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FY2019 Annual Report · NZME Limited
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KEEPING  
KIWIS IN  
THE KNOW.

ANNUAL REPORT
NZME LIMITED

For the year ended 31 December 2019

2 NEW ZEALAND MEDIA AND ENTERTAINMENT

ANNUAL REPORT 2019 3

CONTENTS.

04 

07 

08 

10 

12 

14 

18 

26 

28 

30 

44 

96 

 Operational Highlights

 2019 Financial Results Summary

 Chair’s Report

 Chief Executive Officer’s Report 

 Keeping Kiwis in the Know

 Financial Results and Channel Commentary

 Our Sustainability Commitment

 The NZME Board

 The NZME Executive Team

 Corporate Governance

 Consolidated Financial Statements

 Independent Auditors Report

101 

 Directory

This annual report is dated 24 February 2020 and is signed on 

behalf of the Board of Directors by:

Peter Cullinane

Chair

Carol Campbell

Director

We have the channels, brands, talent and audience to fulfil our 
commitment to Kiwis and to lead the future of news and journalism  
in New Zealand. We empower, enrich and enliven our audiences  
and connect them to the people, events, and decisions that matter.

4 NEW ZEALAND MEDIA AND ENTERTAINMENT

ANNUAL REPORT 2019 5

OPERATIONAL 
HIGHLIGHTS.

PRINT

35

print publications across 
New Zealand1

1.7 million 

NZ Herald weekly brand  
audience2

RADIO

9

radio brands serving  
all key demographics

2.0 million

weekly listeners5

1.3 million

weekly readers3

465,000

average issue readership2

46.9%4

Print advertising revenue market 
share for 12 months to Dec 2019 
(up from 44.8% for 12 months to 
Dec 2018)

NewstalkZB

Number one commercial radio 
network and ZB’s Mike Hosking 
Breakfast Show the most popular 
breakfast show6

35.9%7

Radio audience market share 
(up from 34.9% in Dec 2018)

ZM Breakfast

#1 breakfast show for all 
New Zealanders Under 406

39.5%8

Radio Revenue market share for 
12mths to Dec 2019 (up from  
39.0% for 12mths to Dec 2018)

iHeartRadio Growth to 944k registered users (up 14%) and 3.9 million average 

monthly listening hours (up 18%)9, growing revenue 40%

DIGITAL

2.3 million

Digital users per month across 
our digital platforms3

OneRoof

241,000 monthly unique 
audience10, 75% of residential for 
sale listings in New Zealand and 
95% of residential for sale listings 
in Auckland11

46,000

subscribers access NZ Herald 
Premium including 21,000 paid 
digital subscribers

1.7 million

Monthly unique audience  
on nzherald.co.nz10

DRIVEN

Over 40,000 for sale vehicle 
listings, 127,000 monthly unique 
audience10

GrabOne

352,000 monthly unique 
audience10 

1 Print publications include 7 Metro and Regional newspapers, 20 Community newspapers and 8 Newspaper Inserted Magazines. 2 Nielsen CMI Fused Q4 18 - 
Q3 19, People 15+. 3 Nielsen CMI Fused Q4 18 - Q3 19, People 10+.  4 PwC NPA quarterly performance comparison report, December 2019. 5 GfK Radio Audience 
Measurement, Commercial Stations, NZME and Partners, Cumulative Audience, S4 2019 AP10+. 6 GfK Radio Audience Measurement, Commercial Stations, Total 
NZ, S4 2019, Share (%). 7 GfK Radio Audience Measurement, Commercial Stations, NZME and Partners in major markets, S4 2019, Monday-Sunday 12mn-12mn, 
station share %, AP 18-54. 8 PwC Radio advertising market benchmark report, December 2019. 9 AdsWizz and StreamGuys, December 2019. 10 Nielsen Online 
Ratings, December 2019. 11 OneRoof listings as a percentage of residential for sale listings on TradeMe. 

6 NEW ZEALAND MEDIA AND ENTERTAINMENT

ANNUAL REPORT 2019 7

2019 
FINANCIAL  
RESULTS 
SUMMARY.
$50.6m
$371.7m

Operating Revenue1

Operating EBITDA1

$19.7m

Operating NPAT1

2018 $388.9m

4%

2018 $54.7m

7%

2018 $18.9 m

4%

10.0cps

Operating Earnings per Share1

($165.2m)

Statutory Net Loss After Tax

2018 9.6cps

4%

2018 Stat. NPAT $11.6m

2%

Radio 
Growth
Strong radio revenue 
growth of 5% in the 
second half of the year, 
up 2% year on year

4%

Cost 
Savings
Focus on cost savings 
reduces operating 
expenses by 4%

$23.6m

Net Debt 
Down
Net debt reduction to 
$74.7 million and leverage 
ratio reduced to 1.5 times 
Operating EBITDA

1 Operating results are presented excluding the impact of NZ IFRS 16 and exceptional items to allow for a like for like comparison between 2018 and 2019 financial 
years. Please refer to slide 33 and 34 of the 2019 Full Year results presentation for a detailed reconciliation.

8 NEW ZEALAND MEDIA AND ENTERTAINMENT

ANNUAL REPORT 2019 9

CHAIR’S REPORT.

In 2019 we communicated our overriding purpose of keeping Kiwis in the know, 
highlighting for me the significant role New Zealand Media and Entertainment (NZME) 
plays in keeping New Zealanders connected to local, national and global events. 

I’m pleased that NZME continues to deliver 

on its core purpose of keeping Kiwis in 

the know; continues to deliver excellent 

results for its advertising partners; and has 

improved its balance sheet as we strive to 

maintain a vibrant business that delivers 

sustainable growth for shareholders.

I’m proud that NZME has always based its business decisions on a 
strong set of values focused on supporting our communities, our 
people and our environment. NZME’s Sustainability Commitment 
featured in this report, helps us share that story.

The framework that supports the news 

value and are willing to pay for high quality 

specialist insights and reporting into the 

There have been reports during the year 

that fosters innovation, engagement 

In 2019 we have reported a statutory Net 

teams in bringing these stories to all 

local and international journalism through 

real estate market. This value proposition 

about NZME’s potential opportunity to 

and inclusion, and taking a responsible 

Loss After Tax of $165.2 million. 2019 Net 

New Zealanders is a passionate media 

NZ Herald Premium content on-line. We 

is starting to result in significant revenue 

purchase Stuff. We firmly believe that NZME is 

approach to the environment. 

business with diversified portfolios; multiple 

now have over 21,000 paid premium digital 

contribution. 

platforms; and strategies for sustainable 

subscribers, with an additional 25,000 print 

growth with an unrelenting focus on 

delivering for our audiences.

subscribers who access premium content 

via their print bundle packages.

Profit was impacted by the impairment 

of intangible assets of $175.0 million. This 

is an accounting charge only with no 

change to cash flows and no impact on 

bank covenants. 

2019 Operating Net Profit After Tax 

(“NPAT”)1 of $19.7 million and Operating EPS 

of 10.0 cents were up 4% compared to the 

prior corresponding period. 

In 2019 we championed the awareness of 

many issues which impact New Zealanders 

including; mental health, depression, and 

New Zealand’s meth crisis. Events such 

as the Christchurch mosque shootings, 

the Grace Millane murder trial, the SkyCity 

Our purpose has been underpinned 

by three strategic key priorities - our 

commitment to lead the future of news  

and journalism in New Zealand, increasing 

radio capability and performance, and 

creating New Zealand’s leading real estate 

platform. These have delivered measurable 

results for the business.

NZME targeted the first of these 

commitments firmly in 2019 with the 

launch of our digital subscription news 

Our focus on radio capability continues to 

prove itself with award winning stations, 

increased radio audience market share and 

increased radio revenue market share. It 

was fantastic to see radio revenue return to 

growth with 5% growth in the second half 

of the year and 2% growth year on year – 

delivering on our key strategic priority of 

increasing radio capability and performance. 

Our initiative to create New Zealand’s 

leading real estate platform continues to 

gain momentum, with OneRoof increasing 

its market share of residential for sale 

listings in Auckland and New Zealand wide. 

international convention centre fire and the 

service. To achieve sustainable growth our 

Whakaari/White Island volcanic eruption 

business must be bold and be prepared 

punctuate how important well-resourced and 

to lead the market. It is pleasing to see 

independent newsrooms are to New Zealand 

and its communities. I am extremely proud 

of the professionalism, camaraderie and 

endurance our journalists, broadcasters and 

producers demonstrated in conveying these 

significant events to New Zealand.

the response from the tens of thousands 

Unique browsers to the OneRoof website 

of New Zealanders, who prove that Kiwis 

continue to increase as audiences value 

1 Operating results are presented excluding the impact of NZ IFRS 16 and exceptional items to allow for a 
like for like comparison between 2018 and 2019 financial years. Please refer to slide 33 and 34 of the 2019 
Full Year results presentation for a detailed reconciliation

The focus on our three key priorities of 

news and journalism, radio, and OneRoof, 

will continue to underpin our strategic 

approach to 2020.

2019 was also a challenging year for  

New Zealand media, and it was a year that 

signaled some potentially extraordinary 

changes ahead in the New Zealand  

media landscape.

The impact of global players’ pressure on the 

New Zealand advertising market continued to 

impact the local media market. In an already 

highly competitive industry, there simply 

aren’t enough advertising dollars and not 

a large enough audience market to sustain 

New Zealand’s current industry structure.

the most logical owner of Stuff. An acquisition 

of Stuff is aligned with NZME’s strategic 

priorities and our commitment to protecting 

the craft of journalism.

I’m proud that NZME has always based its 

business decisions on a strong set of values 

focused on supporting our communities, 

our people and our environment. NZME’s 

No agreement in relation to the transaction 

Sustainability Commitment featured 

has been reached, however we continue  

in this report, helps us share that story. 

to progress towards the required regulatory 

Importantly, it also sets out how we deliver 

approvals.

NZME has made excellent progress in our 

capital management targets during the 

on those values and how we’ll measure 

the sustainability commitments that sit 

alongside our financial performance. 

year. Net Debt reduced to $74.7 million as 

Finally, on behalf of the Board, I would like 

at 31 December 2019 with leverage ratio 

to thank our shareholders for their on-

reduced to 1.5 times Operating EBITDA. We 

going support, our talented and dedicated 

will continue to progress with our capital 

Executive Team, and all our people for the 

management commitment, to strengthen 

hard-work, commitment and creativity that 

our Balance Sheet by reducing both debt 

they bring to NZME every day.

and leverage ratio, while maintaining the 

ability to invest in growth opportunities 

What has been pleasing to see is the great 

across the business.

importance that New Zealanders place 

I am also pleased to highlight in this report 

on the need for quality local journalism, 

the formalisation of NZME’s Sustainability 

for trustworthy information, and for the 

Commitment. This includes a measurable 

opportunity to engage, as communities in 

approach to connecting and empowering 

the stories that impact close to home.

our communities, providing a workplace 

PETER CULLINANE 
Chair

10 NEW ZEALAND MEDIA AND ENTERTAINMENT

ANNUAL REPORT 2019 11

CHIEF EXECUTIVE 
OFFICER’S REPORT.

Each day around 1,400 people at NZME connect millions of Kiwis with one another  
and with the world around them.

In 2019 1.3 million1 people read our 

publications each week, 2.0 million2 Kiwis 

listened to our radio broadcasters each 

week, and 2.3 million1 people clicked, 

viewed and engaged with our digital 

platforms each month. 

NZME’s enviable, high-powered blend of 

print, digital, and radio brands continue 

to power our success and provide the 

platforms from which we will maintain 

NZME’s enviable, high-powered blend of print, digital and radio brands 
continue to power our success and provide the platforms from which 
we will maintain our commitment to drive the sustainable future of 
journalism and broadcasting into 2020 and beyond.

NZME’s key strategic priorities

improve print performance by reducing 

Our Chair has discussed the achievements 

subscriber churn and advertising revenue 

declines.

our commitment to drive the sustainable 

we have made in 2019 against our three 

future of journalism and broadcasting into 

strategic priorities - our commitment to 

Our focus in radio widened this year to 

2020 and beyond.

2019 Financial Results

Whilst NZME’s brands continue to deliver 

our commercial partners and advertisers 

with meaningful audience engagement, 

media advertising markets were extremely 

competitive across 2019, impacting on 

lead the future of news and journalism in 

New Zealand, increasing radio capability 

and performance, and creating New 

Zealand’s leading real estate platform. 

include the growth of our digital radio 

platform, iHeartRadio. The challenges 

we set were to deliver radio revenue 

growth driven by regional and digital 

Our focus on these priorities is delivering 

performance; to grow radio audience 

NZME’s overall results.

into 2020. 

and these will remain our key priorities  

advertiser spend; and to grow digital audio 

consumption in iHeartRadio, podcasts and 

Total Operating Revenue3 was $371.7 

million in 2019, down 4% compared to 

Supporting the future of news and 

other digital audio products.

journalism in New Zealand, we launched NZ 

2018, primarily due to the decline in print 

Herald Premium in 2019, and our ambitions 

revenue but offset by pleasing results in 

in this area encompass both digital and 

radio and digital operations.

print. We are conscious that we operate in 

The future of New Zealand media

During the last few months of 2019 there 

were clear indications that businesses in 

New Zealand have begun to feel more 

confident about their future. 

That said, the media industry in New 

Zealand remains an incredibly competitive 

sector and as such, media companies 

remain significantly susceptible to 

the local impact of global players like 

Facebook and Google.

As demonstrated through our reduction 

in debt and leverage ratio, NZME has 

improved its balance sheet and is in 

a financial position that allows us the 

opportunity to forge our own path. 

We’ve launched new ventures like NZ 

Herald Premium and have continued 

to invest in growth businesses such as 

OneRoof. As a leading and successful 

New Zealand media company, we are also 

in the enviable position of being able to 

continue to look for significant commercial 

opportunities that will support our 

commitment to lead the future of news 

and broadcasting in New Zealand.

That position also means we can 

start conversations with New Zealand 

regulators, Nine Entertainment (Stuff’s 

owners) and our shareholders regarding 

the potential opportunity for NZME to 

Changes in the NZME 

executive team

In 2019 we said farewell to two members 

of the executive team with Group Director 

of Entertainment Dean Buchanan and 

Chief Commercial Officer Matt Headland 

Conclusion

I opened this report by highlighting the 

role our people play in delivering on our 

commitment to Keeping Kiwis in the know. 

2019 demonstrated both how important 

this role is to New Zealanders and how 

challenging sustaining a business that 

measurable results to the business,  

in the key demographics that underpin 

purchase Stuff.

In 2020 we will continue to drive the 

has shifted significantly since then – and 

and the leadership they displayed during 

I thank our suppliers, business partners, and 

development of OneRoof into a prominent 

continues to do so. It is prudent for NZME 

their time on the NZME Executive.

While we respect the previous decisions of 

the Commerce Commission and Court of 

leaving NZME. Both Dean and Matt made 

supports that commitment can be. I thank 

valuable contributions to the growth of 

all our people for their commitment to 

Appeal, we believe the media landscape 

NZME and I thank them for their support 

their craft, their audiences, and to NZME.

a print environment which is challenged by 

growing media competition from local and 

global players. In 2020, our focus is to grow 

NZ Herald Premium digital subscriptions; 

maintain the core NZ Herald site audience; 

national brand as the property market 

remains a significant driver of economic 

activity in New Zealand. Growing OneRoof’s 

popularity as a platform connecting home 

buyers, sellers and real estate agents 

remains a key strategic priority whilst 

to ensure it is positioned to do what is 

in the best interests of its audiences, its 

people, and its shareholders.

As well as supporting NZME’s strategic 

priorities, specifically leading the future 

of news and journalism in New Zealand, 

At the end of 2019 we welcomed Wendy 

Palmer to the NZME executive as Chief 

Radio and Commercial Officer, and 

appointed Paul Hancox as a member  

of the executive team in his role as Chief 

you in the know every day. 

Revenue Officer.

enhance the digital product offering; and 

delivering continued revenue growth.

1 Nielsen CMI Fused Q4 18 - Q3 19, People 10+. 2 GfK Radio Audience Measurement, Commercial Stations, 
NZME and Partners, Cumulative Audience, S4 2019, AP10+. 3 Operating results are presented excluding 
the impact of NZ IFRS 16 and exceptional items to allow for a like for like comparison between 2018  
and 2019 financial years. Please refer to slide 33 and 34 of the 2019 Full Year results presentation for  
a detailed reconciliation.

the potential acquisition of Stuff would 

Both Paul and Wendy are incredibly 

create a stronger and more sustainable 

experienced media executives, with  

media presence; enhance our audience 

a deep and proven understanding of  

and advertising proposition; deliver cost 

the business strategies required to 

savings and synergy benefits; and deliver 

connect content and audiences with 

increased financial scale.

commercial partners.

advertisers for their ongoing support and 

partnership during the year and thank you to 

our audience of 3.2 million New Zealanders 

for your continued engagement – we are 

here to deliver news and entertainment from 

New Zealand and around the world to keep 

And finally, I would like to thank the Board 

for their continued support and guidance.

Michael Boggs 
Chief Executive Officer

Operating Earnings Before Interest, Tax, 

Depreciation and Amortisation (“EBITDA”)3 

was $50.6 million for the year, a decline of 

7% against 2018. 2018 did benefit from an 

additional publishing week in the year and, 

adjusting for this, 2019 Operating EBITDA 

decreased by 5% against 2018 and was in 

growth of 4% in the second half of 2019 

compared to the equivalent period in 2018.

Further commentary on our 2019 financial 

results can be found on page 14.

12 NEW ZEALAND MEDIA AND ENTERTAINMENT

ANNUAL REPORT 2019 13

KEEPING KIWIS  
IN THE KNOW. 
FOCUS ON CHRISTCHURCH.

On 15 March 2019, 51 people lost their lives and dozens more were wounded in an attack 
on New Zealand’s Muslim community when a gunman opened fire in two Christchurch 
mosques. This attack shattered hearts and struck at our belief that isolation, values and 
security protected us from the sorts of tragedies that occur elsewhere in the world.

What followed in the NZ Herald newsroom 

Our teams worked around the clock, 

and for our teams on NewstalkZB will 

delivering non-stop live coverage 

be familiar to any news organisation at 

on nzherald.co.nz and NewstalkZB, 

the centre of a tragedy: professionalism, 

accompanied by thematic print editions 

camaraderie, endurance, inspiration, 

of the NZ Herald distilling the surges of 

and grief. Our journalists, from reporters 

information, while maintaining a focus on 

to social media producers to editors, 

the victims and capturing a common spirit 

produced their finest work.

of compassion and inclusivity.

The events in Christchurch on 15 March 

This comprehensive coverage stretched 

were unprecedented – for New Zealand 

across many days as the story developed, 

and its news media. From the moment 

from the shock and fear created by the 

news first broke on that Friday afternoon 

attack itself, to mourning the loss of so 

that shots had been heard at a mosque in 

many New Zealanders, to anger and the 

the city, our teams swung into action.

incredible soul searching that followed this 

Our editorial teams went to work on the 

terrible event.

story as reporters went to the multiple 

Herald cartoonist and artist Rod 

crime scenes and eyewitness accounts 

Emmerson worked with editors to produce 

began to flow in, along with police 

the NZ Herald’s “They Are Us” edition of 

updates and – shockingly – an apparent 

March 18. A simple idea evolved into the 

livestream of the atrocity itself. 

powerful 50 Hearts front page – reflecting 

More than a dozen reporters and visual 

journalists worked around the clock 

to capture the stories surrounding the 

event and its aftermath. They acted with 

the death toll at the time – which became 

a symbol of the compassion and empathy 

that flowed throughout New Zealand as 

Kiwis embraced our Muslim community. 

sensitivity as they recorded first-hand 

As the story widened to incorporate 

accounts from survivors and those who 

debates on gun control and the role of 

David Fisher and Jared Savage looked at 

the history of the gun lobby in New Zealand 

and examined the security agencies behind 

the scenes. Technology reporter Chris Keall 

secured the first interview with Facebook 

as it responded to its hosting of the alleged 

had lost loved ones.

social media, investigative reporters  

killer’s livestream.

The way our newsroom, 
journalists and broadcasters 
responded to the Christchurch 
massacre will stay with me 
forever - the personal stories, 
insightful analysis and in-
depth reporting were world-
class, produced in horrific 
circumstances. We remain 
deeply affected by the events 
of March 15 - but committed 
to providing our readers the 
facts and the context. We have 
a leading and important role to 
play in ensuring an event like 
that is never repeated.

Shayne Currie, NZME Managing Editor 

News and political angles from our gallery 

team were accompanied with brilliant 

writing by columnists Steve Braunias and 

Simon Wilson, who went deeper to express 

what the events meant for New Zealanders. 

The events in Christchurch serve as an 

indelible reminder of the important role 

media plays in our society. Keeping our 

communities informed, connected and 

safe sit at the very core of NZME’s purpose 

- to keep Kiwis in the know.

Many of those who will 

have been directly affected by 
this shooting will be migrants, 
they will be refugees here. 
They have chosen to make 
New Zealand their home and 
it is their home. They are us. 

Jacinda Ardern, Prime Minister

On the day of March 15, 
I watched and listened as our 
editorial teams agonised over 
how to best cover the story 
and at the same time treat 
the victims, their families and 
our communities with respect 
and compassion. That kind 
of approach to journalism 
comes from being a part of 
communities we report from. 
Being connected, being present, 
being local is our future.

Michael Boggs, NZME CEO

14 NEW ZEALAND MEDIA AND ENTERTAINMENT

ANNUAL REPORT 2019 15

FINANCIAL 
RESULTS & 
CHANNEL 
COMMENTARY.

Total Operating Revenue1 was  

and associated costs of restructuring to 

This standard requires that most leases 

$371.7 million in 2019, down 4% 

achieve cost savings with the balance 

be recognized as a lease liability on the 

compared to 2018, primarily due to the 

including costs associated with one off 

Balance Sheet with a corresponding “right 

decline in print revenue but offset by 

projects and impairments. 

growth in radio and digital operations.

