section community newspapers. in previous years. And I have to admit I’m a sucker for her material. Entry portfolio to include 10 published articles from 1 January to She knows how to hit the right buttons with her interviews and 31 December 2015. gets her subjects to really ‘give’ of themselves. Her interviews with young pole vaulter Eliza McCartney - before anyone else - and Jacko Gill, were compelling reading. Gill, the former junior world BEST SENIOR SPORTS JOURNALIST shot put record holder and ‘Media Darling’ has become rather ‘Media Shy’ in recent years. But Maire managed to get him to open WINNER: MARIE VEITH - Devonport Flagstaff up, as she did with Eliza. Among her portfolio was a lovely piece Runner Up: TOM DOUDNEY - The Star on a famous Blues and All Black star, Jerome Kaino, in his new role as parent support for young son Kobe in his first year of ‘Rippa No shortage of quality sports writing in this category with five Rugby’. Well done Maire - again. Class 1 and two Class 2 entries. All seven entries were of an exceptionally high standard and I have Runner up: Tom Doudney no hesitation in saying their material was in many cases better He had a balanced portfolio of good local sporting issues - researched, and read better than much of what we get fed in our tennis clubs in revolt over affiliation fees - the growth of the metropolitan daily and weekend papers. ‘Spring Rolls’ - Rolleston Rugby and a terrific read about Lincoln club Stalwart and All Black replacement prop, Joe In the end I narrowed it down to four finalists -Tom Doudney (Star Moody. & Selwyn Times), Emma Sharplin (Waiuku Post), Jon Silverton (Rural Living and Eastlife) and Maire Veith (Devenport Flagstaff). Emma had a good mix - including news stories, a match report and interviews - with a wonderful piece on former Counties and All Black star, Joeli Vidiri. Among Jon’s two entries were some in-depth interviews and profiles on James Franklin, Frank Bunce, Heath Mills, Grant Fox, Kyle Mills and former NFL star David Dixon. That left two.

5 : BEST HEADLINE

Judge MIKE BLAKE Has recently retired as group editor Waikato Business and Scientific Publications based in Hamilton, Mike began his career as a cadet on . He later served on the Morrinsville Star; Fiji Times, Suva as sub editor; Waikato Times as sub editor; Eastern Courier, Auckland as editor and Sunday News as chief sub editor. Other roles have included editor of Thames Star and Hauraki Herald; PR and advertising in Hamilton; editor, Sunday News; group marketing manager, News Media.

BEST HEADLINE WINNER: OPOTIKI NEWS No 33 APRIL 2015 “Golf club axes woods”

Great play on words. Certainly one that any golfer would relate to.

Runner up: The Fishing Pare and Hunting News “Scotty and Kingie PENN Pals”

Assuming the guy holding the kingie is called Scotty it all works very well.

- 5 - 6 : BEST JUNIOR FEATURE/LIFESTYLE JOURNALIST

Judge JIM TULLY

One Overall impressive range of topics, solid research and the quality of writing. Junior Journalists who have had less than three full years journalism Her piece on the troubled relationship between the Christchurch experience as at 31 October 2015 and are on the permanent staff of mayor and the Earthquake Recovery Minister was the highlight. community newspapers. Runner up: Ayla Miller - Canterbury Farming

BEST JUNIOR FEATURE/LIFESTYLE JOURNALIST WINNER: GABRIELLE STUART The Star (Christchurch)

Once again, it was disappointing to see too little attention to the craft of story-telling. Too many entries were one-interview, long news stories with no colour or .

Ayla MIller and Ann Morgan had excellent material drawn from the faming sector and Emma-Jane McLennan addressed a good range of topics. Gabrielle Stuart’s portfolio was a clear winner with its

7 : BEST SENIOR FEATURE/LIFESTYLE JOURNALIST

Judge JIM TULLY One Award Senior Journalists who are on the permanent staff of community newspapers.

BEST SENIOR FEATURE/LIFESTYLE JOURNALIST WINNER: JULIANNE EVANS Waiheke Weekender

The blend of interesting content and evocative writing found in the best of feature writing was certainly evident in a number of portfolios. Paul Taylor ‘s personality profiles reflected a highly skilled interviewer at work. Maire Vieth and Rob Drent understand the craft of story-telling and have an eye for interesting topics.

Julianne Evans combined these various qualities in a portfolio that was diverse, well-researched, fluently written and a pleasure to read.

Runner up: Paul Taylor - Mountain Scene

- 6 - 8 : THE FRANK VEALE MEMORIAL AWARD FOR THE MOST IMPROVED NEWSPAPER

Judge SUE McPHERSON Sue’s 44 years in daily and community newspapers has included journalism and management roles. During her initial 15 years at the Auckland Star she specialised in crime reporting and was a member of the award-winning Mr Asia investigative reporting team.

