The government is increasing investment in regional journalism, yet public funding for RNZ is being reduced.
In the Budget 2025 press statement, Minister for Media and Communications Paul Goldsmith announced that RNZ’s funding would be reduced by approximately $18 million over the next four years. This amounts to about $4.6 million annually, representing roughly 7% of its $67 million yearly operating budget.
“This savings initiative recognises that government-funded media must deliver the same efficiency and value for money as the rest of the public sector,” Goldsmith said.
“I expect RNZ to improve audience reach, trust and transparency. I am confident the organisation can do so while operating in a period of tightened fiscal constraint.”
Meanwhile, RNZ chairman Jim Mather responded and said the RNZ is “naturally disappointed” by the funding cut.
“We acknowledge the Government’s fiscal challenges at present as well as the headwinds affecting the wider media sector,” Mather said.
“We will now carefully review our plans to ensure we continue to strengthen trust with audiences and provide outstanding public media that matters for New Zealanders.”
While reducing RNZ’s budget, the government has simultaneously announced increased funding for regional journalism initiatives.
Goldsmith said regional journalism “helps keep communities informed and holds decision-makers to account.”
“Budget 2025 will invest $6.4 million over four years in council, community and court reporting across New Zealand. The funding will be distributed through NZ on Air.”
“Open Justice and Local Democracy Reporting have been successful programmes with an emphasis on reporting, rather than opinion. This funding expands them,” he added.
Under a series of media proposals announced by the government in February, global streaming services like Netflix, Apple, Disney, and Amazon would also be mandated to invest in New Zealand productions and content.
Smart TV manufacturers would also be obligated to prioritise New Zealand apps like TVNZ+ and Freeview on their content menus. Currently, global streaming services such as Apple TV+, Netflix, and Amazon often occupy the most prominent positions on many smart TV platforms.
According to Goldsmith, New Zealand media, just like any other media globally, continue to face challenges and therefore require modern legislation to ensure the sector remains financially sustainable in the future.
“I am considering submissions from the recent consultation on media reform. I will have more information on the next steps for media modernisation in the coming months.”