A continued focus on cost savings 

Loss After Tax of $165.2 million. 2019 Net 

and increased efficiencies across the 

Profit is impacted by the impairment of 

business resulted in operating expenses1 

intangible assets of $175.0 million. 

In 2019 we have reported a statutory Net 

reducing by 4% compared to the previous 

corresponding period.

The impairment assessment recognises 

that the difference between the value of 

Operating Earnings Before Interest, Tax, 

the company implied by its share price 

Depreciation and Amortisation (“EBITDA”)1 

and the accounting value of equity has 

of use” asset. In the income statement 

the operating lease cost is reclassified as 

depreciation and interest. The impact of 

this change for 2019 was that $15.1 million 

of operating lease cost was reclassified  

as $12.8 million of depreciation and  

$4.8 million of interest expense. The net 

result was a negative impact on NPAT of 

$1.7 million interest costs are recognized 

in the early years of a lease. 

was $50.6 million for the year, a decline 

increased to a level, which can no longer 

Balance Sheet and Cash Flows

of 7% against 2018. As mentioned, 2018 

benefitted from 53 publishing weeks in 

the year, compared to 52 weeks in 2019. 

Adjusting for this, 2019 Operating EBITDA 

decreased by 5% against a comparable 

period in 2018 and was in growth of 4% in 

the second half of 2019 compared to the 

equivalent week period in 2018.

The underlying depreciation expense 

excluding the impact of NZ IFRS 16 was 

$5.7 million lower than 2018 due to some 

assets fully depreciated in 2018 and the 

extension of life of some assets. 

In 2019 there was $9.9 million of 

exceptional items (excluding impairment 

of intangible assets) which was slightly 

be supported without an accounting 

Net debt was $74.7 million at  

adjustment. This is an accounting charge 

31 December 2019, a significant  

only with no change to cash flows and  

reduction from $98.3 million as at 

no impact on bank covenants.

31 December 2018. We have made 

Please refer to note 3.1 of the consolidated 

financial statements for further details.

2019 Operating Net Profit After Tax 

(“NPAT”)1 of $19.7 million and Operating 

EPS1 of 10.0 cents were up 4% compared 

to the prior corresponding period. 

Adjusting for the extra week in 2018, 

significant progress in our capital 

management objective of reaching  

a Net debt to Operating EBITDA target 

range of 1.0 to 1.5 times, with Net debt  

to Operating EBITDA of 1.5 times as at  

31 December 2019, a reduction from  

1.8 times for the 2018 financial year. 

Operating cash flow was $25.1 million 

Operating NPAT was up 10% compared  

higher than 2018 due to positive 

Print

Print revenue was $192.4 million in 2019, 

down 9% compared to 2018. However 

as mentioned, 2018 benefitted from 53 

publishing weeks in 2018 compared to 

52 publishing weeks in 2019. Adjusting 

for this impact, 2019 total print revenue 

declined 8% against a comparable 52 

weeks in 2018. 

Print advertising revenue decreased 10% 

to $102.2 million compared to total print 

advertising market which decreased 13.7% 

in the year3 and print agency advertising 

demand which declined 10.9%4 in the 

year. Print circulation revenue declined 

6% to $76.3 million. Excluding the extra 

publishing week in 2018, print circulation 

revenue declined 5% due to a print 

and Viva winning Best Newspaper-Inserted 

coverage of the Christchurch terrorist 

Magazine at the Voyager media awards 

attacks and “They are us” concept.

volume decrease of 8% and partially offset 

in 2019.

by a 4% increase in yield.

At the 2019 International News Media 

Our print fundamentals remain strong. 

Association (INMA) Global Media 

The NZ Herald remains the most read 

Awards in New York, the NZ Herald 

newspaper in New Zealand attracting 

was named best in Asia/Pacific for its 

an average issuer readership of 465,000 

#NotforSale editorial campaign, which 

kiwis. Across our 39 print publications 

also won the Best Public/Community 

We remain conscious that print continues 

to operate in a tough market, against 

many market headwinds. Despite many 

challenges, 2020 will be an exciting time 

for our reporting teams. There are already 

many local and international events on 

the agenda this year and we look forward 

to reporting on these, and all the other 

news stories which arise, to keep Kiwis in 

the know in 2020.

to the equivalent period in 2018, with  

movement in working capital in 2019,  

throughout New Zealand, 1.3 million 

Service Campaign, heading off several 

21% growth in the second half.2

$9.5 million lower taxes paid in 2019,  

people read our papers each week.

international media brands.

higher than the $9.2 million in 2018. The 

A new accounting standard NZ IFRS 16 

majority of these related to redundancies 

was adopted on 1 January 2019.  

IFRS 16

and dividends paid in 2018.

Capital expenditure was $11.8 million in 

2019, compared to $14.1 million in 2018.

Our journalists, reporters and producers 

And at the Australasian 2019 News 

were recognised again this year, with the 

Media Awards, the NZ Herald won 

NZ Herald winning Best Daily Newspaper5 

the award for Best Use of print for the 

1 Operating results are presented excluding the impact of NZ IFRS 16 and exceptional items to allow for a like for like comparison between 2018 and 2019 financial 
years. Please refer to slide 33 and 34 of the 2019 Full Year results presentation for a detailed reconciliation. 2 Refer to Supplementary Information on Slide 36 of the 
2019 Full Year results presentation for an analysis of 2019 Operating Results compared to 52 weeks Operating Results in 2018.

3 PwC NPA quarterly performance comparison report, December 2019. 4 Standard Market Index (SMI) NZ, December 2019 Data Release. 5 Newspaper of the Year 
(more than 30,000 circulation).

16 NEW ZEALAND MEDIA AND ENTERTAINMENT

ANNUAL REPORT 2019 17

FINANCIAL RESULTS &  
CHANNEL COMMENTARY 

CONT.

Radio

Digital

One of our key strategic priorities 

iHeartRadio grew its registered 

Digital revenue was $60.4 million for the 

residential real estate listings12, 241,000 

the YUDU site and leverage the power 

is to increase radio capability and 

users by 14% in the year to 944,000 

2019 year, up 1% on prior year. While the 

average unique audience every month13, 

of NZ Herald as the vehicle for our 

performance and we are pleased 

registered users9 and average 

to deliver on this in 2019. Radio 

revenue grew 2% compared to the 

previous corresponding period to 

$110.9 million in 2019, with particularly 

strong growth of 5% in the second 

half of 2019. 

NZME increased its New Zealand 

radio advertising revenue market 

share to 39.5%6 for the 12 months  

to December 2019 compared to 

39.0% in the 12 months to December 

2018. New Zealand agency radio 

revenue grew 3.8% in the year to 

December 20197. 

Radio audience market share 

increased in December 2019 to 

monthly listening hours grew 18% 

year on year to 3.9 million hours10. 

NZME is proud of its strong radio 

brands, which deliver radio revenue 

growth through building audience 

listening and engagement across 

brands and digital platforms. We 

were thrilled to welcome new talent 

and programming to our stations in 

2019 including Simon Barnett and 

Phil Gifford in the afternoons and 

Heather Du Plessis-Allan hosting the 

Drive show on Newstalk ZB. Anika 

Moa and Mike Puru also joined our 

radio talent teams in 2019, and we 

look forward to welcoming Jono 

Pryor and Ben Boyce to the team  

35.9%8 from 34.9% in December 2018. 

in April 2020. 

NZME is proud of its strong radio brands, which 
deliver radio revenue growth through building 
audience listening and engagement across brands 
and digital platforms.

first half of 2019 saw challenges in the 

digital space, the second half of the year 

saw total digital revenue growth of 5% 

compared to the second half of 2018.

Digital revenue comprises digital 

advertising revenue, digital classified 

revenue from listings on OneRoof and 

DRIVEN, digital subscription revenue 

from NZ Herald premium subscribers, 

and revenue from our ecommerce 

website GrabOne. 

Digital advertising revenue declined 4% 

on prior year to $45.9 million, impacted 

by a decline in digital display agency 

advertising market demand which was 

down 2.4% in the year to December 

201911. NZME saw an improvement 

in the second half of the year with a 

much lower rate of decline of 1% in 

and over 150,000 app downloads14. 

OneRoof is now making a significant 

impact with $2.8 million of revenue 

in 2019 and we expect OneRoof to 

continue to grow in 2020.

While the first half of 2019 
saw challenges in the digital 
space, the second half of the 
year saw total digital revenue 
growth of 5% compared to the 
second half of 2018.

DRIVEN is also proving to be a strong 

digital classified platform with over 

40,000 for sale vehicle listings and 

employment market strategy, launching 

JobMarket within the NZ Herald website 

in December 2019.

We are very pleased with the 

performance of NZ Herald premium 

digital subscriptions, which delivered 

$1.7 million revenue for eight months 

since its launch on 30 April 2019 – with 

subscriptions and revenue well ahead of 

expectations. 

We now have over 21,000 paid premium 

digital subscribers, plus an additional 

25,000 print subscribers who also 

access premium content with their print 

bundle packages. NZME is the first global 

customer of the Arc Digital Subscription 

product and it has been a resounding 

success. We have further developments 

on the horizon including a new NZ Herald 

digital advertising revenue compared 

127,000 average unique audience 

app, corporate subscription options,  

to the second half of 2018, a significant 

every month13 attracting car buyers 

and new payment gateways all planned 

improvement from the 8% decline 

experienced in the first half of 2019 

compared to the first half 2018.

However, this was offset by strong 

growth in digital classifieds revenue 

which grew to $3.2 million in 2019, up 

from $0.9 million in 2018. 

OneRoof continues to grow in listings, 

audience and revenue, with over 75% of 

and motoring enthusiasts who value 

for 2020.

specialist insights into the automotive 

industry. DRIVEN delivered revenue of 

$0.4 million in 2019 and will be boosted 

by lead generation revenues which 

commenced in January 2020.

This year we took the strategic decision 

to refocus our approach to the 

employment sector to better suit the 

NZME launched its own programmatic 

desk after the closure of the industry-

led KPEX platform in September 2019, 

allowing advertisers and agencies to 

book programmatic digital advertising 

directly with NZME and is showing strong 

signs of revenue growth.

total New Zealand residential for sale real 

evolving needs of recruiters and jobs 

estate listings and 95% of total Auckland 

seekers. We made the decision to close 

6 PwC Radio advertising market benchmark report, December 2019. 7 Standard Media Index (SMI) NZ December 2019 Data Release 8 GfK Radio Audience  
Measurement, Commercial Stations. NZME & Partners in Major Markets, S4/2019. Station Share %, AP 18-54. 9 iHeartMedia, Adobe Analytics, 2018-2019.  
10 AdsWizz and StreamGuys, 2018-2019.

11 Standard Media Index (SMI) NZ December 2019 Data Release. 12 OneRoof’s listings as a percentage of residential for sale listings on Trade Me.  
13 Nielsen Online Ratings, December 2019. 14 Google Analytics, November 2019.

18 NEW ZEALAND MEDIA AND ENTERTAINMENT

ANNUAL REPORT 2019 19

OUR 
SUSTAINABILITY 
COMMITMENT.

Keeping Kiwis in the know requires a broad commitment to sustainable 
practices and the well-being of our people and the wider community.

Keeping Kiwis in the know makes a powerful 

For NZME, doing the right thing requires 

NZME’s commitment to sustainable 

promise: that New Zealand Media and 

a commitment to the craft of journalism 

practices contributes to the prosperity 

Entertainment (NZME) will make each day 

livelier, more informed, and more connected 

to the people and things that matter.

Delivering on our promise requires a 

genuine commitment to doing right by 

our customers, employees, and the wider 

community. When the people important to 

our business prosper and live better lives, 

and broadcasting; making NZME a 

of our business and the future of our 

safe and inspiring place to work; and 

communities, our people, and our 

championing the diversity of voices that 

environment.

make us Kiwis.

In 2019 we completed our materiality 

NZME’s sustainability programme is 

matrix and assessed these results to 

aligned to the guidelines set out in the  

determine NZME’s Corporate Social 

UN Sustainable Development Goals –  

Responsibility Framework. We have 

an international blueprint to achieve 

identified the key initiatives and 

a better and more sustainable future 

objectives for each pillar. These are 

only then can we say we did the job we set 

for everyone. Combined with our 

detailed in the following pages and form 

out to do. 

promise to keep Kiwis in the know, 

the framework that we will report against 

commencing in the 2020 financial year.

When the people important to 
our business prosper and live 
better lives, only then can we 
say we did the job we set out 
to do.

We are committed to protecting the craft of journalism and 
broadcasting to keep Kiwis in the know. 

OUR COMMUNITIES

OUR PEOPLE

OUR ENVIRONMENT

We connect and empower  
our communities.

We provide a workplace 
that fosters innovation, 
engagement and inclusion.

We take our responsibility 
to the environment 
seriously.

Responsible 
reporting

Promoting a healthy, 
diverse and safe 
workplace

Recycling

Connecting 
communities

Championing  
the craft

Best practice

Sharing our 
platforms

Equipping our 
people

Responsibility

20 NEW ZEALAND MEDIA AND ENTERTAINMENT

ANNUAL REPORT 2019 21

OUR 
COMMUNITIES.

We connect and empower 
our communities.

Through our extensive range of 

NZME recognises the responsibility that 

publications, radio networks and digital 

comes with acting as a voice of record 

platforms NZME is proud to support 

for New Zealand. We use this reach to 

communities right across New Zealand. 

address key topics and conversations 

We share their stories and support local 

important to New Zealanders. In 2019 

campaigns to better their communities and 

this included: A Not for Sale, B Fighting 

we represent New Zealanders fighting for 

the Demon, C Radio Hauraki “We’re not 

those less advantaged.

talking” and D Jessica’s Tree.

INITIATIVE

OBJECTIVE

MEASUREMENTS

RESPONSIBLE REPORTING  

AND BROADCASTING

Through best practice broadcasting and journalism, 

we will provide a diverse and balanced reporting 

platform, promoting the law and holding the 

powerful to account.

Adhere to our Editorial Code of Ethics and the 

Number of upholds.

principles and standards of the NZ Media Council 

and the Broadcasting Standards Authority. 

Where justified in the interests of freedom of 

Number of challenges.

expression, open justice and holding the powerful 

to account, we will invest in legal challenges of 

suppression, take down orders, access to court files 

and other media law challenges as appropriate.

Maintain our commitment to the regions through 

Number of local journalists/ broadcasters 

the presence of local journalists and broadcasters.

in the regions.

CONNECTING COMMUNITIES

We are deeply involved in our communities and  

as one of New Zealand’s largest media platforms  

we will facilitate conversations about the topics  

that matter to Kiwis.

Participate in and support the Local Democracy 

Number of LDRs in NZME newsrooms.

Reporters (LDR) - NZ On Air funded journalists.

Support an increase in the diversity of content  

Policies and initiatives that support this. 

and contributors across our platforms.

Examples of diverse perspectives shared 

through our platforms.

Use our platforms to fight for New Zealanders, 

Examples of initiatives.

including the disadvantaged, and to hold the 

powerful to account.

Partner to champion charitable causes and  

List of charitable partnerships.

facilitate conversations that matter. 

SHARING OUR PLATFORMS

We will use our wide reach across New Zealand  

to provide a range of opinion and ensure a diversity 

of voice.

A

NZ Herald 'Not for Sale' 

– raising awareness and 

opening the conversation  

to end exploitation of  

girls caught in modern  

day slavery.

C

Radio Hauraki 'We’re not talking' – raising awareness  

of men's mental health and depression.

B

NZ Herald 'Fighting the Demon'  

– addressing New Zealand’s meth crisis. 

D

NZ Herald 'Jessica’s Tree' – raising awareness and in-depth 

conversation of suicide and mental health in New Zealand.

22 NEW ZEALAND MEDIA AND ENTERTAINMENT

ANNUAL REPORT 2019 23

Maintain a Diversity Committee to address 

Employee Diversity Committee in place  

as an employer of choice in the media industry.

OUR 
PEOPLE.

We provide a workplace that fosters innovation, engagement and inclusion.

INITIATIVE

OBJECTIVE

MEASUREMENTS

PROMOTING A HEALTHY, DIVERSE  

communications.

Minimise health and safety incidents.

Measurement of incidents.

Increase awareness and engagement with 

Number of communications through  

health and safety initiatives through effective 

the year.

AND SAFE WORKPLACE

We will embed a high performing health and 

safety culture and will regularly report on our 

performance. We will strive for a collaborative  

and welcoming place to work. We will adopt and 

employee engagement on diversity and 

and initiatives actioned during the year  

inclusiveness and drive diversity and inclusion 

in accordance with Committee Framework 

initiatives across the business.

and Strategy.

strengthen policies for the promotion of gender 

Aim to reduce the gender pay gap across  

Policies and initiatives that support reduction 

equality and diversity.

the business.

in gender pay gap.

Strive for diversity at Board, Exec and SLT level.

Gender and ethnicity stats at each level. 

Policies and initiatives that support this.

Support flexible working for diverse needs and 

Policies and initiatives that support this. 

shared responsibility within the household.

Train our journalists and broadcasters to equip them 

Number of hours.

to comply with media law and regulation. 

Provide internships and cadetships for journalists 

Number of internships and cadetships.

CHAMPIONING THE CRAFT

and broadcasters.

We will ensure we are mentoring the next 

generation of journalists and broadcasters.  

Support the value of the fourth estate in NZ society 

Published profiles.

We will develop our people to maintain and  

through profiling and promoting journalists and 

grow the craft.

broadcasters.

Provide effective and relevant on-the-job training 

Number of hours provided.

and reskilling for our people.

EQUIPPING OUR PEOPLE

We will commit to offering our staff relevant and 

impactful training to create new opportunities for 

growth and innovation.

NZME believes its primary responsibility to its people is 

to provide an inclusive, safe and healthy workplace. Our 

people, policies and practices are based on providing our 

people with opportunities for learning and development, 

the ability to choose how to manage a healthy work-

life balance, a focus on diversity across all spectrums 

(including a commitment to aim to reduce the gender pay 

gaps across the business) and a commitment to health, 

safety and wellness. NZME strives to maintain its position 

NZME PEOPLE
AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2019

GENDER / LEVEL 
INCLUDING UNDECLARED

FEMALE

MALE

44%

56%

41%

59%

55%

45%

EXECUTIVE

SENIOR LEADERSHIP TEAM

STAFF

LENGTH OF SERVICE

e

l

p
o
e
p
f
o
r
e
b
m
u
N

350

300

250

200

150

100

50

0

<1Y 

1-2Y 

3-5Y 

6-10Y 

11-20Y 

 21-30Y 

  31+Y

ETHNICITY
INCLUDING UNDECLARED

OTHER 
ETHNICITY
2%
PACIFIC 
PEOPLES
1%

UNDECLARED
17%

AGE GROUP

35-44Y
24%

<25-34Y
26%

<25Y
11%

CONTRACT TYPE

FULL TIME
71%

NZ EUROPEAN
58%

MIDDLE EASTERN / 
LATIN AMERICAN / 
AFRICAN
1%

MĀORI
4%

EUROPEAN
8%

ASIAN
9%

45-54Y
21%

55+
18%

PART TIME
9%

CASUAL
16%

CONTRACTOR
4%

 
 
 
24 NEW ZEALAND MEDIA AND ENTERTAINMENT

ANNUAL REPORT 2019 25

OUR 
ENVIRONMENT.

We take our responsibility to the environment seriously.

NZME aims to review the actual and 

potential impact its business practices have 

on the environment. NZME continues to 

put in place policies and methods to enable 

it to measure this impact. This will in turn 

enable NZME to reduce environmental 

impacts through recycling, greenhouse gas 

("GHG") emissions reduction and sustainable 

procurement policies. NZME’s editorial 

platforms also cover environmental issues 

raising community awareness.

NZME constantly reviews the 
actual and potential impact its 
business practices have on the 
environment. With a suite of 
policies to support this approach, 
NZME can measure and act to 
reduce environmental impacts.

Particular focus areas for NZME in 2020 

include recycling, the development of 

a sustainable procurement policy and 

reducing the impact of our domestic travel 

including reducing flights and seeking 

efficiencies in our motor vehicle fleet.

INITIATIVE

OBJECTIVE

MEASUREMENTS

RECYCLING

We will separate our internal waste streams  

– including paper, food and green waste,  

and recyclables – to optimise value and reduce 

environmental impacts.

We aim to have recycling facilities in all offices and 

Details of recycling facilities and initiatives 

to teach our people how to properly recycle.

at major offices and training and support 

offered.

Reduce use of plastic in the production  

Tonnes of plastic used in the production 

process at the print plant.

process at the plant.

Reduce general waste at the print plant.

Tonnes of general waste removed  

from the print plant.

Ensure we retain Enviromark Gold Certification.

Certification.

We will put in place a Responsible Sourcing 

Examples of sustainable suppliers  

Policy and adhere to that policy for our sourcing 

we work with.

BEST PRACTICE 
We will maintain our print operation’s Environmental 

requirements.

Management System. 

We will aim to reduce domestic travel.

Kilometres travelled.

We will collaborate with our suppliers and partners  

We will continue to seek efficiencies with our  

GHG emissions.

to ensure best practice sustainable operations.

motor vehicle fleet.

We will continue to optimise our distribution 

GHG emissions.

network with our suppliers.

Where appropriate, we will use our platforms to 

Examples of stories in the year  

share stories and initiatives to raise awareness of 

on environmental issues.

environmental issues (including climate change).

RESPONSIBILITY

Partner to promote environmental issues  

Discuss environmental campaign 

We will share our platforms to promote environmental 

impacting Kiwis. 

undertaken.

issues impacting Kiwis including carbon emissions 

and climate change.

We have commenced our journey of 

measuring our GHG emissions and are 

actively identifying our Scope 1, 2 and 3 

carbon emission activities. We are currently 

assessing the boundaries of what emissions 

we report on.

To quantify and report our GHG emissions 

we have commenced collecting data and 

thinking about how we collect this in the 

future, to be able to convert this into a robust 

and comparable emissions number. 