In the late 80s she held various editorial management positions with NZ News’ community division before become editor of the Auckland Star, 1990 and 1991. After two years as deputy general manager of Suburban Newspapers, Sue was general manager of INL’s Independent Community Newspapers division for 10 years. She was general manager of Fairfax Media’s newly merged Waikato region for two years, leaving at the end of 2005 for health reasons. Sue is currently filling in semi-retirement sub editing, and as foreign editor for the Herald on Sunday. THE FRANK VEALE MEMORIAL AWARD FOR THE Any paper looking to modernise its presentation should look closely MOST IMPROVED NEWSPAPER at this publication’s wise use of white space and clean typography.

The compulsory issues were for May 2014 and September 2015. The publication states a 45,000 circulation against an audited 33,000 in the 2014 issue. The publisher is definitely embracing This is the fifth consecutive year I have judged this category and once social media through such sites as its website, Facebook, Twitter, again several entrants have failed to comprehend the competition is Pinterest and LinkedIn. for the most improved newspaper or to follow directions for entry. Submitted issues were judged on quality and presentation of editorial Last year’s winner in this class, The Post has tweaked its masthead content, relevance to circulation area, community interaction, to include the words Franklin and North Waikato - reflecting the advertising layout and placement to best display editorial and serve broader circulation area. It continues to have a healthy coverage of the advertiser, overall presentation and any evidence of a drive local events and news without following the move by other high- to improve the publication, noting any attempts to embrace the density community newspapers to share general editorial content growing acceptance of social media. rather than generating material pertinent to their circulation area.

Tighter copy and larger photos are among several changes CLASS 1 - UP TO 14,999 COPIES to presentation. The eager use of colour generally works but Two publications stood out in this class. occasionally the competitive graphic elements on a page are not entirely reader friendly. Sometimes less is more. Your Cambridge News showed it was a work in progress, with a clearer presentation in the 2015 issue. Editorial is being organised Editorial content has a good spread of topics, from hard news into pages such as Your Sport and Your Schools and community through to general interest columns and tight writing ensures there’s bodies such as the Chamber of Commerce and Community Board a nice story count. are contributing columns. So far so good but there’s a danger the The paper continues to build on its social media success, adding publisher may go too far with “talking heads” dominating editorial many photos from the local events it attends and building a healthy space rather than building community feedback and interaction. events section. The Mercury Bay Informer has increased its physical size to tabloid OVERALL WINNER: THE POST and its pagination. It’s pleasing to see an increase in editorial content, including features, and regular letters show how well the VERY HIGHLY COMMENDED: METROPOL publication is touching the community. It was unfortunate that the 2015 issue had its front page mounted separately so page 2 could not be considered in the overall appraisal.

CLASS 2 - 15,000+ COPIES

Again, two publications stood out among these entrants.

Christchurch’s glossy Metropol downsized format from tabloid to A4 last year and the 2015 edition shows a further format reduction to standard magazine with a better quality cover.

The publication is certainly living up to its tagline “The showcase magazine for the best”. Metropol has always been a classy and well-presented publication and this latest change turns it into a publication which will not be out of place on the coffee tables in its targeted circulation area.

- 7 - 9 : BEST NEWSPAPER PHOTOGRAPHER

Judge RHYS PALMER Rhys Palmer began his photographic interests at the age of 10 years old, owning an instamatic Agfa camera in Hamilton. He became New Plymouth Boys High School photographer and eventually started a career with The Hamilton Press in 1984. He continued his photojournalism spending 5 years on each publication, The Waikato Times and , until venturing out to start Waikato Photography,still operating after 20 years.He has experienced the transition from film to digital, working in all fields of photography.

One Award Liz Brooker: Ruapehu Bulleton Image 5 is the second best image of the competition. Your portfo- Photographers or journalists who take photographs who are on lio illustrates fun. the permanent staff of community newspapers. A portfolio of 10 photographs required. George Driver: Mahurangi Matters Images that make you feel part of the occasion, which is a skill not BEST NEWS PHOTOGRAPHER observed in other portfolios.

WINNER: WAYNE MARTIN Robert Milne: Ruapehu Bulletin Botany & Ormiston Times Well captured action images and a range of photographs taken Colourful and strong with emotion. The whole portfolio grabs ones from different angles. eye with the moment captured time and again. Lacking a good news shot but uses the ambient light with introduced light wonderfully. Suzi Lewis: The Wairoa Star Image 6 is the best image of the competition. A great balance of action and individual studies.

Runner up: Geoff Sloan - Christchurch Star Nicole Sharp: Lakes District and Central Otago News A great collection of images including top news and sports A fine representation and record of the community photographs. Tracy Hardy: The Weekend Sun Judges Selective Comments: A fine use of lighting with creative set-up shots. Louis Klaassen – Whakatane Beacon An extremely close contender to being runner up. The ten images were of a high standard. Colourful with a good news photograph. Image 2 is a fabulous photograph.

