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The Taranaki Daily News, based in New Plymouth, is one of New Zealand’s oldest newspapers, and it is still delivering local stories every morning. Founded in 1857 as the Taranaki News, the paper has grown from a small political rival to the Taranaki Herald into a trusted source for thousands of readers across the region.
Today, despite industry changes and earlier printing deadlines, the newspaper continues to reach an estimated 118,000 readers across print and digital platforms.
A Paper Born From Local Politics
The paper was first set up on 14 May 1857 by supporters of Charles Brown, a former superintendent of Taranaki Province. Brown wanted a voice that could challenge the Taranaki Herald.
The first editor was Richard Pheney, a strong political ally of Brown and a former editor of the Herald. In those early years, the paper often struggled financially. According to historical records at Puke Ariki Museum, shortages of supplies even forced the team to print on dark blue packing paper at times.
Growth Under Thomas List
In 1905, professional newspaperman Thomas List bought the paper and helped turn it around. He introduced better printing processes, opened branch offices in Stratford and Hāwera, and steadily increased circulation. By the time of his death in 1934, the Taranaki News was proud to claim it was the fifth-largest morning paper in the country.
From Rivalry to Daily Publication
In 1885, the newspaper began publishing daily and took on the name Taranaki Daily News. The rivalry with the Taranaki Herald remained fierce for decades. In an old interview archived by Puke Ariki, a former editor recalled,
“We were competitors by day, but when fire struck the Herald’s press, we let them use ours.”
That sense of regional solidarity helped both titles survive challenging years.By 1962, ownership of the two papers merged, though both kept their editorial teams for some time. Eventually, the Herald faded out, leaving the Daily News as the stronger title.
Modern Changes and Local Impact
The newspaper became part of Fairfax in 2003, then transitioned to Stuff Ltd in 2018. In 2020, journalist‑turned‑owner Sinead Boucher bought Stuff back into local ownership for just one dollar. This move was widely celebrated in the media industry as a way of protecting New Zealand’s regional voices.
In recent years, the paper has faced challenges familiar to many regional publications. In June 2024, Stuff closed the North Taranaki Midweek, once the largest free community paper in the region. Printing has also moved out of Taranaki to Petone, Wellington, which has meant earlier deadlines and smaller local offices.Speaking on a podcast with Puke Ariki earlier this year, long‑time editor Matt Rilkoff said,
“It’s not about how big the building is or where the press is. It’s about telling the stories that matter to the people here. That’s what keeps us going.”
Continuing to Serve Taranaki
The Taranaki Daily News still reports on everything from local council meetings and farming issues to community achievements and sports. While some local sports reporters were made redundant in 2017, contributions from community writers and photographers keep the coverage alive.
In 2019, photographer Andy Jackson from the paper received a News Media Works award for regional portrait and lifestyle photography, showing that the paper continues to produce quality work despite industry headwinds.
A Legacy That Endures
From its first issue in 1857 to its modern digital presence on the post, the Taranaki Daily News remains a strong part of the region’s identity. It has survived paper shortages, ownership changes, and even the closure of its own rivals.
As editor Matt Rilkoff summed up in an interview last year:
“Taranaki has always needed a paper that listens to its people. We’re still here, and we’re still listening.”
Related Post: See Taranaki Death Notices to click here right now.
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