  Our newspapers are 100 per cent 

recyclable, with newsprint made in  

New Zealand largely from waste or 

byproduct fibre from sustainable 

softwood resources using geothermal 

steam. We are very proud of our efforts 

around sustainability for print.

Matt Wilson, NZME Chief Operating Officer

 
26 NEW ZEALAND MEDIA AND ENTERTAINMENT

ANNUAL REPORT 2019 27

THE 
NZME 
BOARD.

Barbara Chapman
Independent Director

Barbara Chapman served as Chief Executive and Managing 

Director of ASB Bank Limited from 2011 until February 2018. She 

has extensive business experience gained through a successful 

career in banking and insurance. During her career she has held a 

number of senior and executive roles in retail banking, marketing, 

communications, human resources and life insurance. Barbara is 

passionate about people and culture, and promoting best practice 

in community, governance and sustainability. She is the Chair of 

Genesis Energy Limited and holds independent directorships on the 

boards of Fletcher Building Limited and IAG New Zealand Limited. 

She is also Deputy Chair of The New Zealand Initiative, Patron of  

the New Zealand Rainbow Tick Excellence Awards, Chair of the  

CEO Summit Committee for APEC 2021 and holds seats on the 

Reserve Bank Act Review Panel and the Prime Minister’s Business 

Advisory Council. 

David Gibson
Independent Director

Sussan Turner
Independent Director

David Gibson has a strong background in strategy and finance 

with over 20 years’ investment banking experience, including as 

For the past 25 years Sussan has held senior leadership roles 

across media companies, including Group CEO of MediaWorks, 

Co-Head of Investment Banking in New Zealand for Deutsche Bank 

Managing Director of Radio Otago and CEO of RadioWorks. She is 

and Deutsche Craigs. During his finance career David has advised 

currently Group CEO and Director of Aspire2 Group Limited, one 

on many of New Zealand’s largest capital market transactions, 

of the leading private tertiary education groups in New Zealand 

including within the media industry. David is also a trustee for 

and is passionate about building executive teams and company 

Diocesan School for Girls and a director of Rangatira Limited.

cultures. Sussan has extensive experience as a director and is 

currently Pro-chancellor of Auckland University of Technology and 

Co-Chair of Organic Initiative Limited.

Peter Cullinane 
Independent Chair

Peter is widely respected in global advertising and marketing, and 

has extensive knowledge and expertise in both Australasian and 

global markets. Peter is the Founder and Chairman of Lewis Road 

Creamery Limited and is also an independent director of Sanford 

Limited. He was formerly Chief Operating Officer of Saatchi & 

Saatchi (Worldwide), and its Chief Executive Officer (New Zealand) 

and Chairman (Australasia). Peter was previously on the boards of 

HT&E Limited (listed on the ASX), WPP AUNZ Limited and SKYCITY 

Entertainment Group.

Carol Campbell 
Independent Director

Carol Campbell is a Chartered Accountant and Chartered member 

of the Institute of Directors. Carol was a partner at Ernst & Young 

for over 25 years and has been a professional Director for the last 

9 years. Carol has extensive financial experience and a sound 

understanding of efficient board governance. Carol is a director  

of NZ Post Limited, Kiwibank Limited, T&G Global Limited, Asset 

Plus Limited, Chubb Insurance Limited and a number of other 

private companies.

28 NEW ZEALAND MEDIA AND ENTERTAINMENT

THE NZME  
EXECUTIVE TEAM.

C

Paul Hancox  
Chief Revenue Officer  

Paul joined the NZME Executive Team as 
Chief Revenue Officer in 2019. In this role 
Paul is accountable for agency and key 
customer revenues, including programmatic, 
trading and integration performance. Prior 
to joining the NZME Executive team, Paul 
led a significant commercial portfolio at 
NZME as Head of Agency, Enterprise, Events, 
Partnerships, Government and Rural, a role 
he took up in January 2018. 

Prior to this, Paul spent 9 years in various 
senior roles at MediaWorks including 
as Group Head of Revenue where he 
successfully designed, implemented and 
managed the integration of the TV and radio 
sales teams. Paul brings with him 25 years of 
experience in the media industry including 
a 9-year stint with The Radio Network early 
in his career, operating in a variety of roles 
including as NewstalkZB and Radio Sport 

Sales and Marketing Manager.

D

Wendy Palmer  
Chief Radio and  
Commercial Officer  

Wendy joined the NZME Executive Team 
in November 2019. As Chief Radio and 
Commercial Officer, she is accountable for 
revenue growth with the Commercial Direct 
team across all NZME platforms. Wendy’s role 
includes responsibility for the radio business 
and the content delivery to support audience 
and revenue growth across NZME’s radio 
networks. Before starting at NZME Wendy 
spent 12 years at MediaWorks, where she 
held senior roles including being appointed 
Chief Executive of its radio business in 2014.

Wendy is an experienced broadcast media 
executive with wide industry experience. 
She has served as Chair of The Radio 
Bureau and as a Board member of the 
Radio Broadcasters Association and the 
Broadcasting Standards Authority.

C

E

B

D

A

Michael Boggs  
Chief Executive Officer

Michael was appointed CEO of New 
Zealand Media and Entertainment (NZME) in 
March 2016. Prior to that he held the Chief 
Financial Officer position at NZME. Michael’s 
core focus at NZME has been to develop 
and implement a group wide strategy to 
accelerate growth across NZME’s brands 
particularly in the areas of subscription 
and classified offerings, digital and video 
content, while ensuring the sustainable 
growth of the company’s traditional print 
and radio platforms.

Michael has extensive senior executive 
experience including as Chief Financial 
Officer at leading insurance company Tower 
Limited. While at Tower, Michael managed 
the company’s multibillion-dollar assets, 
its Pacific Islands operations, earthquake 
recovery programme and the sale of 
Tower’s life insurance, health insurance 
and investment management businesses. 
This industry leading work was recognised 
in 2014 when Michael was awarded CFO 
of the year at the annual New Zealand 
CFO Awards. Michael also has significant 
background in the telecommunications and 
technology sectors with executive roles 
in the finance, commercial and business 
functions of major organisations including 
Telstra’s New Zealand operations. 

B

David Mackrell  
Chief Financial Officer

David was appointed Chief Financial Officer 
of NZME in March 2019, leading NZME’s 
Finance, Technology and Strategy functions. 
He moved to NZME from Heartland Bank 
where he was their Chief Financial Officer. 

David started his professional career at 
Ernst & Young as an Auditor before joining 
Air New Zealand in 1992. His career at Air 
New Zealand spanned 25 years and a large 
gamut of senior financial and commercial 
roles, finishing with the company as Deputy 

Chief Financial Officer. 

E

Allison Whitney  
General Counsel and  
Company Secretary

Allison joined NZME in 2013. As General 
Counsel she heads up the legal team and 
manages the provision of legal advice and 
company secretarial services across NZME. 
Prior to commencing her role at NZME, 
Allison held roles both in-house and in 
private practice, including five years as Legal 
Counsel at Westpac, six years as Group Legal 
Advisor to a London-based international 
media group and three years in private 
practice at Kensington Swan. 

Allison brings over 20 years of legal 
experience to her role spanning areas from 
corporate and commercial to intellectual 

property, consumer and media law.

F

Matthew Wilson  
Chief Operations Officer

Matt was appointed Chief Operations 
Officer in December 2016. In this role, Matt 
is responsible for NZME’s print product 
performance; driving NZME’s Operations 
functions including print, distribution, print 
and digital subscriptions and advertising 
production; and leading NZME’s Culture & 
Performance function. Prior to that, Matt’s 
role was GM Print Operations for NZME. 

His passion for media has resulted in over 
two decades of experience working across 
NZME’s newspaper brands, including 
finance roles in print, commercial, content 
and corporate through to leading the 
Newspaper Sales, Print and Herald product 

functions. During his time, Matt has led 
the consolidation of newspaper sales and 
distribution functions across NZME, the 
development of NZME’s highly successful 
distribution services business, and customer 
streams for the launch of Herald on Sunday 
and NZH Premium digital subscribers. Matt’s 
focus on operating performance has driven 
a strong passion for NZME’s people, their 
engagement and the culture fostered in  

the company.

G

Laura Maxwell  
Chief Digital Officer

Laura was appointed Chief Digital Officer in 
August 2017 and is responsible for growing 
digital business across NZME, including 
OneRoof, DRIVEN and GrabOne. Laura’s 
connection to NZME began in 2013 when 
she started out at The Radio Network as 
a Commercial Director, moving in 2014 
to the position of Group Director Digital 
Media across the APN group. In 2015, Laura 
was appointed Group Revenue Director, a 
role that transitioned to Chief Commercial 
Officer as part of the NZME transformation. 

Prior to joining the NZME group, Laura held 
the position of General Manager/Director for 
Yahoo! New Zealand and previously held the 
role of Sales Director for both APN Outdoor 
and Buspak New Zealand. Laura has over 
25 years of experience in media and has 
held the role of Chair of the Interactive 
Advertising Bureau and The Radio Bureau.

A

F

G

H

ANNUAL REPORT 2019 29

H

Katie Mills  
Chief Marketing Officer

Katie joined the NZME Executive Team  
in December 2018 assuming leadership 
of the company’s Marketing and 
Communications functions. Immediately 
prior, Katie held the role of Group Marketing 
Director at Aspire2 Group Limited and 
was previously General Manager (Global) 
Marketing & Communications at Opus 
International Consultants. 

Along with Katie’s wide marketing industry 
experience, she also brings to her role, more 
than 20 years of media-specific experience. 
15 of those years were spent at MediaWorks 
in senior leadership positions including as 
Head of Marketing, successfully developing 
and delivering marketing and brand 
strategies for a portfolio of radio, digital, 
event and television ventures.

I

Shayne Currie 
Managing Editor

Shayne was appointed Managing Editor in 
2015 and is responsible for NZME's 300-plus 
journalists and the company's editorial and 
news strategy. His role includes overseeing 
NZME’s unique mix of digital, print, audio and 
visual storytelling across the New Zealand 
Herald, nzherald.co.nz, Newstalk ZB, Radio 
Sport, NZME’s five regional daily newspapers 
and more than 20 community titles.  

In 2019, Shayne helped oversee the 
successful launch of NZ Herald Premium 
digital subscriptions and he has helped lead 
some of the most significant projects at the 
Herald in the past 15 years including the 
launch of the Herald on Sunday in 2004 and 
the Herald's move to compact format in 2012.  
In 2019, Shayne celebrated his 30th year in 
journalism, including two decades in 

senior editorial leadership roles 
across New Zealand. In 2016 
he was awarded the Wolfson 
Scholarship at Cambridge 
University in the UK, 
studying audience patterns 

in the digital age. 

I

 
30 NEW ZEALAND MEDIA AND ENTERTAINMENT

ANNUAL REPORT 2019 31

CORPORATE 
GOVERNANCE.

GOVERNANCE FRAMEWORK

NZME Limited ("the Company") is listed on the NZX Main Board 
and as a Foreign Exempt Listing on the ASX (both under the 
ticker code “NZM”). The ASX Foreign Exempt Listing category is 
based on a principle of substituted compliance recognising that, 
for secondary listings, the primary regulatory role and oversight 
rests with the home exchange and the supervisory regulator 
in that jurisdiction. As such, NZME is required to comply with a 
limited set of ASX Listing Rules.

The Company’s corporate governance framework, as described 
in this section, therefore primarily takes into consideration 
contemporary standards in New Zealand, incorporating the NZX 
Corporate Governance Code (“NZX Code”).

The Group is committed to having a strong governance 
framework and therefore complies with the recommendations 
of the NZX Code (unless specifically stated otherwise). The 
corporate governance policies referred to in this section reflect 
the Group’s governance framework as at 31 December 2019 
(unless otherwise stated) and are available on the Company’s 
website: www.nzme.co.nz/corporate-governance. 

The Company also has an Editorial Code of Ethics highlighting 
that our principal responsibilities are to the community and 
the truth and our undertaking to maintain the highest ethical 
standards in our journalism while balancing the right of the 
individual with the public’s right to know.

Securities Trading Policy

The Securities Trading Policy details the Company’s trading 
policy and guidelines, including trading restrictions on dealing 
in the Company’s quoted financial products. This policy applies 
to the directors and all employees. The Securities Trading Policy 
places additional trading restrictions on the directors, the Chief 
Executive Officer (“CEO”) and his direct reports (and employees 
reporting directly to them) and all participants in any NZME 
Employee Incentive Plan.

PRINCIPLE 2 - BOARD COMPOSITION  
& PERFORMANCE

To ensure an effective Board, there should be a balance 
of independence, skills, knowledge, experience and 
perspectives.

PRINCIPLE 1 - CODE OF ETHICAL BEHAVIOUR

Role of the Board

Directors should set high standards of ethical behaviour, 
model this behaviour and hold management accountable for 
these standards being followed throughout the organisation.

Code of Conduct & Ethics

The Company’s Code of Conduct & Ethics governs the Company 
and its subsidiaries’ commercial operations and the conduct 
of directors, employees, consultants and all other people when 
they represent the Company and its subsidiaries. The Code of 
Conduct & Ethics comprises certain fundamental principles and 
demonstrates the high standards of conduct expected of us. 
The current Code of Conduct & Ethics was updated 11 April 2019. 
Reporting of breaches of the Code is encouraged and steps for 
doing so are set out in the Code of Conduct & Ethics and the 
Whistleblower Policy. The Company has provided training on the 
Code of Conduct & Ethics in the form of a video series on key 
points relevant to employees.

The business and affairs of the Company is managed under 
the direction and supervision of the Board. The directors 
acknowledge their duty to act in good faith and in the best 
interests of the Company. The objective of the Company is to 
generate growth, corporate profit and shareholder gain from 
the activities of the Group. In pursuing this objective, the role 
of the Board is to assume accountability for the success of 
the Company by taking overall responsibility for the strategic 
direction and monitoring of operational management of 
the Group in accordance with good corporate governance 
principles. More details regarding the main functions of the 
Board can be found in the Board Charter.

Director Independence and Profile

All of the Company’s directors are independent directors  
for the purposes of the NZX Listing Rules. The profile for  
each director is available on the Company’s website  

(www.nzme.co.nz/corporate-governance/board-members) and 
on page 26 and 27 of the 2019 Annual Report. The roles of the 
Chair and CEO are exercised by different persons.

Nomination and Appointment

Directors are appointed by the Company’s shareholders, with 
rotation and retirement being determined by the Constitution 
and the NZX Listing Rules. The Board may appoint directors to 
fill casual vacancies. Directors appointed to fill casual vacancies 
are required to retire and stand for election at the first annual 
shareholders’ meeting after their appointment. The Governance 
& Remuneration Committee recommends to the Board potential 
candidates for appointment as directors.

Induction and Access to Information and Advice

On appointment to the Board a director will be given a copy of 
the Board Charter, an appointment letter covering the role of the 
Board, the Board’s expectations of the director and any particular 
terms of his or her appointment. The director will be offered 
induction training as to the responsibilities of the directors and 
to enable the director to become familiar with the Company’s 
operations and sites. All directors have access to the advice 
and assistance of the General Counsel on the Board’s affairs 
and governance matters. In addition, all directors may access 
such information and seek independent advice as they consider 
necessary to fulfil their duties and responsibilities.

Skills and Experience

The Governance & Remuneration Committee reviews, 
and makes recommendations to the Board, regarding the 
composition of the Board on an ongoing basis to ensure that it 
is comprised of members who provide the required breadth and 
depth of experience and knowledge to achieve the objectives 
of the Board. It also considers and recommends to the Board 
the appointment of additional directors to provide the expertise 
to achieve the strategic and economic goals of the Company. 
Directors are expected to maintain their knowledge of the latest 
governance and business practices in order to perform their 
duties and the Company supports their development.

Directors and Officers Insurance

In accordance with Section 162 of the Companies Act 1993 
and the Company’s Constitution, NZME has indemnified and 
arranged insurance for all directors and executive officers to 
the extent permitted by law for liabilities arising out of the 
performance of their normal duties as directors and officers. 
The total amount of insurance for directors and officers contract 
premiums was $501,463.

Performance Review

The Chairperson meets annually with directors of the Company 
to discuss individual performance of directors. The Board 
reviews its performance as a whole, and the performance of its 
committees, on an annual basis. The Board may choose to use 
external facilitators, where appropriate, to assist with reviewing 
the performance of directors, the Board and its committees.

Diversity and Inclusion

The Diversity and Inclusion Policy details the Company’s 
approach to diversity and inclusion, including specifying the 
principles adopted by the Company, oversight and sponsorship, 
programmes and initiatives and the requirement for the Board, 
in consultation with the CEO, to set measurable objectives for 
achieving diversity and assess progress in achieving them.

The Group believes that a diverse workforce is essential for it 
to be able to deliver its strategic objectives and continue to 
meet its responsibilities to its customers, its employees, the 
communities in which it works, and its shareholders.

The Group is currently operating in accordance with, and 
applying the principles of, its Diversity and Inclusion Policy, 
which was updated in December 2019 and is available on the 
Company’s website. The Our People section on page 22 of the 
2019 Annual Report contains more information on our diverse 
workforce and the diversity objectives and measurements for 
2020 are included in our sustainability commitment.

32 NEW ZEALAND MEDIA AND ENTERTAINMENT

ANNUAL REPORT 2019 33

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE. 

CONT.

The table below includes the quantitative breakdown as to the gender composition of NZME’s Board and Officers A.

Corporate Social Responsibility Committee

•  Board Charter

As at

Board

Officers A

31 December 2019

31 December 2018

Male

2

2

Female

3

3

Male

5

5

Female

4

4

PRINCIPLE 3 - BOARD COMMITTEES

The Board should use committees where this will enhance its 
effectiveness in key areas, while retaining Board responsibility.

The Board has three standing Committees, the Audit & Risk 
Committee, the Governance & Remuneration Committee and 
the Corporate Social Responsibility Committee, to assist in 
carrying out its responsibilities. The Committees operate under 
Board approved charters which are available on the Company’s 
website: www.nzme.co.nz/corporate-governance.

The Board may establish other committees from time to 
time to deal with specific projects or matters relating to the 
Company’s various activities. The Board does not have a 
separate Health & Safety Committee, but Health & Safety is 
considered by the full Board. The Board did not identify a 
need for any other standing Board committees. The Company 
also has an NZME Takeover Response Manual (not publicly 
available) as recommended by Recommendation 3.6 of the 
NZX Code (adopted 12 December 2017).

Audit & Risk Committee

The Committee consists of at least three non-executive 
directors, with the majority being also independent directors 
(one of whom has an accounting and financial background).  
The functions of the Committee are to:

•  Review, consider and if necessary, investigate any reports or 
findings arising from any audit function either internally or 
externally;

•  Evaluate financial information submitted to it, along with 

relevant policies and procedures; and

•  Assess the effectiveness of risk management throughout  

the Group.

The Committee is also responsible for communicating and 
engaging with the external auditors and for oversight and review 
of the risk management framework. For further information, 
also refer to the Committee’s charter which is available on the 
Company’s website.

For the year ended 31 December 2019, directors Barbara 
Chapman and David Gibson were members of the Audit & Risk 
Committee and it was chaired by Carol Campbell. Employees 
and external parties may attend meetings of the Audit & Risk 
Committee at the invitation of the Audit & Risk Committee.

Governance & Remuneration Committee

The Governance & Remuneration Committee ensures that 
remuneration policies and practices are consistent with the 
strategic goals of the Group and are relevant to the achievement 
of those goals. The Committee also reviews the remuneration 
of the CEO and, in consultation with the CEO, the remuneration 
packages of executives reporting directly to the CEO.

The Governance & Remuneration Committee also makes 
recommendations to the full Board regarding the composition 
of the Board, filling of vacancies, appointing additional directors 
to the Board, and to review and adopt corporate governance 
policies and practices which reflect contemporary standards 
in New Zealand, incorporating principles and guidelines issued 
by the Financial Markets Authority and the NZX. For further 
information, refer to the Committee’s charter available on the 
Company’s website.

For the year ended 31 December 2019, directors Peter Cullinane 
and Sussan Turner were members of the Governance & 
Remuneration Committee and it was chaired by David Gibson. 
Employees and external parties may attend meetings of the 
Governance & Remuneration Committee at the invitation of the 
Governance & Remuneration Committee.

A The term ‘Officer’ is defined in the NZX Listing rules as a person, however designated, who is concerned or takes part in the management of the Issuer’s 
business, but excludes (i) a person who does not report directly to the Board or (ii) a person who does not report directly to a person who reports to the Board. 
NZME has interpreted this to mean the Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) and any person reporting to the CEO or the Board directly. The numbers above therefore 
include the CEO and other members of the Group Executive Team.

The Corporate Social Responsibility Committee supports NZME’s 
values, strategic plan and corporate reputation by ensuring 
that the Company’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) 
strategy is best practice and supports to the highest level its 
CSR objectives. The Committee also ensures CSR objectives, 
policies and practices are consistent with the strategic goals of 
the Group. 

For the year ended 31 December 2019, directors Peter Cullinane 
and Sussan Turner were members of the Corporate Social 
Responsibility Committee and it was chaired by Barbara 
Chapman. Employees and external parties may attend meetings 
of the Corporate Social Responsibility Committee at the 
invitation of the Corporate Social Responsibility Committee.

•  Code of Conduct and Ethics

•  Remuneration Policy

•  Diversity and Inclusion Policy

•  Editorial Code of Ethics

• 

Fraud Policy

•  Market Disclosure Policy

•  Whistleblower Policy

•  Securities Trading Policy

•  Audit & Risk Committee Charter

•  Governance & Remuneration Committee Charter

PRINCIPLE 4 - REPORTING & DISCLOSURE

•  Risk Management Policy

•  Corporate Social Responsibility Committee Charter

The Board should demand integrity in financial and non-
financial reporting, and in the timeliness and balance of 
corporate disclosures.

Constitution

Market Disclosure Policy

The Board has policies and procedures in place to keep investors 
and staff informed of material information about the Company 
and to ensure compliance with the continuous disclosure 
obligations under the Financial Markets Conduct Act 2013 and 
the NZX Listing Rules.