10 : BEST FEATURE/LIFESTYLE PHOTOGRAPHER

Judge RHYS PALMER One Overall Judges Selective Comments: Photographers or journalists who take photographs who are on the Elaine Fisher: Coast and Country News permanent staff of community newspapers. Well composed with some fill in flash and good that some subjects aren’t looking directly at the camera. A portfolio of 10 photographs required.

Jessie Johnston: Waimea Weekly BEST FEATURE/LIFESTYLE PHOTOGRAPHER A fantastic reflection of the community using tight, strong images WINNER: BRUCE BARNARD with good use of flash. The Weekend Sun

A fantastic variety of images that are bright and colourful with lots of action and feeling. The best use of a wide- angle lens seen in the competition, with great use of lighting. It would be fabulous to view this portfolio in large prints.

Runner up: Wayne Martin - Eastlife Magazine Your colourful portfolio commands my attention. Ten strong portraits tightly cropped and presented in a relaxed manner.

- 8 - 11 : BEST FRONT PAGE NEWSPAPER

Judge MIKE BLAKE Class 1, 2 and Associate

Submit two front pages (not whole papers) from any time between January 1 to December 31, 2015.

BEST FRONT PAGE - NEWSPAPER CLASS 1 - UP TO 14,999 COPIES WINNER: WHAKATANE BEACON CLASS 2 - 15,000+ COPIES WINNER: MOUNTAIN SCENE (Highly commended - Canterbury Build Issue December 2015). ASSOCIATE WINNER: COAST & COUNTRY NEWS

12 : BEST FRONT PAGE FEATURE/LIFESTYLE

Judge MIKE BLAKE Class 1, 2 and Associate

Submit two front pages (not whole papers) from any time between January 1 to December 31, 2015.

BEST FRONT PAGE FEATURE/LIFESTYLE Having said that, in several of the categories it was a close run race for first place with many entrants using full, or almost full page CLASS 1 - UP TO 14,999 COPIES photos to introduce their issues. WINNER: WAIHEKE WEEKENDER Comparisons had to be made on what the impact of photographs might be on the reading public. Some were rather mundane others CLASS 2 - 15,000+ COPIES were eye-catching. WINNER: THE FISHING & HUNTING NEWS There are certainly some very clever photographers out there whose ASSOCIATE: WEEKEND GARDENER QUARTERLY skills are called upon every issue to produce a front page image that tells the story of the content.

The Weekend Gardener Quarterly was a stand out in this area and The Beacon takes this year’s ultimate prize for its presentation of that is why it takes the top prize for Class One Associate. news.

The front page was well laid out and clear to read. OVERALL WINNER: In judging one needed to break clear of the fact that this front CATEGORY 11 & 12 BEST FRONT PAGE page was printed on yellowing newsprint which tended to take the WHAKATANE BEACON sharpness off images compared with some of the snappy tabloids and A4 magazines that presented on high bright and gloss material.

Given those hurdles the Beacon layout person balanced the page well and highlighted one photo/story with a blue background which allowed the lead story to stand boldly alone while doing justice to the second lead.

- 9 - 13 : BEST WEBSITE

Judge MICHELLE HOLLAND Michelle is a Director of Zeevo, a Christchurch based web & mobile technology software house with fifteen years industry experience and a broad business customer base. A fast-growing, dynamic web and mobile company, Zeevo’s software as a service (Saas) products and web hosted solutions are used across the globe.

One Overall Award Runner Up: SunLive

Judged on: SunLive are to be congratulated on increased readership and • Innovation/Content successful social media strategy.

• Design Functionality Although the website is content rich, its layout is busy and difficult to read. This issue is exacerbated on a mobile device and • Business results (supply revenue generated by the site from considerably limits accessibility to readers. Once layout is addressed, 1 January to 31 December 2015) our expectation would be marked growth in readership. • Weekly average Browsers (Week 3 – 9 November 2015) • Unique Weekly Browsers (Week 3 – 9 November 2015) • Average length users are on the site (Week 3 – 9 November 2015) • (the above 3 items must be presented from a report file extracted from your site analytics, and submitted in its original form) • Main Newspaper circulation represented by the website

BEST WEBSITE WINNER: THE WHAKATANE BEACON

Benefiting from enhanced load time and a clear and consistent layout The Whakatane Beacon wins 2016 Best Website category.

The website successfully balances free, and subscriber accessible content- behind a paywall, enticing potential subscribers to undertake a free trial subscription.

Showcasing how digital and social media platforms complement, rather than threaten print circulation, The Whakatane Beacon offers an accessible and targeted reader experience.

Congratulations.

