Voyager Media Awards 2025

This year marked a significant milestone in Aotearoa’s media landscape with the 52nd annual Voyager Media Awards—a night dedicated to recognising the very best in journalism and storytelling. Voyager was proud to celebrate its eighth consecutive year as the Premium Sponsor of this prestigious event.

Since its inception in 1973, the Voyager Media Awards have evolved into New Zealand’s most respected celebration of journalistic excellence. Each year, the awards honour the commitment and craft of reporters, editors, broadcasters, photojournalists, and digital storytellers who work tirelessly to inform, connect, and empower communities across the country.

“We always feel incredibly honoured to support and be part of the celebration of New Zealand media, which continues to shine a light on the important stories and events that might otherwise go unseen or unheard. I’d like to personally congratulate all of the winners and finalists—it takes immense dedication and passion to be recognised on the Voyager Media Awards stage.”

— Deidre Steyn, CEO, Voyager

Setting the Scene

The 2025 Voyager Media Awards came to life in a spectacular black-tie ceremony on Friday, 16 May, held in the Grand Millennium Ballroom in central Auckland. Set against the backdrop of a beautifully styled upstairs venue, guests were welcomed to an evening of celebration featuring a three-course dinner, flowing drinks, live entertainment, and the presentation of 37 awards honouring the most impactful journalism of 2024.

The atmosphere was both elegant and electric, as media professionals, storytellers, and industry supporters gathered to celebrate the power of journalism. From candid conversations over dinner to heartfelt moments on stage, the night was a reminder of the storytelling that shapes our society and gives voice to a wide spectrum of experiences.

Among the attendees were Voyager customers and team - spanning Principal Consultants, Wholesale Partner Managers, Executive, Marketing & Service Delivery - who shared in the celebrations and reflected on the enduring value of a strong, independent media sector.

Spotlighting the Award Winners

As the evening unfolded, attendees were treated to a showcase of the extraordinary talent driving journalism in Aotearoa. Each award presented offered a glimpse into the passion, courage, and tenacity behind the stories of both finalists and winners. From breaking news and investigations to deeply personal features, impactful photography, audio and videography, the winning entries reflected the powerful role media plays in giving voice to a diverse range of experiences.

The Voyager Media Awards serve not only as a celebration of individual and collective excellence but also as a reminder of the rigour, integrity, and creativity required to deliver journalism that matters. Voyager remains proud to support this essential work and the professionals behind it.

A special mention goes to the recipients of the Voyager-sponsored award categories.

Digital News Provider of the Year: Stuff Digital

Reporter of the Year: Anusha Bradley, RNZ

Newspaper of the Year - Herald on Sunday | NZME

Indira Stewart & Pillars

Voyager was especially thrilled to celebrate the success of Indira Stewart and her win of Best Current Affairs (Short) with her moving piece on “Children of Prisoners”, which highlighted the Pillars Charity, the Ngā Rangatira Mō Āpōpō (Youth Advisory Panel) and their bid to parliament to legislate a court government mandated support plan for rangatahi with parents in prison. The recognition is a testament to the meaningful work Pillars do in the community, and Voyager was honoured to cheer Indira on for her win, as well as the rangatahi driving change, as part of the evening’s celebrations.

Pictured: Indira Stewart, and the rangatahi, & Corrina Thompson from Pillars Charity.

Read more about all winners here and watch the event recording here!