The Market Disclosure Policy is designed to ensure that:

•  There is full and timely disclosure of the Company’s activities 
and material information to shareholders and the market; and

•  All stakeholders (including shareholders, the market and 

other interested parties) have an equal opportunity to receive 
and obtain externally available information issued by the 
Company.

The Company will immediately notify the market of any material 
information concerning the Company in accordance with 
legislative and regulatory disclosure requirements.

Charters and Policies

The following charters and policies have been adopted by the 
Company and are available on the Company’s website under 
the Corporate Governance section (www.nzme.co.nz/corporate-
governance):

The Company’s constitution (“Constitution”) is filed on the 
Companies Office website (http://www.companies.govt.nz/
co/1181195). The Constitution specifies that the maximum 
number of directors (other than alternate directors) is eight.  
As at 31 December 2019, the Company had five directors.

The Constitution contains, amongst other things, the 
requirements regarding appointment and rotation of directors, 
filling vacancies on the Board, meetings of the Board and Board 
Committee proceedings, and appointing alternate directors. The 
Constitution also requires the Company to comply with the NZX 
Listing Rules for so long as it is listed on the NZX.

The Constitution was updated and approved by shareholders at 
the 2019 Annual Meeting in June 2019.

Financial Reporting and Disclosure

The Company is committed to providing financial reporting that 
is balanced, clear and objective. The Audit & Risk Committee 
oversees the quality, integrity and timeliness of external 
reporting. The Group’s Consolidated Financial Statements for the 
year ended 31 December 2019 are set out on pages 48 to 95 of 
this 2019 Annual Report. Also refer to the reports from the Chair 
and the CEO in this 2019 Annual Report and the NZME 2019 Full 
Year results presentation (available on the Company’s website) 
for additional information.

34 NEW ZEALAND MEDIA AND ENTERTAINMENT

ANNUAL REPORT 2019 35

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE. 

CONT.

Non-Financial Reporting and Disclosure

The Company provides non-financial disclosures relating to 
Health & Safety, Risk Management, our interaction with our 
communities, people and our environment. We also include 
information about our performance against our operational 
priorities during the year.

NZME announced its Sustainability Commitment at the 2019 
Annual Shareholders’ Meeting in June 2019. NZME’s Sustainability 
Commitment aligns with the UN Sustainability Development 
Goals – an international blueprint to achieve a better and more 
sustainable future for everyone. Combined with our promise 
to keep Kiwis in the know, NZME’s commitment to sustainable 
practices contributes to the prosperity of our business and our 
communities, people and the environment.

In 2019 we completed our materiality matrix and assessed these 
results to set the focus for NZME’s Sustainability Commitment. 
We have identified the key initiatives and objectives for 
each of the three pillars of our Sustainability Commitment: 
Our Communities, Our People and Our Environment. In this 
year’s Annual Report, we have released further details of our 
Sustainability Commitment including the initiatives, objectives 
and measurements against which we will report on for the 2020 
financial year. This is discussed on pages 18 to 25 of the 2019 
Annual Report.

PRINCIPLE 5 - REMUNERATION
The remuneration of directors and executives should be 
transparent, fair and reasonable.

Remuneration Policy

The Remuneration Policy outlines the Company’s approach 
to the remuneration of its directors and executives. The 
Governance & Remuneration Committee is responsible for 
reviewing non-executive directors’ remuneration and benefits. 
The pool available to be paid to non-executive directors is 
subject to shareholder approval. The levels of fixed fees payable 
to non-executive directors should reflect the time commitment 
and responsibilities of the role. The Governance & Remuneration 
Committee will obtain independent advice, as necessary, 
and will also consider the results of market comparison and a 
benchmarking assessment in setting the fixed fees payable to 
non-executive directors.

While the Company does not pay equity-based remuneration to 
its non-executive directors, it encourages those directors to hold 
shares in the Company to better align their interests with the 
interests of other shareholders.

The Governance & Remuneration Committee is also responsible 
for reviewing the remuneration of the CEO and any executive 
directors and, in consultation with the CEO, for reviewing the 
remuneration packages of executives reporting directly to the 
CEO. The Company conducts external benchmarking analysis 
in order to determine the market rate for a role. The Company 
provides a combination of cash and non-cash benefits and 
takes a total remuneration approach. The Company reviews 
remuneration with the objective of achieving pay equity, 
including by gender.

Directors’ Remuneration

The fees paid to each director depends on the duties of the director, including committee work. Current fees per annum are as 
follow:

Chair of the NZME Board

Membership of the NZME Board

Chair of NZME Board Committees

Membership of NZME Board Committees

Fees ($)

150,000

100,000

20,000

10,000

Director

Date first 
appointed

Chairman of 
the Board

Board Member

Committee 
Chair

Committee 
Member

Total

Peter Cullinane

24 June 2016

150,000

-

-

20,000

170,000

Carol Campbell

24 June 2016

David Gibson

8 December 2017

Barbara Chapman

18 April 2018

Sussan Turner

16 July 2018

Total fees paid

-

-

-

-

100,000

100,000

100,000

100,000

20,000

20,000

20,000

-

10,000

10,000

120,000

130,000

130,000

20,000

120,000

670,000

The table below shows number of attendances at Board and Committee meetings by directors for the year ended 31 December 2019.

Director 

Peter Cullinane

Carol Campbell

David Gibson

Barbara Chapman

Sussan Turner

Board

9 of 9

9 of 9

9 of 9

9 of 9

9 of 9

Audit & Risk

Governance & 
Remuneration

Corporate Social 
Responsibility

N/A

4 of 4

4 of 4

4 of 4

N/A

6 of 6

N/A

6 of 6

N/A

6 of 6

3 of 3

N/A

N/A

3 of 3

3 of 3

Michael Boggs

Salary A

806,260

Bonus B

-

TIP C

204,459

Benefits D

Total

24,188

1,034,907

A Salary includes normal basic salary and paid leave. B Bonus payments are those paid during the current accounting period and excludes any bonus accrual 
not yet paid. C TIP relates to the value of shares issued under the Group's Total Incentive Plan ("TIP") in relation to the 2016 scheme. D Benefits relate to company 
contributions for KiwiSaver.

Michael Boggs held 475,282 shares in the company as at  
31 December 2019. In addition to the remuneration disclosed 
above as at 24 February 2020, Michael Boggs held 827,738 
performance rights issued to him under the Group's Total 
Incentive Plan (“TIP”). Please refer to note 4.3 of the Consolidated 
Financial Statements for a summary of the TIP and the 
performance criteria used to determine performance-based 
payments. The number above includes rights for dividends 
foregone in the period 1 January 2018 to 31 December 2019  
in relation to the 2017 TIP.

Directors of Subsidiary Companies

As at 31 December 2019, Michael Boggs (CEO) and David 
Mackrell (CFO) were directors of the wholly owned subsidiaries 
listed in Note 6.1 of the Consolidated Financial Statements, 

other than NZME Australia Pty Limited. Michael Boggs and 
Mark O’Sullivan (a professional director resident in Australia) 
were directors of NZME Australia Pty Limited as at 31 December 
2019. Michael Boggs, David Mackrell and Laura Maxwell (Chief 
Digital Officer) were directors of the subsidiary OneRoof Limited, 
in which an 80% interest was held, as listed in Note 6.1 of the 
Consolidated Financial Statements. Other than Mark O’Sullivan 
who received $9,004 for his services as a director of NZME 
Australia Pty Limited, they did not receive any fees or other 
benefit for their services as directors to any of these companies. 
Michael Boggs, David Mackrell and Laura Maxwell receive 
remuneration as employees of the Company which are not 
related to their duties as directors of these companies. 

 
36 NEW ZEALAND MEDIA AND ENTERTAINMENT

ANNUAL REPORT 2019 37

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE. 

CONT.

Directors of Associates, Joint Ventures and Joint Operations

Employee Remuneration

Associates, joint ventures and joint operations are listed in Note 6.2 of the Consolidated Financial Statements. As at 31 December 
2019 the following roles were held by Officers A:

Associates, Joint Ventures and Joint Operations

Officer A

Designation

New Zealand Press Association Limited

Michael Boggs

Shayne Currie

Director 

Director

Newspapers Publishers Association

Michael Boggs

Member – Board of control

Shayne Currie

Member – Board of control

Chinese New Zealand Herald Limited

Laura Maxwell

Director (resigned 23 December 2019)

Restaurant Hub Limited

Eveve New Zealand Limited

KPEX Limited 

Ratebroker Limited

Matthew Wilson 

Laura Maxwell

Dean Buchanan 

Laura Maxwell

Dean Buchanan 

Michael Boggs

Michael Boggs

Director (resigned 23 December 2019)

Director (resigned 8 April 2019)

Director (resigned 31 October 2019)

Director (resigned 8 April 2019)

Director (resigned 29 November 2019)

Director 

Director (resigned 14 February 2019)

The Radio Bureau (unincorporated joint venture)

Paul Hancox

Chair – Board 

Matt Headland

Representative – Board  

(resigned 31 October 2019)

Katie Mills

Representative – Board 

Herald Foundation

Michael Boggs, Matt Wilson, 

Allison Whitney

Trustee

Radio Broadcasters Association Incorporated

Dean Buchanan

Member - Board  

(resigned 31 October 2019)

Wendy Palmer

Member – Board 

A Only roles held by “Officers” of NZME as defined in the NZX Listing Rules are included. The Officers did not receive any fees or other benefit for their services 
to any of these associates, joint ventures and joint operations, however NZME employees do receive remuneration as employees of the Company which are not 
related to their roles with these companies. 

The Group paid remuneration including benefits in excess of $100,000 to employees (other than directors) during the year ended 31 
December 2019. The salary banding for these employees are disclosed in the following table (bands with zero number of employees 
have been excluded):

Remuneration Amount

Employees

Remuneration Amount

Employees

$100,000 - $110,000

$110,001 - $120,000

$120,001 - $130,000

$130,001 - $140,000

$140,001 - $150,000

$150,001 - $160,000

$160,001 - $170,000

$170,001 - $180,000

$180,001 - $190,000

$190,001 - $200,000

$200,001 - $210,000

$210,001 - $220,000

$220,001 - $230,000

$230,001 - $240,000

$240,001 - $250,000

$250,001 - $260,000

$260,001 - $270,000

$270,001 - $280,000

$280,001 - $290,000

$290,001 - $300,000

$300,001 - $310,000

$310,001 - $320,000

$320,001 - $340,000

$340,001 - $350,000

$350,001 - $360,000

$360,001 - $370,000

$370,001 - $380,000

$390,001 - $400,000

$440,001 - $450,000

$450,001 - $460,000

$460,001 - $470,000

$520,001 - $530,000

$530,001 - $540,000

$890,001 - $900,000

$1,030,001 - $1,040,000

66

61

47

55

29

25

23

10

13

14

11

9

8

5

2

9

2

2

3

1

1

1

2

1

1

3

3

4

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

Total number of employees that were paid remuneration of $100,000+

418

The remuneration above includes all remuneration paid to permanent employees, including fixed remuneration, employer KiwiSaver 
contributions, medical aid contributions, bonuses, commission, settlements and redundancies.

 
38 NEW ZEALAND MEDIA AND ENTERTAINMENT

ANNUAL REPORT 2019 39

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE. 

CONT.

PRINCIPLE 6 - RISK MANAGEMENT

Directors should have a sound understanding of the material 
risks faced by the issuer and how to manage them. The Board 
should regularly verify that the issuer has appropriate processes 
that identify and manage potential and material risks.

Risk Management Framework

The Audit & Risk Committee is responsible for the oversight and 
independent review of the Group’s Risk Management Framework 
and Guidelines, and assisting the Board to discharge its oversight 
responsibility for risk management, including:

•  Review and approval of the risk management policy;

•  Receiving and considering reports on risk management;

•  Assessing the effectiveness of the Group’s responses to risk; 

and

•  Providing the Board with regular reports on risk management.

The Group has a formal Risk Management Policy and is 
committed to the consistent, proactive and effective monitoring 
and management of risk throughout the organisation, in 
accordance with best practice and the NZME Risk Management 
Framework and Guidelines.

The Board is ultimately responsible for the effectiveness, 
oversight and implementation of the Group’s approach to risk 
management.

The CEO is responsible for:

•  The management of strategic, operational and financial risk 

of the Group;

•  Continually monitoring the Group’s progress against financial 

and operational performance targets;

•  The day-to-day identification, assessment and management  

of risks applicable to the Group;

• 

Implementation of risk management controls, processes and 
policies and procedures appropriate for the Group; and

•  Driving a culture of risk management throughout the Group.

The NZME Risk Committee (a management committee) acts as 
a governance forum to assist the CEO and the Group Executive 
in fulfilling their corporate governance responsibilities. This 
Committee provides assurance that the following aspects are 
managed appropriately:

•  Strategic and operational risk management;

•  Workplace Health & Safety matters;

• 

Legal, regulatory and policy compliance;

•  Technology and security matters; and

•  Business continuity planning.

The Group has a Head of Risk & Compliance who is responsible 
for providing guidance where required and developing 
tools, templates and policies that facilitate the identification, 
management and reporting of risk and supports the overall Risk 
Management Framework and Guidelines.

The Group is a diversified media company and is subject 
to different types of risk including, but not limited to cyber 
security, legal and regulatory compliance, financial and 
market, government policy and political, reputation and brand, 
operational risks and trading conditions.

The Group recognises that in order to achieve its strategic 
objectives it must be willing to take and accept informed risks. 
Risks relating to innovation, attracting and retaining talent, and 
content to drive audiences and address the needs of advertisers 
are encouraged within defined parameters. However, in doing so, 
it is not acceptable to trade off financial or strategic returns by 
compromising compliance with the law, the safety of our people, 
or our reputation as a responsible corporate citizen and provider 
of news, sport and entertainment.

When setting the appetite for taking and accepting risk, the 
Group also considers the risk posed by inaction in what is a fast-
paced and disrupted market.

The Group’s approach to risk management is assessed at 
least annually by the Audit & Risk Committee of the Board 
in order to make a recommendation to the full Board on the 
appropriateness of NZME’s Risk Management Framework and 
Guidelines. The NZME Head of Risk & Compliance reports to 
the NZME Risk Committee and Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”) 
on the progress of the implementation of the Risk Management 
Framework and Guidelines. The CFO reports to the CEO and the 
Audit & Risk Committee on the progress of the implementation 
of the Risk Management Framework and Guidelines. 

For additional information on financial risks, please also refer to 
Note 4.7 of the Consolidated Financial Statements. 

Health & Safety
The NZME Board Charter states that the role of the Board includes 
ensuring that the Group Health & Safety and environmental 
practices and culture comply with legal requirements, reflects 
best practice and are recognised by employees and contractors 
as key priorities for the Group. As noted earlier, NZME does not 
have a separate Board-level Health & Safety Committee as Health 
& Safety is dealt with by the full Board.

Health & Safety is included on the NZME Board Risk Register. The 
NZME Annual Health & Safety Plan captures the projects and 
objectives for the year to respond to the identified risks. NZME 
records and monitors critical Health & Safety risks in a separate 
Health & Safety Risk Register. Currently that register is reviewed 
and monitored by the Risk Committee, who meet monthly and 
receive and review reporting on Health & Safety performance, 
trends and updates, with key matters and progress against the 
annual plan being reported to the Board. 

Health & Safety advice and direction are overseen by the Culture 
and Performance team and a Health, Safety and Wellbeing 
Manager. NZME utilises the online safety management system 
“Vault” as the framework for how safety is managed within 
the business. Vault is used for incident reporting, contractor 
management, hazard and risk management, management of 
hazardous substances, risk monitoring and reporting.

Worker engagement and involvement is recognised as an 
important part of growing a positive workplace Health & Safety 
culture. At NZME, being actively involved in and contributing 
to Health & Safety is included in the GuideMe performance 
review template as a KPI for all employees and reviewed as part 
of the performance review process. Health & Safety training 
forms part of induction and ongoing training schedules to 
ensure awareness of NZME’s Health & Safety obligations, critical 
risks and the resources available to satisfy these. To ensure 
effective worker involvement, NZME has multiple Health & 
Safety Committees in place across New Zealand that actively 
contribute to the management of risk and the effectiveness 
of controls in place around the business. Health & Safety 
performance is communicated throughout all levels of NZME 
through regular Senior Leadership team meetings and internal 
business communications.

NZME maintains Wellness and Safety pages on its intranet with 
sections for Safety (which includes training manuals, emergency 
procedures and safety induction documents) and Wellness 
(which includes information about our Employee Assistance 
Programme, wellness videos and wellness success stories).

PRINCIPLE 7 - AUDITORS

The Board should ensure the quality and independence of the 
external audit process.

Refer to note 2.2.4 of the Consolidated Financial Statements for 
fees paid to the auditors, PricewaterhouseCoopers, for the year 
ended 31 December 2019.

The Audit & Risk Committee Charter requires the Committee to 
assess the following:

•  The independence of the auditor;

•  The ability of the auditors to provide additional services 

which may be occasionally required;

•  The competency and reputation of the auditors;

•  The projected audit fees; and

•  Review the appointment, performance and remuneration  

of external auditors.

The Audit & Risk Committee also monitors and approves any 
services provided by the auditors other than in their statutory 
role and receives confirmation from the auditors as to their 
independence from the Company. This is undertaken on a 
service by service basis and assesses whether the service is 
permissible under Professional and Ethical Standard 1 (“PES 1”) 
issued by the New Zealand Auditing and Assurance Standards 
Board, ensuring that any potential threat to independence is 
identified and appropriate safeguards to eliminate the threat or 
reduce the threat to an acceptable level are established. The 
Audit & Risk Committee receives an annual confirmation from 
the auditor as to their independence from the Group. The auditor 
is also required to provide the Audit & Risk Committee with a 
detailed analysis of fees relating to non-audit services provided 
during the year, including a description of potential threats to 
their independence and the applicable safeguards implemented 
by the auditor and the Company to either mitigate those threats 
or reduce them to an acceptable level as required by PES 1. 
The Audit & Risk Committee takes the nature of the services 
provided, the quantum of the fee, the reason for the additional 
services and whether the services are likely to be one-off or 
repetitive in nature into consideration when evaluating and 
concluding on auditor independence.

For the year ended 31 December 2019, given the nature of the 
services provided and based on the Committee’s continuous 
monitoring of auditor independence, the Audit & Risk Committee 
do not believe that the non-audit services provided by the 
auditors compromised their objectivity and independence.

40 NEW ZEALAND MEDIA AND ENTERTAINMENT

ANNUAL REPORT 2019 41

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE. 

CONT.

The Company requires the external auditor to attend the 
Annual Shareholders Meeting (“ASM”) to answer questions 
from shareholders in relation to the audit. The Group’s auditor, 
PricewaterhouseCoopers, attended the last ASM on 12 June 2019.

Internal Audit

The Audit & Risk Committee is responsible for reviewing the 
integrity and effectiveness of the internal audit function. NZME 
operates a co-sourced internal audit programme that utilises 
a mix of self-certifications, scheduled control testing by Group 
Financial Services, ad hoc assignments, investigations by Risk 
& Compliance and a structured internal audit programme 
executed by an external firm.

Any reporting from external parties is presented to the Audit & 
Risk Committee and any significant findings from other internal 
activities are reported to the Audit & Risk Committee in the Risk 
& Compliance report.

PRINCIPLE 8 - SHAREHOLDER RIGHTS  
& RELATIONS

The Board should respect the rights of shareholders and foster 
constructive relationships with shareholders that encourage 
them to engage with the issuer.

NZME seeks to regularly engage with shareholders to ensure 
they are informed about our activities and our progress against 
our stated priorities. NZME employs an Investor Relations 
Manager to ensure any questions or feedback from shareholders 
are responded to promptly.

The NZME website has a dedicated Investor Relations section 
containing NZX / ASX announcements, presentations & 
webcasts, financial reports, frequently asked questions and 
other information that might be useful to our shareholders. The 
share registry is maintained by Link Market Services and their 
contact details are available under the Investor Relations section 
of the Company’s website. Shareholders can elect to receive 
communications electronically.

Following each results announcement, NZME holds an investor 
call to present the results and to allow investors to ask questions. 
This is followed by an investor roadshow during which the CEO, 
CFO and other members of the Executive aim to meet with as 
many shareholders as possible.

Shareholders are entitled to exercise their voting rights as 
provided for under the applicable legislation and listing rules.

INTERESTS REGISTER

The general disclosures of interests made by directors of Company during the accounting period, pursuant to section 140(2) of the 
Companies Act 1993, are shown below. 

Director

Company

Peter Cullinane

Sanford Limited

David Gibson

Rangatira Limited

Barbara Chapman

The New Zealand Initiative

APEC 2021 - CEO Summit Committee

Position

Director 

Director

Deputy Chair 

Chair

Sussan Turner

Waitemata District Health Board Well Foundation

Trustee (resigned 9 December 2019)

The Interests Register also includes, pursuant to section 140(1) of the Companies Act 1993, entries for authorising the remuneration 
and particulars of indemnities and insurance for the directors.

DIRECTORS INTERESTS IN NZME SHARES

Ordinary shares held by directors and parties associated with them are as follows:

Director

Peter Cullinane

Carol Campbell

David Gibson

Barbara Chapman

31 December 2019

68,286

50,000

50,000

50,000

There were no individual directors’ share dealings entered in the Interests Register of the Company under section 148(2) of the 
Companies Act 1993 during the year ended 31 December 2019.

SHAREHOLDER INFORMATION

Substantial Shareholders

The following information is given pursuant to Sub-Part 5 of Part 5 of the Financial Markets Conduct Act 2013. According to notices 
given to the Company, the substantial product holders in the Company as at 31 December 2019 are noted below:

Shareholder

Date of substantial 
product notice

Number of shares held

% of shares held

Auscap Asset Management Limited

30/10/2018

Renaissance Smaller Companies Pty Limited

7/09/2018

Spheria Asset Management Pty Ltd

Forager Funds Management Pty Limited

29/10/2019

19/09/2017

37,722,980

24,298,829

20,158,249

12,408,486

19.25

12.40

10.28

6.33

The total number of ordinary shares issued by the Company as at 31 December 2019 was 196,555,998. The Company did not have 
any other quoted voting products.