- 10 - 14 : SALES EXCELLENCE - SALES EXCELLENCE

Judge BRIAN HILL CEO of the NPA and News Works

Brian joined the NPA/News Works a year ago, and has led a rebranding and positioning of News Works, with a new strategic direction of market research led promotion of newspaper media.

Before coming to Auckland with his New Zealand wife and two daughters in 2014, Brian spent seven years with BBC Worldwide based in London, where most recently he was the UK Sales and Retail Director of Consumer Products, and held other senior content sales and licensing roles prior to that.

Judge JULIE RUTLEDGE Regional Business Development & Newspaper Communication Manager (the longest title ever!)

Julie has been with News Works (formerly Newspaper Advertising Bureau) for over ten years in various different roles, covering management of the research team, newspaper communication and business development for regional newspapers. Julie has a broad understanding of the media landscape from her experience within News Works and prior to appointments with the NZ Herald and Research International in similar roles.

One Award Judges will be asked to consider the following aspects of an entry: (OPEN category to print display/classifieds + digital) • Outstanding “wins” / Major Achievements Sales executive nominations must demonstrate high achievement • Revenue Growth and meet the criteria listed below. • New Revenue The period of time being measured for these awards covers from 01 January 2015 to 31 December 2015. • Retained Revenue Where appropriate, you may include written testimonials. These • Client/Agency Relationship Development testimonials will not be returned to the nominee. • Collaboration (internal) Written responses to be no more than 750 words, covering the • Creative Thinking following topics: • Professional Development 1. Brief biography 2. Major achievements in 2014 including reasons and impact on the business SALES EXCELLENCE 3. Personal sales performance - e.g. target, volume, revenue and WINNER: BETTY WILLETS yield Runner Up: Catherine McConachy

4. Cite new business wins plus growth of existing client Both entries were strong, showing evidence of the candidates’ spend; outlining business strategies for creating and creative thinking and problem solving abilities. Catherine’s use of retaining business. Client testimonial(s) desirable client examples was helpful. 5. Main professional and personal attributes that have Betty’s entry illustrated her ability to focus on both her own and her contributed to success team’s development whilst achieving great sales results. 6. How the nominee has promoted your newspaper / digital property as the advertising medium of choice 7. Commitment to professional development

Please include: • Letter of approval by GM/CEO/Publisher for nomination • Photograph (preferably a headshot) of the candidate

- 11 - 15 : SPECIAL PROJECT AWARD

Judges BRIAN HILL / JULIE RUTLEDGE

One Award

Best new Project or innovation: Judges will look for entries that differentiate your solution from the pack. A new approach is essential. If it is a new approach and / or change of thinking within your own organisation (as opposed to a world-first), then it will be an acceptable entry. But make that clear, and explain it, in your Statement of Purpose. This award is designed to reward those who successfully «think outside the square» for their client. NB: The criteria has been left open so you can best describe your idea/innovation. The existing criteria cited below can be a guide. Judges will reward outstanding creative execution that commands attention and motivates the audience or prospect. Entries should demonstrate the following components:

Weighting

Innovation Original use of medium for message / audience 50%

Design Sharp and relevant design / illustration / copy 15%

Inspiration Effective call to action 15%

Impact Measurement of response (data-points or client feedback where possible) 20%

Definitions

Best New project or Innovation: Can be any size, on any platform, and must have been commercially sold. The same applies to dedicated environments, such as features, supplements, digital microsites, mobile app sponsorships and so on. Editorially/Advertising-driven features /supplements/websites are acceptable so long as they have been a new innovation to your business in the 2014 calendar year. Statement of Purpose: A Statement of Purpose addressing the criteria of up to 300 words must be included for each entry. Additionally, the Statement of Purpose may be complemented by a client(s) endorsement, which would not be included in the 300-word limit.

SPECIAL PROJECT AWARD WINNER: WAITOMO NEWS - TOP SPOTS

Runner up: THE STAR - The Tannery

Both these entries were new products created for clients in a new environment, existing outside the newspaper. Both utilised publishing skills, resulting in a high quality output.

- 12 - 16 : BEST INDIVIDUAL ADVERTISING PORTFOLIO

Judges BRIAN HILL / JULIE RUTLEDGE Class 1, 2 and Associate The winner illustrated a variety of styles with clear messages and graphics to match with a mixture of advertorial and straight Enter your best six advertisements from any issue prepared solely advertising. by your own advertising/production team between January 1 to December 31, 2015. CLASS 2 - 15,000+ COPIES WINNER: THE STAR - Neil Baker BEST INDIVIDUAL ADVERTISING PORTFOLIO This entry presented a variety of styles with fresh clean layouts and ASSOCIATE WINNER: EASTLIFE - PHOEBE SIMS structure. A good use of colour and editorial included in the ads presented. CLASS 1 - UP TO 14,999 COPIES WINNER: WHAKATANE BEACON - Robyn McLeod

