Passion and Drive: 3 Year Anniversary Approaches
14 July 2025. The New Zealand Reporter. Editorial.
Dear Readers and Viewers of The New Zealand Reporter,
The 3-year mark for this newish news outlet is approaching. To be exact, I released the first online edition of The NZR’s predecessor The Wigram on Facebook back on 26 October 2022. Then I took a risk and posted my first Substack story on my birthday on 14 December 2022.
The Wigram
Picture above: 93-year-old Nigia Smith, who is opposed to Kainga Ora’s proposed 110-unit development on the old Workotel site in Upper Riccarton, Christchurch.
At this stage, I can say I still have the same, if not greater, drive and passion for finding and publishing news. But much turmoil has happened since October 2022 on the media landscape. Jobs have been cut, outlets closed, and reporters have been thin on the ground in Christchurch.
I have seen some of this carnage first-hand being done to these Goliaths. At the Coroner’s Court, a hearing began with Stuff, Radio NZ, the NZ Herald and little, old me in attendance. The Herald exited at some point on day one or two, Stuff left by the end of day 4 and Radio NZ was in and out during the week. By day 5 just RNZ and I were left.
Litany of Police Errors and Finger Pointing: The Nigel Bom Inquest (Day Three)
Day three saw an array of Police witnesses and tenants (either former or present) give testimony in the Coroner’s inquest into the death of Nigel Bom of March 2021.
As for my David, I’ve also seen an upside and a place for The NZR in this new and continually changing environment. The NZR’s work continues to receive thousands of views and users each month. Since August 2024, the site has recorded more than 5,000 views each month and in March hit a high of 14,621 views.
Property Developer Tries to Shut Down 'Drug House' Story
A property developer in Central Riccarton has asked The Wigram not to publish this story, after admitting he knew the property next to his new development is a “drug house”.
My baby is now a young infant. It still needs a lot of attention and guardrails, but I can see its potential.
The drive to be the first to find the best stories in New Zealand remains undimmed and I intend for the publication to well-placed when the market fragments further.
Currently, The NZR has a small paid subscriber base and 439 free subscribers. I hope my infant will grow into a powerhouse of a publication to rival the current Goliaths.
Thanks for sticking with me and reading, listening and watching my work. Don’t be a stranger. Contact me if you feel the need.
Cheers,
Peter.
The NZR Editor
e: thenewzealandreporter@gmail.com
c: 0274125680