42 NEW ZEALAND MEDIA AND ENTERTAINMENT

ANNUAL REPORT 2019 43

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE. 

CONT.

OTHER INFORMATION

Waivers from the NZX

The Company transitioned to the new NZX Listing Rules dated 
1 January 2019 on 1 June 2019, and relied on the class waivers 
and rulings granted by NZX Regulation on 19 November 2018 in 
relation to the transition.

The Company did not receive any other waivers from any of the 
NZX Listing Rules during the year.

Donations

In accordance with section 211(1)(h) of the Companies Act 1993, 
NZME notes that the Group made donations of $6,105 during the 
year ended 31 December 2019. In addition, the Group provided 
in excess of $2.8 million of donated media placement to a range 
of charities 

Credit rating

As at the date of this Annual Report, NZME did not have  
a credit rating.

Exercise of NZX disciplinary powers

For the year ended 31 December 2019, the NZX did not exercise 
any of its disciplinary powers under Rule 9.9.3 of the NZX Listing 
Rules in relation to the Company.

Direct director appointments under the Company Constitution

Rule 2.4.1 of the NZX Listing Rules allow a company to include in 
its Constitution a right for a product holder to appoint a director to 
the Board under certain circumstances. As at 31 December 2019, 
none of the Directors were appointed pursuant to Rule 2.4.1.

Number of shares held

% of shares held

 49,090,288 

 36,087,641 

 24,788,674 

 9,143,094 

 8,940,645 

 8,301,984 

 7,000,000 

 3,309,558 

 3,000,000 

 1,156,817 

 1,084,178 

 1,049,420 

 1,013,223 

 971,029 

 940,756 

 899,506 

 832,470 

 711,000 

 700,000 

 698,427 

24.98

18.36

12.61

4.65

4.55

4.22

3.56

1.68

1.53

0.59

0.55

0.53

0.52

0.49

0.48

0.46

0.42

0.36

0.36

0.36

Top 20 shareholders
As at 20 February 2020

Citicorp Nominees Pty Limited

J P Morgan Nominees Australia Pty Limited

HSBC Custody Nominees (Australia) Limited

Citibank Nominees (NZ) Ltd

Accident Compensation Corporation

National Nominees Limited

Walling Pty Limited

Forsyth Barr Custodians Limited

Pax Pasha Pty Ltd

HSBC Nominees (New Zealand) Limited

Xu Li & Zhen Zhen

UBS Nominees Pty Ltd

BNP Paribas Noms Pty Ltd

HSBC Custody Nominees (Australia) Limited Gsco Eca

BNP Paribas Nominees Pty Ltd

CS Third Nominees Pty Limited

Howard Cedric Zingel

Forsyth Barr Custodians Limited

Goolestan Dinshaw Katrak

Rudie Pty Ltd

Spread of Quoted Security Holders
As at 20 February 2020

Range of Securities Held

1-1000

1001-5000

5001-10000

10001-50000

50001-100000

Greater than 100000

Total

Number of 

Investors

% of Total 

Investors

 3,516 

 1,072 

 316 

 431 

 72 

 79 

 64.09 

 19.54 

 5.76 

 7.86 

 1.31 

 1.44 

Shares  

Held

 904,426 

 2,589,151 

 2,428,654 

 10,053,349 

 5,148,205 

 175,432,213 

 5,486 

 100.00 

 196,555,998 

% of Shares  

Issued

 0.46 

 1.32 

 1.24 

 5.11 

 2.62 

 89.25 

 100.00 

44 NEW ZEALAND MEDIA AND ENTERTAINMENT

ANNUAL REPORT 2019 45

CONSOLIDATED 
FINANCIAL 
STATEMENTS.

NZME LIMITED
For the year ended 31 December 2019

46 NEW ZEALAND MEDIA AND ENTERTAINMENT

ANNUAL REPORT 2019 47

CONTENTS.
Consolidated Financial Statements 
for the year ended 31 December 2019

DIRECTORS'  
STATEMENT.

Directors' Statement

Consolidated Income Statement

Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income

Consolidated Balance Sheet

Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity

Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements*

Basis of Preparation

Group Performance

Operating Assets & Liabilities

Capital Management

Taxation

Group Structure and Investments in Other Entities

Related Parties

Contingent Liabilities

Subsequent Events

Independent Auditor's Report

The directors are pleased to present the consolidated financial 

consolidated financial statements that present fairly, in all material 

statements of NZME Limited (the "Company") and its subsidiaries 

respects, the financial position of the Group as at 31 December 2019 

(together the "Group") for the year ended 31 December 2019, 

and the results of the Group's operations and cash flows for the year 

incorporating the consolidated financial statements and the 

then ended.

auditor's report.

The directors are responsible, on behalf of the Company, for 

on pages 48 to 95 are signed on behalf of the Board of Directors, 

presenting these consolidated financial statements in accordance 

and are authorised for issue on the date below. 

The consolidated financial statements for the Group as presented  

with applicable New Zealand legislation and generally acceptable 

accounting practices in New Zealand in order to present 

For and on behalf of the Board of Directors 

47

48

49

50

51

52

53

54

62

76

87

90

94

95

95

96

* In an attempt to make these financial statements easier to read, the notes to the financial statements have been grouped into nine 

sections; aimed at grouping items of a similar nature together. The Basis of Preparation section presents a summary of material 

information and general accounting policies that are necessary to understand the basis on which these consolidated financial 

statements have been prepared. Accounting policies specific to a particular note are included in that note and are boxed for ease of 

reference. Key judgments and estimates relevant to a particular note are also included in the relevant note, and are clearly marked as 

such. A summary of the key judgments and estimates is also included under the Basis of Preparation section on page 53.

Peter Cullinane 
Director   

Carol Campbell 
Director   

Date: 24 February 2020 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
48 NEW ZEALAND MEDIA AND ENTERTAINMENT

ANNUAL REPORT 2019 49

CONSOLIDATED INCOME 
STATEMENT.

for the year ended 31 December 2019

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT  
OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME.

for the year ended 31 December 2019

2019 
$’000

2018
$’000

371,079

388,269

Net (loss) / profit after tax

1,319

769

Other comprehensive income

372,398

389,038

Items that may be reclassified to profit or loss

(315,829)

(343,459)

Effective gain on hedging instruments

(31,672)

(24,555)

(Less): recycling of cash flow hedge reserve

Tax impact of hedging transactions

Net gain / (loss) on hedging instruments

Exchange differences on translation of foreign operations

Other comprehensive income, net of tax

Total comprehensive income

Total comprehensive income attributable to:

Owners of the Company

Non-controlling interests

Revenue

Finance and other income

Total revenue and other income

Expenses from operations before finance costs, depreciation, amortisation

Depreciation and amortisation

Profit before interest, income tax and impairment of intangibles

Finance costs

Impairment of intangible assets

(Loss) / profit before income tax expense

Income tax expense

Net (loss) / profit after tax

(Loss) / profit for the year is attributable to:

Owners of the Company

Non-controlling interests

Note

2.1

2.1

2.1

2.2.1

2.2.2

2.2.3

2.4.2

24,897

(9,495)

(175,000)

(159,598)

5.1

(5,574)

(165,172)

(164,665)

(507)

(165,172)

21,024

(4,636)

-

16,388

(4,816)

11,572

11,735

(163)

11,572

Earnings per share attributable to the ordinary shareholders  
of the Company

Basic earnings per share

2.3

 (83.77)

 5.99 

The above Consolidated Income Statement should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes.

Cents

Cents

Note

2019
$’000

(165,172)

2018
$’000

11,572

4.2

4.2

4.2

4.2

265

(17)

(70)

178

12

190

-

-

-

-

32

32

(164,982)

11,604

(164,475)

(507)

(164,982)

11,767

(163)

11,604

The above Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes.

50 NEW ZEALAND MEDIA AND ENTERTAINMENT

ANNUAL REPORT 2019 51

CONSOLIDATED 
BALANCE SHEET.

as at 31 December 2019

Current assets

Cash and cash equivalents

Trade and other receivables

Inventories

Income taxation

Total current assets

Non-current assets

Intangible assets

Property, plant and equipment

Right-of-use assets

Capital work in progress

Other financial assets

Other receivables and prepayments

Derivative financial instruments

Total non-current assets

Total assets

Current liabilities

Trade and other payables

Current lease liabilities

Current tax provision

Total current liabilities

Non-current liabilities

Trade and other payables

Non-current lease liabilities

Interest bearing liabilities

Deferred tax liability

Total non-current liabilities

Total liabilities

Net assets

Equity

Share capital

Reserves

Retained earnings

Total Company interest

Non-controlling interests

Total equity

Note

4.6

3.5

3.1

3.2

3.3

3.4

6.2.2

3.5

3.8

3.6

3.3.3

3.6

3.3.3

4.5

5.2

4.1

4.2

2019 
$’000

2018
$’000

14,416

52,449

1,943

-

68,808

150,263

39,902

75,538

13,633

4,123

1,329

248

285,036

353,844

51,483

11,076

254

62,813

-

84,807

89,149

605

174,561

237,374

116,470

360,768

2,984

(247,712)

116,040

430

116,470

11,717

57,125

1,866

898

71,606

329,911

47,145

-

8,758

5,357

-

-

391,171

462,777

52,036

-

-

52,036

13,665

-

109,992

448

124,105

176,141

286,636

360,363

2,998

(77,662)

285,699

937

286,636

The above Consolidated Balance Sheet should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT  
OF CHANGES IN EQUITY.

for the year ended 31 December 2019

Attributable to owners of the company

Note

Share  
capital 

$’000

Reserves 

Retained 
earnings 

$’000

$’000

Non- 
controlling 
interests 

$’000

Total 

$’000

Total 
Equity 

$’000

Balance at 1 January 2018

360,363

2,385

(73,716)

289,032

-

289,032

Profit for the year

Other comprehensive income 

Total comprehensive income

Dividends paid

Supplementary dividends paid

Tax credit on supplementary dividends

Share based payments expense

4.2

Equity transactions with non-controlling 

interests

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

32

32

-

-

-

581

-

11,735

11,735

(163)

11,572

-

32

-

32

11,735

11,767

(163)

11,604

(15,681)

(15,681)

(1,864)

(1,864)

1,864

1,864

581

-

-

-

-

-

-

(15,681)

(1,864)

1,864

581

-

1,100

1,100

Balance at 31 December 2018

360,363

2,998

(77,662)

285,699

937

286,636

Balance at 31 December 2018

360,363

2,998

(77,662)

285,699

937

286,636

Adoption of NZ IFRS 16

3.3.1

-

-

(5,931)

(5,931)

-

(5,931)

Restated balance at 1 January 2019 

360,363

2,998

(83,593)

279,768

937

280,705

Net loss after tax

Other comprehensive income 

Total comprehensive income 

Deferred tax on share based payments

Share based payments expense

4.2

-

-

-

-

-

-

(164,665)

(164,665)

(507)

(165,172)

190

-

190

-

190

190

(164,665)

(164,475)

(507)

(164,982)

-

311

546

-

546

311

(110)

-

-

-

546

311

(110)

Settlement of 2016 TIP

405

(515)

Balance at 31 December 2019

360,768

2,984

(247,712)

116,040

430

116,470

The above Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes.

52 NEW ZEALAND MEDIA AND ENTERTAINMENT

ANNUAL REPORT 2019 53

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT 
OF CASH FLOWS.

for the year ended 31 December 2019

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED  
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

Cash flows from operating activities

Receipts from customers

Payments to suppliers and employees

Dividends received

Interest received

Interest paid on bank facilities

Interest paid on leases

Income taxes paid

Note

2019
$’000

2018
$’000

1.0  BASIS OF PREPARATION

368,454

378,082

(307,562)

(338,289)

108

87

143

80

(4,752)

(4,096)

1.1 

REPORTING ENTITY AND STATUTORY BASE

NZME Limited (NZX and ASX:NZM) is a for-profit company limited by 

ordinary shares which are publicly traded on the NZX Main Board and 

the Australian Securities Exchange as a Foreign Exempt Listing. NZME 

Limited is incorporated and domiciled in New Zealand. It is registered 

under the Companies Act 1993 and is a FMC reporting entity under 

Part 7 of the Financial Markets Conduct Act 2013. The entity’s 

registered office is 2 Graham Street, Auckland, 1010, New Zealand.

NZME Limited (the "Company" or "Parent") and its subsidiaries' 

3.3.4

(4,824)

-

(together the "Group") principal activity during the financial year was 

(4,540)

(14,078)

the operation of an integrated media and entertainment business.

1.2 

GENERAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES

These consolidated financial statements have been prepared in 

accordance with New Zealand Generally Accepted Accounting 

Practice ("NZ GAAP"). They comply with New Zealand equivalents 

to International Financial Reporting Standards ("NZ IFRS") and other 

applicable Financial Reporting Standards, as appropriate for for-profit 

entities. The consolidated financial statements also comply with 

International Financial Reporting Standards ("IFRS"). The consolidated 

financial statements have also been prepared in accordance with Part 

7 of the Financial Markets Conduct Act 2013 and the NZX Listing Rules.

The consolidated financial statements are presented in New 

Zealand dollars, which is the Company's functional and the Group's 

presentation currency, and rounded to the nearest thousand, except 

where otherwise stated.

1.2.4  Goods and Services Tax ('GST')

The income statement has been prepared so that all components are 

stated exclusive of GST. All items in the balance sheet are stated net 

of GST, with the exception of receivables and payables, which include 

GST invoiced. In the statement of cash flows, receipts from customers 

and payments to suppliers are shown exclusive of GST.

1.3 

SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES  
AND JUDGEMENTS

The preparation of the consolidated financial statements requires 

the use of certain significant judgements, accounting estimates and 

assumptions, including judgements, estimates and assumptions 

concerning the future. The estimates and assumptions are based on 

historical experiences and other factors that are considered to be 

relevant. The resulting accounting estimates will by definition, seldom 

equal the related actual results and are reviewed on an ongoing basis. 

A list of those areas of significant estimation or judgement and a 

reference to the notes containing further information is provided below:

Areas of significant accounting estimates or judgements 

Note

The principal accounting policies adopted in the preparation of 

Determination of the number of reportable segments 

the financial statements are either set out below, or in the relevant 

Intangible assets with indefinite useful lives 

45,500

107,400

presented, unless otherwise stated. These consolidated financial 

note. These policies have been consistently applied to all the years 

Assumptions used in testing for impairment 

of indefinite life intangible assets 

statements are presented for the Group and were approved for issue 

by the Board of Directors on 24 February 2020.

Right-of-use assets 

2.4.1

3.1

3.1.1 

3.3

1.2.1  Basis of measurement

These financial statements have been prepared under the historical 

cost convention with the exception of certain items for which specific 

accounting policies are identified.

1.2.2  Comparatives

Certain prior period information has been re-presented to ensure 

consistency with current year disclosures and to provide more 

meaningful comparison.

1.2.3  Foreign currency translation

Functional and presentation currency

Items included in the financial statements of each of the Group's 

entities are measured using the currency of the primary economic 

environment in which the entity operates (functional currency). 

1.4 

NEW STANDARDS AND INTERPRETATIONS  
ADOPTED IN THE CURRENT PERIOD

NZ IFRS 16: Leases was adopted on 1 January 2019. The new standard 

requires a lessee to recognise a lease liability that reflects future lease 

payments and a ‘right-of-use' asset for virtually all lease contracts. 

Interest and depreciation charges on the lease liability and right-of-use 

assets replace the operating expenses that were incurred under NZ 

IAS 17. Note 3.3.1 provides further information on the impact on the 

Group of adopting NZ IFRS 16.

There have been no other changes to accounting policies and no 

other new standards adopted during the period.

Net cash inflows / (outflows) from operating activities

4.6

46,971

21,842

Cash flows from investing activities

Payments for property, plant and equipment and intangible assets  

(including work in progress)

Proceeds from sale of joint venture

Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment

Payments for investment in other entities

(11,840)

(14,080)

125

11

(20)

-

30

(49)

Net cash inflows / (outflows) from investing activities

(11,724)

(14,099)

Cash flows from financing activities

Proceeds from borrowings

Repayments of borrowings

Payments for borrowing cost

Dividends paid to Company's shareholders

4.5

4.5

(66,500)

(96,900)

(36)

-

(415)

(15,681)

-

Payments for lease liability principal

3.3.4

(11,512)

Net cash inflows / (outflows) from financing activities

(32,548)

(5,596)

Net increase in cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of the year

2,699

11,717

Cash and cash equivalents at end of the year

4.6

14,416

2,147

9,570

11,717

The above Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes.

 
 
54 NEW ZEALAND MEDIA AND ENTERTAINMENT

ANNUAL REPORT 2019 55

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED  
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

CONT.

2.0  GROUP PERFORMANCE

2.1 

DISAGGREGATION OF REVENUE AND OTHER INCOME

Print 

$’000

Radio 

$’000

Digital & 

e-Commerce 

$’000

Total 

$’000

For the year ended 31 December 2018

Advertising

Circulation and subscription

External printing and distribution

Other

Segment revenue from integrated media and 

entertainment activities

Print 

$’000

Radio 

$’000

Digital & 

e-Commerce 

$’000

Total 

$’000

114,159

81,498

8,805

7,137

107,613

58,932

280,704

-

-

-

-

606

1,022

81,498

8,805

8,765

211,599

108,219

59,954

379,772

102,163

76,322

7,616

6,281

110,111

55,796

268,070

-

-

1,667

77,989

-

7,616

759

2,966

10,006

Shared services centre

192,382

110,870

60,429

363,681

Events

3,414

5,083

388,269

143

516

30

689

80

769

389,038

3,377

4,021

371,079

108

475

11

638

1,232

87

1,319

372,398

Total revenues from external customers

Dividends

Rental income from sub-leases

Gain on disposal of property, plant and equipment

Other income

Finance income

Total finance and other income

Total revenue and other income 

Accounting policies

The Group applies the following accounting policies in 

street performances etc. These activities are highly integrated 

relation to revenue:

Advertising

and inter-dependent and are therefore a single performance 

obligation with revenue recognised over the period of the 

campaign. These campaigns often include elements that 

The Group operates an integrated media and entertainment 

are provided by external parties and the Group acts as the 

business and contracts with customers to provide advertising 

principal in those instances. These campaigns are typically 

on multiple platforms consisting of a series of distinct services 

run over a short period of time and are typically completed 

that are substantially the same and that have the same pattern 

and billed for in the same reporting or billing period. Where 

of transfer to the customer. Advertising is often bundled 

the Group provides advertising for non-cash consideration, 

to include print, radio and/or digital components. In most 

revenue is recognised at the fair value of the consideration 

cases each component of the bundle is treated as a distinct 

received, unless the Group cannot reasonably estimate the fair 

performance obligation and the transaction price is allocated 

value of the non-cash consideration; in which case revenue 

on a relative stand-alone selling price basis. Experiential 

is recognised by reference to the stand-alone selling price of 

campaigns are a type of bundling focused on providing an 

the advertising promised to the customer. When advertising is 

experience utilising a mix of traditional advertising mediums 

exchanged for advertising, revenue is recognised on a gross 

with bespoke elements like competitions, product sampling, 

basis as set out above.

For the year ended 31 December 2019

Advertising

Circulation and subscription

External printing and distribution

Other

Segment revenue from integrated media and 

entertainment activities

Shared services centre

Events

Total revenues from external customers

Dividends

Rental income from sub-leases

Gain on disposal of property, plant and equipment

Gain on change in scope of lease

Other income

Finance income

Total finance and other income

Total revenue and other income 

56 NEW ZEALAND MEDIA AND ENTERTAINMENT

ANNUAL REPORT 2019 57

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED  
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

CONT.

Subscriptions

The Group enters into contracts with customers to deliver 
a specified publication on specified days. The performance 
obligation is satisfied, and revenue is recognised, when the 
publication is delivered.

Circulation

The Group enters into contracts with customers to deliver 
specified publications on specified days which the customer 
will on-sell to the public. The performance obligation is 
satisfied when the publication is delivered. Certain customers 
have a right to return any unsold publications which is 
treated as variable consideration. Customers are required 
to report unsold publications using an online system on a 
weekly basis. The Group therefore includes in the transaction 
price an estimate of the unsold publications using the most 
likely amount method based on the weekly reporting from 
customers to the extent that it is highly probable that a 
significant reversal in the amount of cumulative revenue 
recognised will not occur when the uncertainty associated 
with the variable consideration is subsequently resolved.

External printing and distribution

The Group enters into contracts with customers to print 
their publications and, in certain cases, distribute those 
publications on their behalf; including maintaining a 
distribution network. The printing, delivery and maintenance 
of a distribution network are distinct performance 
obligations. The performance obligation to print a publication 
is satisfied when those publications are printed. Similarly, the 
performance obligation to deliver a publication is satisfied 
when it is delivered. The performance obligation to maintain 
a distribution network is a service that is largely the same on 
a monthly basis and is satisfied, and revenue recognised, in 
equal increments over the billing period.

e-Commerce (GrabOne)

The Group acts as an agent for merchants selling their 
products or services to the public using the GrabOne 
platform. The Group does not control the product or service 
before it is transferred to the purchaser. Revenue is recognised 
in the amount of any fees or commissions the Group expects 
to be entitled to in exchange for arranging for the product or 
service to be promoted on the GrabOne platform.

Shared services centre

The Group provides back-office support services to 
customers. These services consist of a number of functions 

that are largely consistent on a month-to-month basis. 
Revenue is therefore recognised in equal increments over the 
billing period.

Deferred revenue

When a customer pays for goods or services in advance, 
the Group recognises a deferred revenue liability which is 
reduced, and revenue recognised, as the Group satisfies 
each distinct performance obligation.

Significant financing component

The Group does not expect, at contract inception, that the 
period between transferring the promised goods or services 
from contracts with customers and when the customer 
pays for those goods and services to be more than one year. 
The Group applies the practical expedient in NZ IFRS 15 to 
not adjust the promised amount of consideration it expects 
to receive for those goods or services for the effects of a 
significant financing component.