Runners up: Mahurangi Matters - Jannette Thompson

17 : BEST ADVERTISING FEATURE OR SUPPLEMENT

Judges BRIAN HILL / JULIE RUTLEDGE Class 1, 2 and Associate CLASS 2 - 15,000+ COPIES One only advertising feature or supplement from any issue WINNER: METROPOL MAGAZINE published between January 1 to December 31, 2015. The feature - Cup & Show Week - Emma Dyer or supplement must comprise a minimum of two pages and be Runner Up: Weekend Sun - Life + Style - Tracy Hardy exclusively the work of the newspapers own editorial and advertising staff. Great imagery laid out in a clean and informative style with a good blend of advertising and advertorial. The supplement maintained a tight theme around the races and fashion throughout. BEST ADVERTISING FEATURE/SUPPLEMENT ASSOCIATE WINNER: RURAL LIVING - Franklin Business Showcase - Phoebe Sims

Runner up: Eastlife - The Bride Guide - Phoebe Sims

A structured and engaging piece with a good mixture of editorial and imagery or graphics.

CLASS 1 - UP TO 14,999 COPIES WINNER: MAHURANGI MATTERS - Destination - Jannette Thompson

Runner Up: Botany and Ormiston Times - Home - Phoebe Sims This piece wove the advertising in nicely, it was informative and engaging in its presentation. A good source of information, engagingly presented for the reader.

- 13 - 18 : SELF PROMOTION

Judges BRIAN HILL / JULIE RUTLEDGE Class 1 , 2 and Associate: In paper advertising self promotion January 1 to December 31, 2015. • Special promotions to clients / agencies with branded materials / packages • Self promotion at special events • Outdoor promotions of your newspaper, e.g. signage / branding • General marketing and branding

CLASS 1: WINNER: WHAKATANE BEACON - Fiona Marshall A strong entry, the winner gave the team an opportunity to interact with recipients who were presented with something unique and personal.

CLASS 2: WINNER: THE POST - Lynn Douglas This was a great example, strengthening the paper’s relationship within the community by supporting a worthy local cause.

- 14 - 19 : COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT

Judge GREG TREADWELL

Senior lecturer, journalism School of Communication StudiesAUT University, Auckland.

Born in Kenya in 1963, Greg lived there until 1969, then grew up mostly in Vanuatu where he still has research interests in mainstream and social media. He trained as a journalist in the 80s then worked at various newspapers including the , Whakatane Beacon and, most recently, as editor of Waiheke Island’s, Gulf News. He has a NZ Certificate in Journalism and an MA in New Zealand poetry. In 2005 he joined AUT and in 2010 he won the university’s prestigious Vice Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Teaching. He is a longstanding judge for the NZ Community Newspapers Association Better Newspapers Awards and has also judged the Canon Media Awards (Best News Website) and the Travcom travel photography awards.

Class 1 and 2 Gulf News Waiheke’s independent newspaper presents more of its excellent and Community leadership entry based upon a single example of resolute coverage of island politics and the mysterious webs that city community involvement during the competition year through planners spin. Another attempted assault by developers, this time articles and/or photographs taken from possibly several issues by locals intent on building a marina, on the community’s virtually of your paper. Please do not submit an advertising feature or sacrosanct Matiatia Bay. How the mighty have fallen here before newspaper revenue generating scheme. and this time it is no exception. The paper traces the latest battle for Matiatia in fine detail, unpacking for readers the dense planning, COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT legal and environmental arguments, recording the growth of the community group opposing the marina and its fundraising efforts, This year’s Community Involvement category attracted a number exposing backroom deals and the way Auckland Council let the of very strong contenders and was very difficult to judge. Overall, developers off regular planning costs. The paper captures the spirit the standard was considerably higher than in recent years and it’s of the fight, from all sides, for control of Matiatia. Ultimately the extremely encouraging to see newsrooms still devoting such energy marina application fails. to strong campaigning. This is consummate community journalism; Gulf News has many, many years of strong community involvement behind it and its CLASS 1: reportage on Matiatia has been a key driver in the community’s Devonport Flagstaff seemingly invincible sense of ownership of the island’s gateway bay. Innovative, bold and always serious about its journalism, the [Disclaimer – I was a reporter and then editor at GN in a former Devonport Flagstaff launches an investigative reporting fund, to life.] which readers are invited to contribute.

