Finalists announced for Voyager Media Awards 2018

Finalists for the 2018 Voyager Media Awards have today been announced, celebrating the best of the best from across the country’s most well-established news outlets, growing independents and influential newcomers.

The announcement comes following a rigorous first round judging process to whittle down over 2000 entries received across the 68 categories.

Now in its 45th year, the annual awards celebrate the best of New Zealand’s newspapers, magazines, websites and apps as well as the work of feature writers, columnists, cartoonists, reviewers and photographers.

Voyager Internet’s CEO, Seeby Woodhouse, said his company’s involvement in this year’s awards is a natural fit, given the impact that rapid digital developments are having on New Zealand’s media landscape.

“The internet has transformed media. It’s changed the speed in which people expect information and opened up realms of possibilities for innovation and accessibility going forward. Against this backdrop, the quality of journalism is more important than ever – which is why we’re thrilled to be able to support the New Zealand media industry during this time.”

Echoing current industry sentiment, the 2018 awards have seen an increase in entries from digital outlets, with notable newcomer VICE commanding the floor with nominations for Feature Writer of the Year, Editorial Executive of the Year, Opinion Writer of the Year, Best Photography – Portrait and Reporter - Māori affairs.

Other digital news platforms Ruminator.co.nz and NOTED.co.nz are up for Best First-Person Essay or Feature Writer alongside heavyweights The New Zealand Herald, North and South, The New Zealand Listener, and The Press.

Voyager Website of the Year will be a tug-of-war between last year’s finalists The New Zealand Herald and Stuff, with newcomer Newsroom.co.nz also entering the ring. This trio of outlets are also finalists for Best News Website / App along with last year’s winner Newshub.

The New Zealand Herald has dominated the list of finalists this year, with its journalists making up over 70% of the shortlist for ‘Reporter of the Year’. Stuff comes in a close second, including securing three out of five spots for ‘Best Team Investigation’.

Independents such as The Spinoff and Newsroom are well represented, with Newsroom’s investigative work recognised across a number of categories with nominations for Best single new story, Best investigation and Best team investigation.

Finalists for the sought after Voyager Newspaper of the year, include last year’s winner The Weekend Herald, as well as the Sunday Star Times, The Press, Otago Daily Times and The New Zealand Herald for newspapers with a 30,000+ circulation.

For the full list of finalists and award criteria, please visit Voyager Media Awards 2018.