Incremental cost of obtaining a contract

The Group applies the practical expedient in NZ IFRS 15 to 
recognise the incremental cost of obtaining a contract (such 
as commission) when incurred if the amortisation period 
is one year or less. If material, the Group will recognise an 
asset for any incremental cost of obtaining a contract with 
a customer if the Group expects to recover those costs and 
the amortisation period is expected to be more than one 
year. Those costs will be amortised on a systematic basis that 
is consistent with the transfer of the good or service to which 
the asset relates.

Costs to fulfil a contract

If the costs incurred in fulfilling a contract with a customer 
are material and not within the scope of another standard, 
the Group recognises an asset from the costs incurred if all 
of the following criteria are met:

•  The costs relate directly to the contract;

•  The costs generate or enhance resources that the Group  
  will use to satisfy the performance obligations in that  

contract; and

•  The costs are expected to be recovered.

Those costs will be amortised on a systematic basis that 
is consistent with the transfer of the goods or services 
promised in that contract. Given the nature of the Group’s 
activities, this is expected to be rare.

2.2 

EXPENSES

2.2.1  Expenses from operations before finance costs, depreciation, amortisation

Employee benefits expense

Production and distribution expense

Selling and marketing expense

Rental and occupancy expense

Costs in relation to one-off projects

Redundancies and associated costs

Loss on sale of joint venture

Asset write-downs and business closures

Impairment of financial asset

Repairs and maintenance costs

Travel and entertainment costs

Other

2019
$’000

2018
$’000

150,342

154,509

67,313

50,690

6,720

2,729

6,043

210

-

869

7,550

3,272

72,997

52,728

22,023

1,632

5,289

-

89

2,249

7,541

4,007

20,091

20,395

Total expenses from operations before finance costs, depreciation, amortisation

315,829

343,459

2.2.2  Depreciation & amortisation

Depreciation on owned assets

Depreciation on right-of-use assets

Amortisation

Total depreciation and amortisation

2.2.3  Finance costs

Interest and finance charges – other entities

Interest income on interest rate swaps

Borrowing cost amortisation

Total finance costs

8,853

12,817

10,002

31,672

9,320

(17)

192

9,495

14,664

-

9,891

24,555

4,517

-

119

4,636

 
58 NEW ZEALAND MEDIA AND ENTERTAINMENT

ANNUAL REPORT 2019 59

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED  
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

CONT.

2.2.4  Fees paid to auditors

2019
$’000

2018
$’000

Accounting policies 
Basic earnings per share

Diluted earnings per share

Fees paid to the Group's auditors, PricewaterhouseCoopers, consist of:

Basic earnings per share is determined by dividing:

Diluted earnings per share adjusts the figures used in the 

Audit or review of financial statements A

Other services

Other assurance services B

Tax services C

Other services D

Total other services

Total fees paid to auditors

389

5

12

41

58

447

A Includes the fee for both the audit of the annual financial statements and the independent review of the interim financial statements.

B Includes payroll assurance, and, in 2018, circulation assurance.

C Includes services relating to transactional advice and tax compliance services.

D Includes Treasury related financial markets risk analysis and commentary and agreed upon procedures for the benchmarking of market revenue data.

2.3 

EARNINGS PER SHARE

Reconciliation of earnings used in calculating basic / diluted earnings per share ("EPS")

(Loss) / profit attributable to owners of the parent entity

(Loss) / profit attributable to owners of the parent entity used in calculating EPS

2019
$’000

(164,665)

(164,665)

383

22

71

26

119

502

2018
$’000

11,735

11,735

Weighted average number of shares

Weighted average number of shares in the denominator in calculating basic EPS 

196,555,998 

 196,011,282 

Adjusted for calculation of diluted EPS

3,024,181

 - 

Weighted average number of shares in the denominator in calculating diluted EPS

199,580,179

196,011,282 

2019
Number

2018
Number

Basic / diluted earnings per share

Basic earnings per share

Diluted earnings per share

2019
Cents

(83.77)

(82.51)

2018
Cents

5.99

-

• 

• 

the profit or loss attributable to owners of the Company; by

the weighted average number of ordinary shares  

outstanding during the financial year, adjusted for bonus  

elements in ordinary shares issued during the financial year. 

determination of basic earnings per share by taking into account:

• 

the after-tax effect of dividends, interest and other changes  

in income or expense associated with dilutive potential  

ordinary shares; and 

• 

the weighted average number of additional ordinary shares  

that would have been outstanding assuming the conversion  

of all dilutive potential ordinary shares.

2.4  SEGMENT INFORMATION

2.4.1  Determination and description of segments

Significant judgements: The Group has one reportable segment – being “Integrated Media and Entertainment”. All significant 

operating decisions are based upon analysis of NZME as one operating segment. The Executive Team and the Board of Directors 

have been identified as the Chief Operating Decision Maker. The Group’s major products and services are split by channel only at the 

revenue level into Print, Radio and Digital & e-Commerce which is the way in which revenue is reported to the Chief Operating Decision 

Maker. Although the Group operates in many different markets within New Zealand, for management reporting purposes the Group 

operates in one principle geographical area being New Zealand as a whole.

Integrated Media and Entertainment incorporates the sale of advertising, goods and services generated from the audiences attached 
to the Group's media platforms.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
60 NEW ZEALAND MEDIA AND ENTERTAINMENT

ANNUAL REPORT 2019 61

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED  
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

CONT.

2.4.2  Segment revenues and results

The segment information provided to the Directors and Executive Team for the year ended 31 December 2019 is as follows:

Revenues from external customers by channel

Print

Radio

Digital and e-Commerce

2019
$’000

2018
$’000

192,382

211,599

110,870

108,219

60,429

59,954

Segment revenue from integrated media and entertainment activities

363,681

379,772

Revenue from shared services centre

Events

Total revenues from external customers

Dividend income

Rental income from sub-leasesA

Gain on disposal of property, plant and equipment

Expenses from operations before finance costs, depreciation, amortisation  

and exceptional items

Total segment adjusted EBITDAB

Depreciation and amortisation on owned assets

Depreciation on right-of-use assets

Total depreciation and amortisation

Interest income

Finance cost

Gain on change in scope of Ellerslie Lease

Exceptional items 

Loss on sale of joint ventureC

Loss on disposal of propertiesD

Redundancies and associated costsE

Costs in relation to one off projectsF

Impairment of financial assetsG

Impairment of intangible assetsH

3,377

4,021

3,414

5,083

371,079

388,269

108

475

11

143

516

-

(305,978)

(334,200)

65,695

54,728

(18,855)

(24,555)

(12,817)

-

(31,672)

(24,555)

87

80

(9,495)

(4,636)

638

(210)

-

(6,043)

(2,729)

(869)

(175,000)

-

-

(59)

(5,289)

(1,632)

(2,249)

-

Net (loss) / profit before tax

(159,598)

16,388

A  Rental income of $283,937 was received from the sub lease of right-of-use assets.

B  Adjusted Earnings before Interest, Tax, Depreciation and Amortisation (Adjusted EBITDA) from continuing operations which excludes exceptional items, is a non-GAAP measure that 
represents the Group’s total segment result which is regularly monitored by the Chief Operating Decision Maker. Exceptional items are those gains, losses, income and expense 
items that are not directly related to the primary business activities of the Group which are determined in accordance with the NZME Exceptional Items Recognition Framework 
adopted by the Audit & Risk Committee. Exceptional items include redundancies, impairment, one-off projects and the disposal of properties or businesses. These items are 
excluded from the segment result that is regularly reviewed by the Chief Operating Decision Maker.

C  Loss on disposal of the Group's interest in the Chinese New Zealand Herald Limited.

D  Loss on disposal of properties is the final adjustment on Greymouth land in 2018.

E  The redundancies and associated costs relate to the restructuring and integration of the New Zealand operations.

F  2019 costs are primarily in relation to the ongoing work in connection with acquiring Stuff Limited, the disposal of the Group's investment in Ratebroker Limited and historical 

holiday pay adjustments. 2018 costs relate to the provision for historical holiday pay adjustments, residual costs in relation to the Stuff Ltd merger appeal and one off project costs.

G  2019 cost relates to the impairment of KPEX Limited and the loan to Jugl Limited while the 2018 cost is in relation to the investment in Ratebroker Limited.

H  Cost relates to the impairment of the indefinite life intangible assets. (See note 3.1.1) 

.

As the Group has one operating segment, the assets and liabilities as reported on the consolidated balance sheet are also the 
segment assets and liabilities, and the income tax expense in the consolidated income statement is also the segment income tax. 

2.4.3 

Impact of NZ IFRS 16 on the segment results and earnings per share

The following table shows the adjustments to profit or loss for the period as a result of the adoption of NZ IFRS 16:

For the year ended 31 December 2019

Total revenue and other income excluding interest income  

and gain on lease.

Segment expenses

Total segment adjusted EBITDA

Depreciation and amortisation

Finance costs

Interest income

Gain on change in scope of Ellerslie Lease

Exceptional items

Pre NZ IFRS 16
$’000

Adjustment
$’000

NZ IFRS 16
$’000

371,673

-

371,673

(321,048)

15,070

(305,978)

50,625

15,070

65,695

(18,855)

(12,817)

(31,672)

(4,671)

(4,824)

(9,495)

87

- 

(184,851)

-

638

-

87

638

(184,851)

Loss before income tax expense

(157,665)

(1,933)

(159,598)

Tax expense

Net loss after tax

(5,807)

233

(5,574)

(163,472)

(1,700)

(165,172)

(Less): non-controlling interests

(507)

-

(507)

Attributable to the owners of the Company

(162,965)

(1,700)

(164,665)

Earnings per share attributable to the ordinary shareholders of the Company

Basic earnings per share

Diluted earnings per share

Cents

Cents

Cents

(82.91)

(81.66)

(0.86)

(0.85)

(83.77)

(82.51)

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
62 NEW ZEALAND MEDIA AND ENTERTAINMENT

ANNUAL REPORT 2019 63

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED  
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

CONT.

3.0  OPERATING ASSETS & LIABILITIES

3.1 

INTANGIBLE ASSETS

Significant judgement: The Directors have determined that masthead brands and brands have indefinite lives and are therefore not 

amortised. Refer to the accounting policies below for further information.

As at 1 January 2018

Cost

Goodwill 
$’000

Software 
$’000

Masthead 
Brands 
$’000

Radio 
Licences 
$’000

Brands 
$’000

Total
$’000

166,397

59,384

146,976

77,547

59,079

509,383

Accumulated amortisation and impairment

(95,614)

(44,874)

-

(38,342)

-

(178,830)

Net book value

70,783

14,510

146,976

39,205

59,079

330,553

For the year ended 31 December 2018

Opening net book amount

70,783

14,510

146,976

39,205

59,079

330,553

Additions 

Amortisation

Transfers from capitalised work in progress

-

-

-

2,103

(6,935)

7,146

-

-

-

-

(2,956)

-

-

-

-

2,103

(9,891)

7,146

Goodwill 
$’000

Software 
$’000

Masthead 
Brands 
$’000

Radio 
Licences 
$’000

Brands 
$’000

Total
$’000

As at 1 January 2019

Cost

166,397

68,633

146,976

77,547

59,079

518,632

Accumulated amortisation and impairment

(95,614)

(51,809)

-

(41,298)

-

(188,721)

Net book value

70,783

16,824

146,976

36,249

59,079

329,911

For the year ended 31 December 2019

Opening net book amount

70,783

16,824

146,976

36,249

59,079

329,911

Additions 

Amortisation

Impairment

Transfers from capitalised work in progress

Net book value

As at 31 December 2019

-

-

-

-

344

(7,042)

-

-

-

(2,960)

-

-

344

(10,002)

(70,783)

-

(74,336)

5,010

-

-

-

(29,881)

(175,000)

-

5,010

15,136

72,640

33,289

29,198

150,263

Cost

166,397

73,987

146,976

77,547

59,079

523,986

Accumulated amortisation and impairment

(166,397)

(58,851)

(74,336)

(44,258)

(29,881)

(373,723)

Net book value

70,783

16,824

146,976

36,249

59,079

329,911

Net book value

-

15,136

72,640

33,289

29,198

150,263

As at 31 December 2018

Cost

166,397

68,633

146,976

77,547

59,079

518,632

Accumulated amortisation and impairment

(95,614)

(51,809)

-

(41,298)

-

(188,721)

Net book value

70,783

16,824

146,976

36,249

59,079

329,911

Accounting policies 
Goodwill

Goodwill represents the excess of the cost of an acquisition 
over the fair value of the Group’s share of the net identifiable 
assets of the acquired business at the date of the acquisition. 
Goodwill is not amortised but rather is subject to periodic 
impairment testing (refer to note 3.1.1 on page 64).

Software

Costs incurred in developing systems, acquiring software 
and licences are capitalised to software. Costs capitalised 
include materials, services, payroll and payroll related costs 
of employees involved in development. Amortisation is 
calculated on a straight line basis over the useful life of the 
asset (typically 3 to 10 years).

Radio Licences

Commercial radio licences are accounted for as identifiable 
assets and are initially recognised at cost. The current New 
Zealand radio licences expire on 31 March 2031 and are being 
amortised on a straight line basis to that date.

Masthead Brands

Masthead brands, being the titles, logo's and similar items of 
the integrated media assets of the Group are accounted for 
as identifiable assets and are initially recognised at cost. The 
Directors believe the masthead brands have indefinite lives 
as there is no foreseeable limit over which they are expected 
to generate net cash inflows for the Group. Accordingly, 
masthead brands are not amortised but are tested for 
impairment each year (refer to note 3.1.1 on page 64).

Brands

Brands are accounted for as identifiable assets and are 
initially recognised at cost. The Directors have considered the 
geographic location, legal, technical and other commercial 
factors likely to impact the assets’ useful lives and consider 
that they have indefinite lives. Accordingly, brands are not 
amortised but are tested for impairment each year (refer to 
note 3.1.1 on page 64).

 
64 NEW ZEALAND MEDIA AND ENTERTAINMENT

ANNUAL REPORT 2019 65

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED  
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

CONT.

3.1.1  Year-end impairment review

Significant judgement: As disclosed in note 2.4 the Directors have determined that the Group has one reportable segment – 

being “Integrated Media and Entertainment”. The Directors have also determined that this is the only cash generating unit ("CGU") 

for impairment testing because this is the lowest level for which there are separately identifiable cash inflows which are largely 

independent of the cash inflows from other assets or groups of assets. Accordingly all goodwill and intangibles with indefinite useful 

lives are allocated to one CGU. This note also includes details of certain key estimates and assumptions made during the impairment 

testing process.

A comprehensive impairment review was conducted at 31 December 2019. The recoverable amount of the CGU (which includes 
goodwill and indefinite life intangible assets) is determined based on the higher of fair value less costs to sell and value in use 
calculations using management budgets and forecasts. The recoverable amount of the CGU is compared against the carrying value 
of the CGU to determine whether there has been impairment.

Key estimates and assumptions

Discount Rate

The post tax discount rate used in the fair value assessment was 9.5% (2018: 9.5%).

Terminal Value

For the purpose of calculating the terminal value within the fair value assessment an "exit multiple method" has been used with  
a 4.5 times EBITDA multiple applied. Using this methodology equates to a terminal growth rate assumption of -1.2% (2018 0%).

Forecasts prepared over the forecast period (2020 - 2024)

The forecasts used in impairment testing have been prepared by management for that specific purpose. Actual results may 
differ materially from those forecast or implied. The forecasts are not, and should not be read as, a forecast of, or guidance as 
to, the future financial performance and earnings of the Group.

Revenue forecasts are prepared based on management’s current expectations, with consideration given to internal 
information and relevant external industry data and analysis. The key forecast assumptions used were:

Key  Assumptions

Reasonably Possible Changes

Upside

Downside

Movement 
change in 
CAGRA %

Impact 
on value 
recoverable 
amount  
$'m

Impact 
on value 
recoverable 
amount  
$'m

Movement 
change in 
CAGRA %

+1%

+3%

+3%

+5%

+5%

-0.2%

 30 

 96 

 35 

 15 

 12 

 26 

-1%

-1%

-2%

-5%

-5%

+0.2%

(28)

(30)

(22)

(13)

(11)

(26)

CAGRA 

-6.5%

1.1%

1.3%

28.6%

45.2%

-1.4%

Print revenue

Radio revenue

Digital advertising revenue

Digital Classifieds revenue

Digital Subscriptions revenue

Operating expenses

A  CAGR = compound annual growth rate. Impacts in the table above assume that each of the changes is in isolation and  that all other factors are consistent.

Based on the above assumptions an impairment of intangible 
assets of $175 million has been recognised in the income 
statement. The impairment  has been allocated to reduce 
goodwill by $70.8 million, masthead brands by $74.3 million  
and brands by $29.9 million. The impairment review has resulted 
from a set of assumptions which are more conservative than 
the company's medium term plans but recognises that the 
difference between the Company's total market capitalisation 
and the carrying value of net assets has increased beyond a 
reasonable level.

The forecasts used in impairment testing require assumptions 
and judgements about the future, such as discount rates, long 
term growth rates, forecasted revenues, to which the model is 
sensitive and which are inherently uncertain. 

The table on page 64 shows the key assumptions. For each key 
assumption management, has identified reasonably possible 
changes, based on expected ranges which would significantly 
impact the recoverable amount. In addition, if a terminal growth 
rate of 0% was used, the recoverable amount would be around 
$15 million higher. If a discount rate of 10% was used, the 
recoverable amount would be around $9 million lower.

The impairment in 2019 has been identified using the 
recoverable amount determined by management's value  
in use model, as this was higher than the fair value less costs  
of disposal. Following the current year impairment of intangible 
assets the recoverable amount of the CGU is equal to its  
carrying amount.

The Group compares the carrying amount of net assets with 
the market capitalisation value at each balance date. The share 
price at 31 December 2019 was $0.41 equating to a market 
capitalisation of $80.6 million. This market value excludes any 
control premium and may not reflect the value of 100% of 
NZME’s net assets. The carrying amount of NZME’s net assets 
at 31 December 2019 was $116.5 million ($0.59 per share) (post 
impairment of intangible assets recognised of $175 million). 
Management considered the reasons for this difference and 
whether all relevant factors had been allowed for in their value  
in use model.

Accounting policy

Goodwill and intangible assets that have an indefinite useful 
life are not subject to amortisation and are tested annually for 
impairment and at the end of each reporting period if there 
is an indication that they may be impaired. Intangible assets 
that are subject to amortisation are tested for impairment 
whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that 
the carrying amount may exceed its recoverable amount. 
An impairment charge is recognised for the amount by 
which the asset’s carrying amount exceeds its recoverable 
amount. The recoverable amount is the higher of an asset’s 

fair value less costs to sell and value in use. For the purposes 
of assessing impairment, assets are grouped at the lowest 
levels for which there are separately identifiable cash inflows 
which are largely independent of the cash inflows from other 
assets or groups of assets (cash-generating units). Currently, 
the group has only one CGU, being Integrated Media and 
Entertainment. Non-financial intangible assets, other than 
goodwill, that suffer impairment are reviewed for possible 
reversal of the impairment at each reporting date. 

66 NEW ZEALAND MEDIA AND ENTERTAINMENT

ANNUAL REPORT 2019 67

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED  
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

CONT.

3.2  PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT

As at 1 January 2018

Cost or fair value

Freehold landA
$’000

BuildingsA 
$’000

Plant and 
equipmentB 
$’000

Total
$’000

1,165

14,764

330,021

345,950

Accumulated depreciation and impairment

-

(4,485)

(285,434)

(289,919)

Net book amount

1,165

10,279

44,587

56,031

Year ended 31 December 2018

Opening net book amount

1,165

10,279

44,587

56,031

Additions

Disposals

Depreciation

Transfers from capitalised work in progress

Net book amount 

As at 31 December 2018

Cost or fair value

-

-

-

-

23

(89)

626

-

649

(89)

(1,780)

(12,884)

(14,664)

10

5,208

5,218

1,165

8,443

37,537

47,145

1,165

14,697

335,602

351,464

Accumulated depreciation and impairment

-

(6,254)

(298,065)

(304,319)

Net book amount

1,165

8,443

37,537

47,145

Year ended 31 December 2019

Opening net book amount

1,165

8,443

37,537

47,145

Accounting policies

Land is not depreciated. Depreciation on other assets is 
calculated using the straight line method to allocate their 
cost or revalued amounts, net of their residual values, over 
their estimated useful lives, as follows:

• 

Furniture and fittings 

•  3 to 25 years

•  Buildings 

• 

Leasehold improvements 

• 

• 

10 to 50 years

2.5 to 50 years

•  Motor vehicles 

•  5 to 10 years

•  Plant & equipment 

• 

1.5 to 25 years

The assets’ residual values and useful lives are reviewed 
and adjusted, if appropriate, at each balance sheet date. 
Gains and losses on disposals are determined by comparing 
proceeds with carrying amount and are included in the 
income statement.

Land and buildings (excluding leasehold improvements) 
are recorded at fair value, based on periodic valuations by 
external independent valuers, less subsequent depreciation 
for buildings. Independent valuations are performed with 
sufficient regularity to ensure that the carrying value of assets 
is materially consistent with their fair value. Any accumulated 
depreciation at the date of revaluation is eliminated against 
the gross carrying amount of the asset and the net amount is 
restated to the revalued amount of the asset. Increases in the 
carrying amounts arising on revaluation of land and buildings 
are credited to revaluation reserves in equity. To the extent 
that the increase reverses a decrease previously recognised 

in the income statement, the increase is first recognised 
in the income statement. Decreases that reverse previous 
increases of the same asset are first charged against the 
revaluation reserves directly in equity to the extent of 
the remaining reserve attributable to the asset. All other 
decreases are charged to the income statement. 

Plant and equipment, furniture and fittings and motor 
vehicles are stated at historical cost less depreciation. 
Historical cost includes expenditure that is directly 
attributable to the acquisition of the items. Subsequent costs 
are included in the assets carrying amount or recognised 
as a separate asset, as appropriate, only when it is probable 
that future economic benefits associated with the item will 
flow to the Group and the cost of the item can be reliably 
measured. All other repairs and maintenance are charged to 
the income statement during the financial period in which 
they are incurred.