Monies raised will be used to fund those all-important OIA requests, Mercury Bay Informer which are needed now more than ever but are also a growing An intriguing campaign that grew out of chief reporter Len Salt’s financial burden to newsrooms, as government, at both local and increasing frustration that Trade Me would not include Whitianga national levels, continues to retreat from its obligations under our as a town in its drop-down list of options for those creating accounts freedom-of-information regime. It’s a fascinating proposition: In on the site. The result is that Whitianga residents appear on Trade cash-strapped times, when it is harder and harder to provide fourth- Me as living in Coromandel, Thames or Whangamata, which is estate services, those citizens who value and understand the need for probably not the best if you are trying to sell a fridge in Whitianga. transparency can support their local paper to the level they think After two years of no interest from the online-auction giant, the it both needs and, perhaps, deserves. The Flagstaff has no worries paper was fed up and editor - readers, including a woman who stopped editor Rob Drent in the street to apologetically press $4 into his palm, help the paper Stephan Bosman went on the offensive. In an open letter published exceed its target of raising $2000 in one month. It’s a modest sum, in the paper, he announced that the paper had sold the entire town as perhaps is appropriate, but as Drent points out, the paper’s OIA on Trade Me for the princely sum of $32 to prove it did actually costs range from about $400 to $1000 per request, so that’s a pretty exist. The purchaser also got some concert tickets, the paper had healthy shot in the arm for the newsroom’s investigative work. made its point and Trade Me climbed down from its perch and agreed to include Whitianga in its list of towns. It wouldn’t, however, be able to do it in the five minutes the paper suggested it should take – it would, in fact, be something like a month. But the win was a win and the paper had not only a great local story for its front but its efforts were noticed by RNZ National’s Mediawatch and Bosman was interviewed about the paper’s success in advocating for its readers. Not Watergate, noted Mediawatch, but important none the less. Couldn’t agree more. All power to the local press.

- 15 - 19 : COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT (Cont)

The Wairoa Star OIA, even if they are technically allowable. With mainstream media Always a strong entry from the Star over recent years, and it’s no increasingly turning to the Kardashians for its copy in the race to the different this time. bottom, community newspapers become even more our watchdogs in local politics. Without these OIA requests, the ratepayers of A campaign to bring the area’s serious domestic violence problems Devonport are left voting virtually blind. It’s a new approach to the to the surface was developed after a youth services trust brought two dilemma of viability faced by almost all media who want to do what men who had been violent at home to town. These inspirational the media is primarily meant to do – inform the reader and keep the speakers told their stories of redemption and before long, helped by powerful accountable. You might call it philanthropic microfunding the Star’s work in engaging locals, a local support group, supported – with no cover price, the Flagstaff can legitimately ask which of by a national parent organisation, is holding a whanau day and readers wants to help keep democracy ‘alive and kicking’ at a local key community figures are publicly signing a charter that commits level, as editor Rob Drent puts it. them to help rid the community of violence. CLASS 2 It’s a devastating issue that all communities struggle with – Wairoa, Mahurangi Matters where concern about levels of violence had been rising, took its Christmas appeals are important moments of cohesion in a opportunity to make a strong start on the problem. With it all the community and no-one is better placed to facilitate, if not co- way is its independent community newspaper, of course. ordinate, them than the local news media. Mahurangi Matters teamed up with Hibiscus Matters and More FM Rodney on a Waitomo News campaign with two aims - to make sure families in need in the region When thieves hit a volunteer youth worker and his horse-trekking had a decent Christmas and to encourage locals to shop local in the programme for at risk youth, the News performed that classic run-up to Christmas. These are the campaigns for which we put community paper role of rallying support for the victims of crime. aside our differences and which strengthen our communities no- The community response was commensurate with the impact of end. In the end $2800 in shopping vouchers was raised and three the crime – the programme’s riding gear had been flogged and the carloads of presents were collected. The trans-media co-operation kids clearly benefitting from the treks had been grounded by the was an interesting feature of this one - radio and print combining to dastardly theft. Simple but effective for the newsroom, really – cover be more than the sum of their parts. the crime, feature the victims (the kids), tell readers they can drop Selwyn Times items at the newspaper office, and let community spirit do the rest. A fantastic collaboration with Selwyn Libraries sees the acknowledgement of the story of every soldier who died in World CLASS 1 RUNNER-UP: WAIROA STAR War I and whose name appears on a war memorial in the district. An excellent campaign against family violence that is highly Each soldier is profiled, many with a picture as well, and the overall challenging and requires real commitment. It takes courage to effect is remarkable – a tapestry-like feature that records the loss tackle such issues because the stakes are so high and the effects suffered by communities to a war beyond the horizon. Each soldier so real. It’s community news as a journalism of solution and it is is remembered by name and rank but also by anecdote, appearance heartening to see it still drives so many community newsrooms. and other interesting details. Wounds, lice and disease, medical The Star plans to keep the issue alive by interviewing men who have treatment, the units and their battles, the injuries and death – the broken a violence chain and inspiring others to believe they can humanising effect of the detail is powerful. The design of the whole do the same. These are the hard-to-measure campaigns that require package is particularly effective and the paper, in conjunction with high levels of trust between community members, agencies and the libraries, now holds an incredible archive for the community. newspaper. The Star is to be congratulated on The Courier Timaru CLASS 1 WINNER: DEVONPORT FLAGSTAFF Hard to beat this one for sheer heartfelt community support. The family of three-year old Charlee Rogers, whose multiple heart What this award recognises is a newsroom’s community defects mean she needs expensive surgery to survive, is gifted involvement. While all entries are excellent examples of journalism, $30,000 after a fantastic campaign by the Courier. it is not primarily what wins the award. Charlee’s parents are selling their two businesses, one of which Other awards recognise individuals for their excellent reporting. they have owned for 13 years, as they try to fund the operation. Rather, this award is for the innovative, the inspirational and the They are overwhelmed by the paper’s and the community’s support. brilliantly executed – ideas and campaigns that but for a sense of It’s a heart-warming story, though no-one is unrealistic about the community involvement would never have normally made the challenges Charlee faces. Along the way Timaru workplaces take part pages of the paper. In this case the Flagstaff has not, as would be in a wear-blue day, which raises $6000. Then the paper’s campaign normal, set out to involve itself in the community but set out to is noticed by prime time television and the story goes national and involve the community it what it does. then international. In the end, the result is phenomenal. It is appalling that small newspapers face such costs, the charging of which is, I believe, are increasingly contrary to the spirit of the

