Stuff Group To Consolidate Print Operations In 2027

Stuff Group has announced it is consolidating its printing operations in 2027, exiting its Petone print plant and bringing its print operations into its Christchurch site.

Announcing the move to staff today, Stuff Group Owner and Publisher Sinead Boucher said the decision was the result of work undertaken over the past two years to plan the future of printing for the company.

“Bringing our printing operations under one roof has been a part of our strategic plan since the MBO in 2020,” she says. “We had considered various options over that period, however the Christchurch consolidation clearly stood out as best for the business, as it significantly reduces ongoing costs as well as improving operational efficiencies.

“Over this time we have also had hugely successful launches of thepost.co.nz; thepress.co.nz and the waikatotimes.co.nz while continuing to focus on their premium print editions. Our audiences for these brands in print and digital have grown 8% in the past year alone, and they are highly valued by our subscribers and advertisers alike.

“The Petone site was bought from Australia’s Nine Media by new owners in November. This did not factor into the future of the plant for Stuff, as the Christchurch option was already well advanced. It is a significant boost for the business, allowing us to optimise our print operations alongside the growth of our digital news platforms.

”We have made the decision to announce today, while the lease still has a year to run, in order to give our expert printers and other staff as long a lead time as possible,” Boucher says.

“We will consult with our 30 staff at Petone over the coming weeks and months on the individual impact to their roles and will be looking for opportunities for redeployment within the business, including at our Christchurch site where we will be adding jobs to accommodate the additional work.

“I want to personally thank all the incredible staff at Petone for the terrific job they have done over the years, including working through earthquakes, Covid lockdowns, roof leaks and tsunami threats to keep that operation running as smoothly as possible. They are some of the most innovative and hardworking people in our business. I hope today’s announcement provides them with certainty for planning for the change.”

Boucher said there is a clear plan underway with what needs to be done over the next period of decommissioning the Petone plant.

“We are well prepared for what needs to happen at the site and have no issues with next steps. This is a move that makes sound financial and operational sense for our business and for our customers.”

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