Impairment of assets

An asset’s carrying amount is written down immediately to its 
recoverable amount if the asset’s carrying amount is greater 
than its estimated recoverable amount. Assets that are 
subject to depreciation are tested for impairment whenever 
changes in circumstances indicate that the asset’s carrying 
amount may exceed its recoverable amount. An impairment 
charge is recognised for the amount by which the asset’s 
carrying amount exceeds its recoverable amount. Assets that 
suffer an impairment are reviewed for possible reversal of the 
impairment at each reporting date.

Additions

Disposals

Depreciation

Transfers from capitalised work in progress

Net book amount

As at 31 December 2019

Cost or fair value

-

-

457

(1)

457

(1)

-

-

-

-

(1,224)

(7,629)

(8,853)

3.3 

 RIGHT-OF-USE ASSETS

-

1,154

1,154

1,165

7,219

31,518

39,902

1,165

14,697

337,165

353,027

Accumulated depreciation and impairment

-

(7,478)

(305,647)

(313,125)

Net book amount

1,165

7,219

31,518

39,902

A  Freehold land and buildings include leasehold improvements with a net book value of $7,104,280 (2018: $8,311,993) carried at cost. All other freehold land and buildings are held 

at fair value based on independent valuations. If land and buildings were stated on the historical cost basis, the net book value of land would have been $442,270 (2018: $442,270) 
and the net book value of buildings would have been $317,103 (2018: $327,038). The last revaluation was performed for the year ended 31 December 2015. 

B  A review of the useful life of Ellerslie Print Plant assets has resulted in the extension of some assets lives to 2023 with the depreciation charge for the year $3.2 million lower than it 

would have been had the extension not occurred. 

Significant judgments: The Group has elected to use the Modified Retrospective Approach in adopting NZ IFRS 16 and has further 

decided to recognise the right-of-use assets in relation to the Graham Street and Ellerslie Print Plant leases as if the standard had 

been applied from the commencement date of these leases using the Group's incremental borrowing rate and recognising an equity 

adjustment. For all other leases the right-of-use asset recognised on adoption is equal to the lease liability calculated on 1 January 

2019. The Group has also elected not to reassess whether a contract is, or contains a lease, at the date of initial application. Instead, 

for contracts entered into before the transition date the Group relied upon its assessment made applying NZ IAS 17 and NZ IFRIC 4. 

The Group has used the practical expedient of applying a single discount rate to a portfolio of assets and has further applied the same 

incremental borrowing rate of 5% to each portfolio of assets. In determining the discount rate to use, Management reviewed publicly 

available rates for Government Bonds, Westpac swap rates and Treasury Risk-free discount rates and then applied an adjustment to 

these rates to apply a company specific credit risk. The Group has also used the practical expedient of relying on previous assessments 

of whether leases are onerous.

68 NEW ZEALAND MEDIA AND ENTERTAINMENT

ANNUAL REPORT 2019 69

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED  
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

CONT.

Buildings
$’000

Transmission
$’000

Vehicles
$’000

Other
$’000

Total
$’000

For the year ended 31 December 2019

At adoption

Additions

Depreciation

69,149

-

9,419

371

(8,291)

(3,641)

Changes in scope or lease terms

6,695

70

1,949

561

(775)

(5)

Net book amount

67,553

6,219

1,730

130

16

80,647

948

(110)

(12,817)

-

36

6,760

75,538

 Accounting policy

The Group leases various offices, transmission towers, 
vehicles and other equipment which were all classified as 
operating leases until 31 December 2018. Payments made 
under operating leases (net of any incentives received from 
the lessor) were charged to profit or loss on a straight line 
basis over the period of the lease.

From 1 January 2019, leases are recognised as a right-of-use 
asset and a corresponding lease liability. Each lease payment 
is allocated between the lease principal and finance costs. 
Finance costs are charged to profit or loss over the lease 
period and the right-of-use asset is depreciated over the 
shorter of the asset's useful life and the lease term on a 
straight-line basis. 

Assets and liabilities arising from a lease are initially 
measured on a present value basis. Lease liabilities include 
the net present value of the following lease payments:

• 

• 

• 

• 

fixed payments (including in-substance fixed payments), 
less any lease incentives receivable,

variable lease payments that are based on an index  
or a rate,

amounts expected to be payable by the lessee under 
residual value guarantees,

the exercise price of a purchase option if the lessee  
is reasonably certain to exercise that option, and

•  payments of penalties for terminating the lease, if the 
lease term reflects the lessee exercising that option.

3.3.1 

Impact of NZ IFRS 16 adoption

At 31 December 2018 the Group had lease commitments of $126,681,834 and lease liabilities of $14,497,818 in relation to lease 
incentives received on operating leases and NZ IAS 17 accruals. The commitments included leases for property, transmission sites, 
motor vehicles and other equipment. The table below shows adjustments made to the balance sheet on adoption of NZ IFRS 16 on 
1 January 2019.

As at 1 January 2019

Right-of-use assets

Accumulated depreciation

Total assets

Current lease incentive

Current lease liabilities

Non-current NZ IAS 17 lease adjustment

Non-current lease incentive

Non-current lease liabilities

Deferred tax liabilities A

Total liabilities

Net assets

EQUITY

Retained earnings adjustment on adoption of NZ IFRS 16

Total Company interest

Total
$’000

104,612

(23,965)

80,647

(833)

11,505

(4,637)

(9,028)

88,820

751

86,578

(5,931)

(5,931)

(5,931)

A  At adoption of NZ IFRS 16 the outstanding portion of the Graham Street lease incentive gave rise to a deferred tax liability which was partially offset by a deferred tax asset in 

relation to the interest on lease liabilities, and depreciation on the right-of-use assets, being greater than the sums paid to lessors under the lease agreements in relation to the 
Graham Street and Ellerslie Print Plant leases.

 
70 NEW ZEALAND MEDIA AND ENTERTAINMENT

ANNUAL REPORT 2019 71

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED  
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

CONT.

3.3.2  Reconciliation of lease commitments to lease liabilities

3.3.4  Impact of NZ IFRS 16 on the statement of cash flows for the twelve months ended 31 December 2019 

Operating lease commitments disclosed as at 31 December 2018

As at 1 January 2019

Discounted at the incremental borrowing rate at the date of initial application

Add: CPI increases not contained in lease commitments schedule

Add: motor vehicles not in 31 December lease commitments

(Less): service component of motor vehicle leases included in lease commitments

Net present value of future lease liabilities

Current lease liabilities

Non-current lease liabilities

Total future lease liabilities

Total
$’000

126,682

100,203

369

105

(352)

100,325

11,505

88,820

100,325

3.3.3 

Impact of NZ IFRS 16 on the balance sheet at 31 December 2019

Assets and liabilities have both increased as a result of the change in accounting policy in relation to leases. At 31 December 2019 the 
balance sheet accounts affected by the change are detailed in the table below:

Right-of-use assets

Impact on total assets

Current lease incentive

Current lease liabilities

Current tax provision

Non-current NZ IAS 17 lease adjustment

Non-current lease incentive

Non-current lease liabilities

Deferred tax liabilities

Impact on total liabilities

Impact on net assets

Pre NZ IFRS 16 
$’000

Adjustment
$’000

-

833

-

67

4,204

8,195

-

274

75,538

75,538

(833)

11,076

187

(4,204)

(8,195)

84,807

331

83,169

(7,631)

NZ IFRS 16
$’000

75,538

-

11,076

254

-

-

84,807

605

Cash outflows from leases for the twelve months ended 31 December 2019 are detailed below. For the period ended  
31 December 2018 the equivalent cash outflows were included in the cash flows from operating activities as payments to suppliers 
and employees.

Year ended 31 December 2019

Interest paid on leases (operating activities)

Payments for lease liability principal (financing activities)

Total cash outflows from leases

3.4 

 CAPITAL WORK IN PROGRESS

As at 1 January

Additions

Transfers to intangible assets

Transfers to property plant and equipment

As at 31 December

Total
$’000

(4,824)

(11,512)

(16,336)

2018
$’000

8,694

12,428

(7,146)

(5,218)

8,758

2019
$’000

8,758

11,039

(5,010)

(1,154)

13,633

Capital work in progress, which historically was included under property, plant and equipment, is transferred to the relevant asset 
category once the project is completed. Capitalised work in progress is not depreciated or amortised prior to being transferred to  
the relevant asset category.

 
 
72 NEW ZEALAND MEDIA AND ENTERTAINMENT

ANNUAL REPORT 2019 73

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED  
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

CONT.

3.5 

 TRADE AND OTHER RECEIVABLES

3.6 

TRADE AND OTHER PAYABLES

Trade receivables

Provision for impairment

Amounts due from related companies (note 7.2)

Other receivables and prepayments

Total current trade and other receivables

Movements in the provision for impairment are as follows:

Balance at beginning of the year

Provision for impairment expense

Receivables written off

Provision for impairment

Other receivables and prepayments

Total non-current trade and other receivables

2019
$’000

44,988

(632)

44,356

49

8,044

52,449

766

369

(503)

632

1,329

1,329

2018
$’000

48,153

(766)

47,387

940

8,798

57,125

592

566

(392)

766

-

-

3.5.1  Classification

3.5.2  Fair values of trade and other receivables

Trade receivables are amounts due from customers for goods 
sold or services performed in the ordinary course of business. 
Receivables and other financial assets are classified and 
subsequently measured at amortised cost on the basis of both 
the Group's business model for managing the financial assets 
and the contractual cash flow characteristics of the financial 
asset. If collection of the amounts is expected in one year  
or less they are classified as current assets. If collection is 
expected to be in greater than one year they are classified  
as non-current. 

Due to the short-term nature of the current receivables,  
their carrying amount is considered to be the same as their  
fair value. 

3.5.3 

Impairment and risk exposure

The maximum exposure to credit risk at the reporting  
date is the higher of the carrying value and fair value of  
each receivable. The Group does not hold any collateral  
as security. Refer to note 4.7.3 for credit risk and note 4.8 for  
fair value information.  

Accounting policies

Trade receivables are recognised initially at fair value and 
subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective 
interest method, less provision for impairment. 

Receivables are monitored on an individual basis and the 
Group considers the probability of default upon initial 
recognition of the receivable and throughout the period  

and provides for receivables expected to be impaired.  
The amount of loss is recognised in the income statement 
within other expenses. When a trade receivable is 
uncollectible, it is written off against the provision account 
for trade receivables. Subsequent recoveries of amounts 
previously written off are credited to the income statement 
against the impairment losses on receivables. 

Current payables

Lease liability A

Amounts due to related companies (note 7.2)

Employee entitlements

Trade payables and accruals 

2019
$’000

-

104

5,829

45,550

2018
$’000

833

359

7,732

43,112

Total current trade and other payables

51,483

52,036

Non-current payables

Lease liability A

Total non-current trade and other payables

A  Lease liability includes lease incentives received on operating leases.

Accounting policies

Trade and other payables

Trade payables, including accruals not yet billed, are 
recognised when the Group becomes obliged to make future 
payments as a result of a purchase of assets or services. 
Trade payables are carried at amortised cost which is the fair 
value of the consideration to be paid in the future for goods 
and services received. Trade payables are unsecured and are 
generally settled within 30 to 45 days.

Employee entitlements

Wages and salaries and annual leave.

Liabilities for wages and salaries, including non-monetary 
benefits and annual leave expected to be wholly settled 
within 12 months from the reporting date are recognised 
in payables and accruals in respect of employees’ services 
up to the reporting date and are measured at the amounts 
expected to be paid when the liabilities are settled. Amounts 
to be settled more than 12 months after the reporting date 
are recognised as a non-current payable. Liabilities for non-
accumulating sick leave are recognised when the leave is 
taken and measured at the rates paid or payable.

-

-

13,665

13,665

Short-term incentive plans  
A liability for short-term incentives is recognised in trade 
payables when there is an expectation of settlement and  
at least one of the following conditions is met:

• 

• 

there are contracted terms in the plan for determining 
the amount of the benefit;

the amounts to be paid are determined before the time 
of completion of the financial statements; or

•  past practice gives clear evidence of the amount  

of the obligation.

Liabilities for short-term incentives are expected to be 
settled within 12 months and are recognised at the amounts 
expected to be paid when they are settled.

Refer to note 4.3 for disclosures relating to share based 
payments and note 7.1 for key management compensation.

 
 
 
74 NEW ZEALAND MEDIA AND ENTERTAINMENT

ANNUAL REPORT 2019 75

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED  
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

CONT.

3.7 

 NET TANGIBLE ASSETS

3.8 

 DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS 

Net tangible assets per share is a non-GAAP measure that is required to be disclosed by the NZX Listing Rules.

The calculation of the Group's net tangible assets per share and its reconciliation to the consolidated balance sheet is presented 
below: 

As at 31 December

Total assets

(Less): intangible assets

(Less): total liabilities

Net tangible assets

Number of shares issued (in thousands) 

Net tangible assets per share (in $)

2019
$’000

2018
$’000

353,844

462,777

(150,263)

(329,911)

(237,374)

(176,141)

(33,793)

(43,275)

196,556

($0.17)

196,011

($0.22)

3.7.1 

Impact of NZ IFRS 16 on the Group's net tangible assets per share as at 31 December 2019

Total assets

(Less): intangible assets

(Less): total liabilities

Net tangible assets

Pre NZ IFRS 16
$’000

Adjustment
$’000

NZ IFRS 16
$’000

278,306

75,538

353,844

(150,263)

-

(150,263)

(154,205)

(83,169)

(237,374)

(26,162)

(7,631)

(33,793)

Number of shares issued (in thousands) 

Net tangible assets per share (in $)

($0.13)

196,556

($0.17)

Accounting policies

For each cash flow hedge relationship, the effective part 
of any gain or loss on the derivative financial instrument is 
recognised directly in other comprehensive income. Gains or 
losses that are recognised in other comprehensive income 
are transferred to the income statement in the same period 
in which the hedged exposure affects the income statement. 
The ineffective part of any gain or loss is recognised 
immediately in the income statement at the time hedge 
effectiveness is tested.

Hedge accounting is discontinued when the hedging 
instrument expires or is sold, terminated or exercised,  
or no longer qualifies for hedge accounting. At that point  
in time, any cumulative gain or loss on the hedging 
instrument recognised in other comprehensive income is 
kept in other comprehensive income until the forecasted 
transaction occurs. If a hedged transaction is no longer 
expected to occur, the net cumulative gain or loss 
recognised in other comprehensive income is immediately 
transferred to the income statement.

In August 2019 the Group entered into some cash flow hedging arrangements to minimise the Group's interest rate risk.  
The Group has $30 million invested in five different interest rate swaps with maturity dates from August 2021 to August 2023. 
At 31 December 2019 the Group has a non-current asset of $248,291 and has recycled interest income of $17,089 through other 
comprehensive income.

76 NEW ZEALAND MEDIA AND ENTERTAINMENT

ANNUAL REPORT 2019 77

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED  
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

CONT.

4.2.1  Nature and purpose of reserves

Share based payments reserve

Asset revaluation reserve

4.0  CAPITAL MANAGEMENT
4.1 

SHARE CAPITAL

Authorised, issued and paid up share capital

2019
Number

2018
Number

2019
$’000

2018
$’000

Cash flow hedge reserve

The share based payments reserve is used to recognise the fair 
value of the performance rights issued but not yet vested as 
described in note 4.3. 

Balance at the beginning of the period

196,011

196,011

360,363

 360,363 

Shares issued during the year

545

-

405

 - 

Balance at the end of the period

196,556

196,011

360,768

 360,363 

4.3  SHARE BASED PAYMENTS

The cash flow reserve is used to record unrealised gains  
or losses on hedging instruments that are recognised directly  
in equity. 

The asset revaluation reserve is used to record increments  
and decrements on the revaluation of non-current assets,  
as described in note 3.2. In the event of the sale of an asset,  
the revaluation surplus is transferred to retained earnings.

Foreign currency translation reserve

Exchange differences arising on translation of any foreign 
controlled entities are taken to the foreign currency translation 
reserve, as described in the basis of preparation. 

Accounting policies

Ordinary shares are classified as equity. Incremental costs directly attributable to the issue of new shares or options are shown 
in equity as a deduction, net of tax, from the proceeds.

4.2  RESERVES

Share based payments reserve

Balance at the beginning of the year

Share based payment expense

Settlement of 2016 TIP

Balance at end of the year

Cash flow hedge reserve

Fair value gains

Recycling of cash flow hedge reserve

Tax impact of hedging transactions

Balance at end of the year

Asset revaluation reserve

Balance at beginning of the year

Balance at end of the year

Foreign currency translation reserve

Balance at beginning of the year

Net exchange difference on translation of foreign operations

Balance at end of the year

Total reserves

2019

Average price  
per right (cents)

Number  
of rights

Average price  
per right (cents)

As at 1 January

Granted (2017 TIP)A

Granted (2019 TIP)B

Surrendered C

Issued D

As at 31 December

 0.80 

 2,281,136 

 0.78 

 0.55 

 0.66 

 0.66 

 0.58 

 216,431 

 1,510,650 

 (556,163)

 (427,873)

3,024,181

2018

Number  
of rights

 2,647,644 

 (366,508)

 - 

 - 

 - 

 0.58 

 0.90 

 - 

 - 

 - 

 0.80 

 2,281,136 

A  In 2019 the Board approved that under the 2017 Plan, participants will be entitled to additional shares when the rights are exercised (on 31 December 2020) for any dividends 

foregone during the period 1 January 2018 to 31 December 2020. For dividends declared during the period 1 January 2018 to 31 December 2019, this has resulted in an additional 
216,431 shares being issued to participants. The number of shares granted in 2017 in respect of the 2017 TIP was an estimate based on information available at the time the Financial 
Statements were prepared. In 2018 the actual shares to be granted were determined with the sum being lower than originally calculated. 

B  The number of performance rights granted in 2020 in respect of the 2019 TIP. 

C  Two participants have left and surrendered their rights under the 2016 TIP and 2017 TIP with an additional 210,744 shares surrendered by the remaining 2016 TIP participants in lieu 

of PAYE owing on the issue of shares. 

D  The rights granted under the 2016 TIP were exercised on 31 December 2019 with 544,716 shares being issued of which 116,843 were in relation to dividends foregone during 2017 

and 2018. These dividends were not included in the 31 December 2018 rights number in the table above. The share price at the date of issue was $0.41.

Share rights outstanding at the end of the year have the following exercise date and grant day price per right:

Grant date

Vesting date

Exercise date

20 December 2016

31 Dec 2017

31 Dec 2019

25 September 2017

31 Dec 2018

31 Dec 2020

 0.58 

 0.90 

1,513,531

1,567,420 

29 March 2019

31 Dec 2020

31 Dec 2022

 0.55 

1,510,650

- 

As at 31 December

3,024,181

2,281,136 

Grant price per 
right (cents)

2019
Number  
of rights

2018
Number  
of rights

713,716 

2019 
$’000

2018
$’000

1,950

311

(515)

1,746

265

(17)

(70)

178

722

722

326

12

338

1,369

581

-

1,950

-

-

-

-

722

722

294

32

326

2,984

2,998

automatically convert to ordinary shares

Weighted average remaining time until rights outstanding at the end of the period 

2019

2018

24 months

21 months

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
78 NEW ZEALAND MEDIA AND ENTERTAINMENT

ANNUAL REPORT 2019 79

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED  
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

CONT.

4.3.1  Background

Total incentive plan ("TIP")

The TIP is designed to align the reward outcomes with the 
shareholders' interest and to support the achievement of the 
Group's business strategy and was approved by the Board on  
20 December 2016. Under the TIP, and at the absolute discretion 
of the Board, the CEO and other executive key management 
personnel are eligible to participate in the TIP. Eligible 
participants have a target award opportunity, which varies 

between 50% and 100% of fixed remuneration, depending on 
the participant's role and responsibilities. A new TIP opportunity 
will be offered at the commencement of each financial year. 
The award is dependent on performance over a one year period 
("performance period") and there is no opportunity for retesting. 
Performance is formally evaluated after the date that the full year 
financial performance is announced to the market.

4.3.2  2019 and 2017 TIP Schemes

Performance measures

•  Financial performance conditions (50% to 75%):  

Performance will be measured against earnings before 
interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation ("EBITDA").  
This portion is determined based on actual EBITDA  
against budgeted EBITDA on the following scale:

% of EBITDA

% of target opportunity awarded

< 95%

0%

> 95% to 100%

> 100% to 110%

Pro-rata vesting between  
25% and 100%

Pro-rata vesting between  
100% and 150%

•  Business Unit Goals (0% to 25%): This portion is determined 
based on actual achievement against Business Unit ("BU") 
Goals on the following scale:

% of BU Goal 
achieved

% of target opportunity 
awarded

< 95%

25%

> 95% to 100%

> 100% to 110%

Pro-rata vesting between  
25% and 100%

Pro-rata vesting between  
100% and 150%

• 

Individual performance conditions (25%): This portion is 
determined against individual performance conditions, as 
determined for each participant. The TIP award is earned 
if all of the individual performance conditions have been 
achieved, although the Board has discretion to award less 
than a 100% of the target for partial performance and more 
than a 100% of the target for exceptional performance.

Awards under the TIP are granted to participants following the 
assessment of performance. To the extent that performance 
measures are met: 

•  50% of awards are made in cash; and

•  50% of awards are granted in rights to acquire fully paid 
ordinary shares in the Company for nil consideration 
("Rights").