- 16 - 19 : COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT (Cont)

The Post CLASS 2 RUNNER-UP: The Courier Timaru The Post hears of a case of bullying at school and talks to the principal about bullying and its causes. Soon a campaign is under Deserved for the aroha and sheer passion in the campaign, and the way and the paper challenges the Ministry of Education to outline level of support the paper raised for one family in its community its strategies to deal with it. The ministry says bullying is a problem going through the enormous challenges of expensive heart surgery. in many parts of society, including schools, and a lot of work is Three-year-old Charlee Rogers and her family deserve all the help being done to combat it. Unconvinced, the Post launches a petition they can get and the Courier has made sure it’s as much as possible. urging the Minister of Education to ensure schools are trained in dealing with bullying and so end the pattern of bullied children CLASS 2 WINNER: The Star having to change schools. Every time someone signs, Hekia Parata For the impact the campaign had. Homelessness is increasing gets an email. Great initiative. exponentially across the western world and authorities, frankly, The Star seem reluctant to deal with it. Here in New Zealand it’s increasingly The Star has long been a heavyweight in this category of the awards obvious that community trusts that provide such services need the - its community involvement over the years has been strongly security of tenure that comes with owning premises. Night shelters influential and often focused on outcomes of justice for the less- are increasingly important and will become the mark of a city that than-powerful. This time it takes on the massive task of raising cares. Well done Dunedin and the Star. $220,000 still required for the Dunedin Night Shelter Trust to buy its two buildings in Lees St that make up the positively named OVERALL WINNER, COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT: Phoenix Lodge. A total of $600,000 is needed by October 1. Along The Star, Dunedin. the way, the paper interviews a man who needed the shelter when Congratulations, an incredible sum to raise for a cause communities he was released from prison, ramming home thw realities of life for cannot ignore, even if government seems to be able to. those who need such services. Remarkably - or perhaps not, given the Star’s track record in community involvement - the target is achieved with time to spare and a bit of money left over. While the majority came from other charitable trusts, about $150,000 came from the public and Dunedin businesses. As a trustee confirmed to the Star, it just wouldn’t have been possible without the newspaper playing its crucial part.

- 17 - 20 : BEST ALL ROUND LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

Judge VENETIA SHERSON General Comments

At a time of great change in the world of print, it is gratifying – and indeed uplifting – to see community newspapers still delivering quality content to their readers. The entries in this year’s best all-round newspaper and best all-round lifestyle magazines demonstrate that grass- roots’ journalism continues to play a strong role in connecting and informing communities. Many of these papers are run on tight budgets, and staff are continually having to think of new ways to engage readers and advertisers to remain relevant and viable. The innovations demonstrated in the entries submitted, show there are some smart thinkers in our newsrooms. All credit to them. The standouts in this year’s newspaper categories share similar qualities: they look good; they read well and they have an excellent sense of the communities they serve. They are a welcome antidote to the sensational headlines and titillating gossip that dominate some online cousins. It is reassuring to see good local body coverage written in an engaging way. And a bouquet to the handful of papers that still cover court.

However, I would like to see a bit of attitude from our community BEST ALL ROUND LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE papers. I mourn the disappearance of a strident editorial that holds people to account and campaigns for change. While newspapers WINNER: RURAL LIVING (Franklin) have a responsibility to reflect the views of their community, they Rural Living has benefitted from a makeover. Its move from also have a role in leading discussion and provoking debate. It newsprint tabloid to satin A-4 stitch trim magazine makes it look would have been heartening to see the newspapers that reported classy and more appealing to a diverse readership. The stories are on elder abuse, bullying, rural healthcare and environmental con- sharply written, interesting and well targeted to an audience whose troversies, also leading the charge for change. lives straddle briefcases and gumboots.

Runner Up: EASTLIFE Entries to be selected from regular monthly/bi monthly magazines. Visually, few magazines in New Zealand could match this elegant We are looking for at least 4 ( four) entries of the same product, and enticing publication, packed with excellent food ideas, advice published between 1 January and 31 December 2015. Entries will and engaging stories about locals. The editorial, by the editor Helen be judged across a number of criteria. Perry, sets the tone. I imagine this publication is well read - and • Editorial content (quality of the writing) well-loved - by its readers. • Presentation (layout) • Level of local editorial content HIGHLY COMMENDED: KIWI GARDENER • Layout An honest and down-to-earth (quite literally) publication for gardeners, packed with useful information, easy to follow graphics • Photography and expert advice. • Advertising content and presentation Entries must include: BEST ALL-ROUND LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE (Class 2) WINNER: • Name of Lifestyle Magazine THE FISHING PAPER AND HUNTING NEWS • Brief outline of target market A great example of a publication targeted to outdoor enthusiasts. • Frequency Packed with personal accounts, knowledgeable advice and great • Circulation number pictures of the ones that didn’t get away. Also benefits from a lively • Total number of journalists at your newspaper (FTE and witty letters column, aptly named, “Stick Your Oar in,” which equivalents) demonstrates the level of engagement with readers.

Runner Up: METROPOL (Christchurch) A beautifully designed lifestyle magazine, packed with images and short stories. Editor Angela Bennett has an excellent sense of style that is reflected in her magazine.

- 18 - 21 : BEST ALL-ROUND NEWSPAPER

Judge VENETIA SHERSON Class 1 , 2 and Associate: Three compulsory issues are required for the judging of the Best All-Round Newspaper: • One Newspaper published in March 2015 • One Newspaper published in June 2015 • One Newspaper published in November 2015 The judging for the Best All-Round Newspaper will be based on the following guide:

Weighting

Connecting with the community including a forum for opinions 35%

Quality of journalism including news selection and writing 30%

Design including photography 20%

Agenda setting including exclusives and/or campaigns 15%

• Total number of journalists at your newspaper (FTE equivalents)

BEST ALL-ROUND NEWSPAPER BEST ALL-ROUND NEWSPAPER CLASS 1 - UP TO 14,999 COPIES CLASS 2 - 15,000+ COPIES WINNER: WINNER: THE COURIER (Timaru) Strong front pages backed up by good depth in reporting throughout Solid reporting, clean design and depth of content combine to the newspaper. The Ensign has an excellent blend of hard news and make this paper the standout in a very tough field. The Courier is feature stories, tightly edited and well displayed with strong use of representative of quality community newspapers - honest, thorough pictures. The paper is an excellent mirror of the community it serves and reflective of the communities they serve. It illuminates issues of and is a standout in this category. concern, such as elder abuse - but also devotes space to the good work - and good people - that often go unsung, through the People’s Runner Up: THE BEACON Page. The produced quality content in the issues submitted. The strong leads demonstrate the benefits of experienced reporting Runner Up: MOUNTAIN SCENE (Queenstown) and editorial direction. There is a good balance of civic affairs, crime Stroppy, sassy and rarely silent on any issue, Mountain Scene and community stories that inform and entertain. The inclusion remains at the top of its game, covering stories in the manner of of an editorial – a dying beast in most community papers - is a much larger papers. In book terms, this is a “page turner” and welcome addition. its headlines are always compelling and very clever. Still covering court, which is an added bonus. FINALIST: GULF NEWS (Waiheke Island) It may be small in format, but it has a big footprint in its FINALIST: THE WEEKEND SUN community. The lively debate and strong opinions voiced on its The paper reflects its place of origin. It’s warm and bright and pages – including through its editorial - demonstrate this is a paper uplifting. Plus, clever and often witty. It has personality and attitude that is read and respected. The design is out of kilter with most which sets it above some of its more sombre competitors. other newspapers, but its content is clever, comprehensive and very commendable. BEST ASSOCIATE NEWSPAPER: Only one entry in this category - Coast and Country (Bay of Plenty) - but it is worthy of praise for the sheer volume and diversity of stories, written with knowledge and understanding.

- 19 - 22 : OVERALL BEST NEWSPAPER & SUPREME WINNER

Judge VENETIA SHERSON

Judged from the Best Entries from Class 1 and 2.

BEST ALL-ROUND INDEPENDENT NEWSPAPER WINNER: THE COURIER (Timaru)

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