The performance period for the awards is a twelve month 
period commencing on 1 January of the relevant year. Subject 
to remaining employed by the Company for a further one year 
period following the performance period ("service period"), rights 
will vest. The vested rights cannot be exercised for a further 
two years ("deferral period"). Vested rights will automatically 
convert into ordinary shares for nil consideration at the end of 
the deferral period without the requirement for the participant 
to exercise their rights. At the discretion of the Board, validly 
exercised rights may be satisfied in cash, rather than in shares. 
Participants are not entitled to receive any dividends for the 
rights they hold, but the Board may, at its sole discretion, allocate 
shares or make a cash payment to participants equal to the value 
of dividends that were payable whilst holding the unvested and/
or vested rights. The Company may reduce unvested equity 
awards in certain circumstances such as gross misconduct, 
material misstatement or fraud. The Board may also reduce 
unvested awards to recover amounts where performance 
that led to payments being awarded is later determined to 
have been incorrectly measured or not sustained. Awards are 
normally forfeited if the participant leaves before the end of the 
performance period, except in limited circumstances that are 
approved by the Board on a case-by-case basis. If a participant 
leaves during the service period, the rights that will vest will be 
determined on a pro-rata basis based on when they leave during 
the service period. If a participant leaves during the deferral 

period, no rights will be forfeited, but rights will still only convert 
into ordinary shares at the end of the deferral period.

The fair value of the rights at grant date was estimated based on 
the NZME share price at that date, being the date after the Board 
approved the TIP and the terms were communicated to the 
eligible participants. The number of rights awarded are based on 
the Volume Weighted Average Price ("VWAP") of the Company's 
shares for the first 5 trading days of each Performance Period.

In February 2019 the Board approved the allocation of shares to 
participants of the 2017 TIP equal to the value of dividends that 
were payable whilst holding the unvested and/or vested rights. 
The fair value of these rights is based on the NZME share price 
on the date that the dividend was paid. The number of rights 
awarded are based on the Volume Weighted Average Price 
("VWAP") of the Company's shares for the first 5 trading days of 
each Performance Period.

Model inputs

The following is a summary of the key inputs in calculating the share-based payment expense under the 2019 TIP:

• Performance Period

• Service Period

1 January 2019 to 31 December 2019

1 January 2020 to 31 December 2020

• Vesting Period (being the Performance Period and the Service Period)

1 January 2019 to 31 December 2020

• Deferral Period

• Share price at grant date

• VWAP

1 January 2021 to 31 December 2022

55 cents

50.4 cents

The following is a summary of the key inputs in calculating the share-based payment expense under the 2017 TIP:

• Performance Period

• Service Period

1 January 2017 to 31 December 2017

1 January 2018 to 31 December 2018

• Vesting Period (being the Performance Period and the Service Period)

1 January 2017 to 31 December 2018

• Deferral Period

• Share price at grant date

• VWAP

1 January 2019 to 31 December 2020

90 cents

59.4 cents

It is assumed that all participating employees will remain employed with the Company until the end of the Vesting Period.

4.3.3  2018 TIP

4.3.4  2016 TIP

No TIP was offered for the 2018 Financial Year.

The rights owing to the participants of the 2016 TIP were  
settled on 31 December 2019 with the issue of 544,176 shares. 

 
80 NEW ZEALAND MEDIA AND ENTERTAINMENT

ANNUAL REPORT 2019 81

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED  
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

CONT.

service and non-market performance vesting conditions.

Non-current interest bearing liabilities

4.5 

INTEREST BEARING LIABILITIES

Accounting policies

Total incentive plan (TIP)

The fair value of rights granted under the TIP plan is recognised 
as an employee benefits expense with a corresponding increase 
in equity over the vesting period, being the performance period 
and the service period. The fair value is measured at grant date 
and the number of rights are determined using the volume 
weighted average price of NZME's shares on the NZX over the 
first 5 trading days of the performance period.

The fair value at grant date is determined taking into account 
the share price, any market performance conditions and 
any non-vesting conditions, but excluding the impact of any 

4.4  DIVIDENDS

4.4.1  Dividends paid

No dividends were paid during 2019. 

4.4.3  Franking and imputation credits

Non-market vesting conditions are included in assumptions 
about the number of rights that are expected to vest. At each 
reporting date, the Group revises its estimate of the number 
of rights that are expected to become exercisable.

The employee benefits expense recognised each period 
takes into account the most recent estimate. The impact of 
the revision to the original estimates, is recognised in profit 
or loss with a corresponding adjustment to equity.

4.4.2  Dividends declared after balance date

On 24 February 2020, the Board of Directors confirmed that 
NZME would not be declaring a final dividend for the 2019 
financial year.

Imputation credits available for subsequent reporting periods based on the New Zealand 28% 

tax rate for the Group

Franking credits available to the Company for subsequent reporting periods based on the 

Australian 30% tax rate for the Group

2019
$’000

2018
$’000

NZ$ 12,596

NZ$ 8,289

AU$ 0A

AU$ 0A

A  Although the Company does not have any franking credits available for use, other entities within the Group have AU$10,828,676 (2018:AU$10,828,676) available that might become 

available to the Company in future periods.

Bank loans – secured

Deduct:

Capitalised borrowing costs

Total non-current interest bearing liabilities

Net debt

Cash and cash equivalents

Total debt less cash and cash equivalents

2019
$’000

2018
$’000

89,500

110,500

(351)

(508)

89,149

109,992

(14,416)

74,733

(11,717)

98,275

The change in the bank loans - secured balance for the year 
ended 31 December 2019 of $21 million is due to proceeds 
from borrowings / repayments of borrowings as reflected in the 
consolidated statement of cash flows. The capitalised borrowing 
costs of $351,072 at 31 December 2019 is the amount of 
capitalised borrowing costs incurred on acquiring the loan less 
accumulated amortisation to 31 December 2019 with the costs 
being amortised over the period of the loan.

The Group is funded from a combination of its own cash 
reserves and NZ$150 million bilateral bank loan facility,  
which NZME refinanced on 21 November 2018, of which  
$89.5 million (2018: $110.5 million) is drawn and $60.5 million 
(2018: $39.5 million) is undrawn as at 31 December 2019.  
The facility limit will step down by $10 million annually from  
1 January 2020. This facility expires on 1 January 2022.

The interest rate for the drawn facility is the BKBM plus  
credit margin.

The NZME Bilateral Facilities contain undertakings which are 
customary for a facility of this nature including, but not limited  
to, provision of information, negative pledge and restrictions 
on priority indebtedness and disposals of assets. The assets  
of the Group are collateral for the interest bearing liability.

In addition, the Group must comply with financial covenants  
(a net debt to EBITDA ratio and an EBITDA to net interest  
expense ratio) for each 12 month period ending on 30 June and 
31 December. The Group has complied with these covenants.

Accounting policy

Borrowings are initially recognised at fair value less attributable 
transaction costs and subsequently measured at amortised 
cost. Any difference between cost and redemption value is 
recognised in the income statement over the period of the 
borrowing on an effective interest basis.

Costs incurred in connection with the arrangement of 
borrowings are deferred and amortised over the period of the 
borrowing. These costs are netted off against the carrying value 
of borrowings in the balance sheet.

 
82 NEW ZEALAND MEDIA AND ENTERTAINMENT

ANNUAL REPORT 2019 83

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED  
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

CONT.

4.6  CASH FLOW INFORMATION

4.7 

FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT

2019
$’000

2018
$’000

4.7.1  Capital and risk management

4.7.2  Market risk

The Group's objectives when managing capital are to:

Cash flow and fair value interest rate risk

Reconciliation of cash

Cash at end of the year, as shown in the statements of cash flows, comprises:

Cash and cash equivalents

14,416

11,717

Reconciliation of net cash inflows / (outflows) from operating activities  

to profit for the year:

(Loss) / profit for the year

Depreciation and amortisation expense

Borrowing cost amortisation

Non-cash lease transactions

Net (gain) / loss on sale of non-current assets

Change in current / deferred tax payable

Net loss on sale of investment

Impairment of intangible assets

Gain on change in scope of lease

Revaluation / impairment of financial assets 

Share based payment expense

(165,172)

31,672

192

-

(11)

1,034

210

175,000

(638)

869

311

11,572

24,555

119

99

59

(9,263)

-

-

-

2,249

581

Changes in assets and liabilities net of effect of acquisitions:

Trade and other receivables

4,030

(2,801)

Inventories

Prepayments

Trade and other payables and employee benefits

Net cash inflows / (outflows) from operating activities

(78)

(630)

182

46,971

61

(571)

(4,818)

21,842

Accounting policy

For the purposes of presentation on the statement of cash 
flows, cash and cash equivalents includes cash on hand and 

short term deposits held at call with finance institutions, net of 
bank overdrafts.

•  Safeguard their ability to continue as a going concern, so 
that they can continue to provide returns for shareholders 
and benefits for other stakeholders; and

•  Maintain an optimal capital structure to reduce the cost of 

capital.

In order to maintain or adjust the capital structure, the Group 
may adjust the amount of dividends paid to shareholders, return 
capital to shareholders, issue new shares or sell assets to reduce 
debt.

Refer to note 4.5 for undrawn facilities to which the group has 
access to as well as the net debt calculation that is used by the 
group to manage capital requirements.

The Group’s activities expose it to a variety of financial risks: 
market risk (including interest rate risk, and price risk), credit 
risk and liquidity risk. The Group’s overall risk management 
programme focuses on the unpredictability of financial markets 
and seeks to minimise potential adverse effects on the financial 
performance of the Group. The Group uses different methods 
to measure different types of risk to which it is exposed. These 
methods include sensitivity analysis in the case of interest rate 
and ageing analysis for credit risk.

Financial risk management is carried out by the Group Treasury 
function. The Group Treasury function meet regularly with 
the Group CFO to cover specific areas, such as interest rate 
risk and credit risk, use of derivative financial instruments 
and non-derivative financial instruments, and investment of 
excess liquidity. Due to the Group's limited operations in foreign 
jurisdictions, the Group does not have a significant foreign 
exchange exposure.

Long term borrowings issued at variable rates expose the Group 
to cash flow interest rate risk. Borrowings issued at fixed interest 
rates expose the Group to fair value interest rate risk. The Group 
has undertaken hedging transactions to mitigate this risk (note 
3.8). Current interest bearing debt is fixed for 30 days on a rolling 
basis.

NZME’s interest rate risk is managed with interest rate 
derivatives. Hedge accounting is applied to derivatives that are 
effective in offsetting the changes in fair value or cash flows of 
the hedged items. The hedge relationship is documented and 
the effectiveness of such hedges is tested at regular intervals,  
at least on a semi-annual basis.

Based on the outstanding net floating debt at 31 December 
2019, a change in interest rates of +/-1% per annum with all other 
variables being constant would impact post-tax profit and equity 
by $0.6 million lower / higher (2018: $1.1 million lower / higher).

Price risk

The Group is not exposed to significant price risk. There is 
some risk associated with other financial assets however this 
is not deemed to be significant as other financial assets are 
categorised as level 3 in the fair value hierarchy and have been 
impaired, where applicable, to the present value of expected 
future cash flows.

4.7.3  Credit risk

Credit risk is managed on a Group basis. Credit risk arises 
from cash and cash equivalents and deposits with banks and 
financial institutions, as well as credit exposures to wholesale 
and retail customers, including outstanding receivables and 
committed transactions. For banks and financial institutions, the 
creditworthiness is assessed prior to entering into arrangements 
and approved by the Board. For other customers, NZME's credit 
control department assesses the credit quality, taking into 
account financial position, past experience and other factors. 
The utilisation of credit limits is regularly monitored and the 
Group does not normally obtain collateral from its customers.

84 NEW ZEALAND MEDIA AND ENTERTAINMENT

ANNUAL REPORT 2019 85

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED  
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

CONT.

The table below sets out additional information about the credit quality of trade receivables net of the provision for doubtful debts:

4.7.4  Liquidity risk

2019

Expected loss rate

Trade Receivables

Impaired receivables

2018

Expected loss rate

Trade Receivables

Impaired receivables

Current 
$’000

Less than  
one month 
$’000

One to three 
months 
$’000

Three to  
six months 
$’000

Over six 
months 
$’000

Total 
$’000

0.5%

29,886

(160)

1.9%

9,151

(169)

29,726

8,982

3.7%

2,892

(108)

2,784

1.6%

2,298

(37)

2,261

20.7%

761

(158)

603

Current 
$’000

Less than  
one month 
$’000

One to three 
months 
$’000

Three to  
six months 
$’000

Over six 
months 
$’000

0.0%

31,168

-

31,168

0.7%

11,802

(84)

11,718

4.6%

2,493

(115)

2,378

11.9%

1,868

(222)

1,646

42.0%

822

(345)

477

44,988

(632)

44,356

Total 
$’000

48,153

(766)

47,387

Trade receivables are generally settled within 30 to 45 days.  
The Directors consider the carrying amount of trade receivables 
approximates to their net fair value. Receivables are monitored 
on an individual basis and the Company considers the 
probability of default upon initial recognition of the receivable 
and throughout the period and provides for receivables 
considered to be impaired.

The maximum exposure to credit risk at 31 December 2019 is 
equal to the carrying amount of cash and cash equivalents and 
trade and other receivables. The Group is not exposed to any 
concentrations of credit risk within cash and cash equivalents or 
trade and other receivables.

Credit risk further arises in relation to financial guarantees given 
to certain parties from time to time.

As of 31 December 2019, trade receivables of $5,648,000  
(2018: $4,501,000) were past due but not impaired.

Prudent liquidity risk management implies maintaining sufficient 
cash and marketable securities, the availability of funding 
through an adequate amount of committed credit facilities and 
the ability to close out market positions. Due to the dynamic 
nature of the underlying business, Group Treasury aims at 
maintaining flexibility in funding by keeping committed credit 
lines available. Management monitors rolling forecasts of the 

Group’s liquidity reserve on the basis of expected cash flows.

The tables below analyse the Group’s financial liabilities including 
interest to maturity into relevant maturity groupings based on 
the remaining period at the reporting date to the contractual 
maturity date. The amounts disclosed in the tables are the 
contractual undiscounted cash flows. 

31 December 2019

Trade payables and accruals

Bank loans 

Gross liability

Less: interest

Total financial liabilities

31 December 2018

Trade payables and accruals

Bank loans 

Gross liability

Less: interest

Total financial liabilities

4.8 

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENT

Less than  
one year
$’000

Between one 
and two years
$’000

Between two 
and five years
$’000

Over five  
years
$’000

45,550

4,016

49,566

(4,016)

45,550

43,112

4,193

47,305

(4,193)

43,112

 - 

 - 

4,016

4,016

(4,016)

 - 

-

4,193

4,193

93,516

93,516

(4,016)

89,500

-

114,693

114,693

(4,193)

(4,193)

-

110,500

 - 

 - 

-

-

-

-

 - 

-

-

-

The Group measures and recognises the following assets and 
liabilities at fair value on a recurring basis:

•  Level 1: quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for 

identical assets or liabilities;

•  Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss (FVTPL);

•  Land and buildings (excluding leasehold improvements).

•  Level 2: inputs other than quoted prices included within level 
1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or 
indirectly; and

4.8.1  Fair value hierarchy

NZ IFRS 13 requires disclosure of fair value measurements by 
level of the following fair value measurement hierarchy:

•  Level 3: inputs for the asset or liability that are not based on 

observable market data (unobservable inputs).

86 NEW ZEALAND MEDIA AND ENTERTAINMENT

ANNUAL REPORT 2019 87

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED  
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

CONT.

5.0  TAXATION

5.1 

INCOME TAX

Reported income tax expense / (benefit) comprises: 

Current tax expense

Deferred tax benefit

Under / (over) provision in prior years 

Income tax expense

Income tax is attributable to:

Taxable profit from continuing operations

Total income tax expense

Income tax expense differs from the amount prima facie payable as follows:

(Loss) / profit from operations before tax

Prima facie income tax at 28% 

Non assessable asset sales and exempt distribution receipts

Non-deductible impairment

Non-deductible expenses

Differences in international tax rates 

Under / (over) provision in prior years

Income tax expense

2019
$’000

2018
$’000

5,494

(132)

212

5,574

5,574

5,574

(159,598)

(44,687)

(3)

49,000

1,066

(14)

212

6,318

(791)

(711)

4,816

4,816

4,816

16,388

4,589

(35)

-

980

(7)

(711)

5,574

4,816

4.8.2  Recognised fair value measurements

Recurring fair value measurements

Financial assets (Level 2)

Derivative financial instruments

Financial assets (Level 3)

There are no financial assets carried at fair value. Other financial assets of $4,122,569  

(2018: $5,356,765) are held at cost and therefore have been excluded from this table. 

Total financial assets

Non-financial assets (Level 3)

Freehold land and buildings

  Freehold land

  Buildings (excluding leasehold improvements)

Total non-financial assets

All fair value measurements referred to above are either level 2 
or level 3 of the fair value hierarchy and there were no transfers 
between levels. The Group’s policy is to recognise transfers 
between fair value hierarchy levels as at the end of the  
reporting period.

4.8.3  Disclosed fair values

The Group also has a number of assets and liabilities which are 
not measured at fair value but for which fair values are disclosed 
in these notes.

The carrying amounts of trade receivables and payables are 
assumed to approximate their fair values due to their short-term 
nature. There are no outstanding non-current receivables as at  
31 December 2019 or 31 December 2018 (level 3). 

The fair value of interest bearing liabilities disclosed in note 4.5 
is estimated by discounting the future contractual cash flows 
at the current market interest rates that are available to the 
group for similar financial instruments. For the period ending 
31 December 2019, the borrowing rates were determined 
to be between 3.4% and 4.6% (2018: between 3.3% and 
4.5%), depending on the type of borrowing. The fair value of 
borrowings approximates the carrying amount, as the impact of 
discounting is not significant (level 2). 

2019
$’000

2018
$’000

248

248

1,165

115

1,280

-

-

1,165

131

1,296

4.8.4  Valuation techniques used to derive at level  
2 and 3 fair values

Recurring fair value measurements

The fair value of financial instruments that are not traded in an 
active market is determined using valuation techniques. These 
valuation techniques maximise the use of observable market 
data where it is available and rely as little as possible on entity 
specific estimates. If all significant inputs required to fair value an 
instrument are observable, the instrument is included in level 2.

If one or more of the significant inputs is not based on 
observable market data, the instrument is included in level 3.

The Group obtains independent valuations for its freehold 
land and buildings (classified as property, plant and equipment 
in note 3.2), less subsequent depreciation for buildings, with 
sufficient regularity to ensure that the carrying value of the 
assets is materially consistent with their fair value. All resulting 
fair value estimates for properties are included as level 3.

 
88 NEW ZEALAND MEDIA AND ENTERTAINMENT

ANNUAL REPORT 2019 89

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED  
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

CONT.

5.2  DEFERRED TAX

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are attributable to:

Balance 
$’000

Recognised  
in income 
$’000

Recognised  
in equity 
$’000

Other 
movements 
$’000

Balance 
$’000

2018

Tax credits

Employee benefits

Doubtful debts

Accruals / restructuring

Intangible assets 

3

-

2,198

(1,164)

165

542

(492)

49

372

37

Property, plant and equipment

(3,650)

1,497

Other

2019

Tax credits

Employee benefits

Doubtful debts

Accruals / restructuring

Intangible assets 

Property, plant and equipment

Leases

Share Schemes

Other

(5)

(1,239)

3

1,034

214

914

(455)

(2,153)

-

-

(5)

(448)

-

791

(3)

451

(37)

(795)

37

60

420

(6)

5

132

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

(14)

-

(14)

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

(751)

546

(70)

3

1,034

214

914

(455)

(2,153)

(5)

(448)

-

1,485

177

119

(418)

(2,093)

(331)

526

(70)

(275)

(605)

There are unrecognised tax losses of $1,805,182 (AUD1,744,812) 
(2018: $1,835,141 (AUD1,744,812)) in an Australian subsidiary 
of the Company which have not been recognised as there is 
uncertainty as to their future recoverability. The deferred tax 
asset on these losses was not offset against the deferred tax 
liabilities of the rest of the Group because they are levied by a 
different tax authority.

There is now a deferred tax asset in relation to share schemes  
to recognise the income tax deduction now available.

The adoption of NZ IFRS 16 has resulted in the creation of  
a deferred tax liability to recognises the difference between  
the accounting and tax treatment of operating leases. 

Accounting policies

The tax expense for the period comprises current and 
deferred tax. Tax is recognised in the income statement, 
except to the extent that it relates to items recognised in other 
comprehensive income or directly in equity. In this case the tax 
is also recognised in other comprehensive income or directly in 
equity, respectively.

The current income tax charge is calculated on the basis of the 
tax laws enacted or substantively enacted at the balance sheet 
date in the countries where the Company and its subsidiaries 
operate and generate taxable income. Management 
periodically evaluates positions taken in tax returns with respect 
to situations in which applicable tax regulation is subject to 
interpretation. It establishes provision where appropriate on the 
basis of amounts expected to be paid to the tax authorities.

Deferred tax is recognised, using the liability method, on 
temporary differences arising between the tax bases of assets 
and liabilities and their carrying amounts in the consolidated 
financial statements. However, deferred tax liabilities are not 
recognised if they arise from the initial recognition of goodwill: 
deferred income tax is not accounted for if it arises from initial 
recognition of an asset or liability in a transaction other than a 
business combination that at the time of the transaction affects 

neither accounting nor taxable profit or loss. Deferred income 
tax is determined using tax rates (and laws) that have been 
enacted or substantially enacted by the balance sheet date and 
are expected to apply when the related deferred income tax 
asset is realised or the deferred income tax liability is settled.

Deferred income tax assets are recognised only to the extent 
that it is probable that future taxable profit will be available 
against which the temporary differences can be utilised.

Deferred income tax is provided on temporary differences 
arising on investments in subsidiaries and associates, except 
for deferred income tax liability where the timing of the reversal 
of the temporary difference is controlled by the Group and it is 
probable that the temporary difference will not reverse in the 
foreseeable future.

Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are offset when there 
is a legally enforceable right to offset current tax assets against 
current tax liabilities and when the deferred income taxes assets 
and liabilities relate to income taxes levied by the same taxation 
authority on either the same taxable entity or different taxable 
entities where there is an intention to settle the balances on a 
net basis.

 
 
 
90 NEW ZEALAND MEDIA AND ENTERTAINMENT

ANNUAL REPORT 2019 91

Accounting policies

The Group controls an entity when the Group is exposed to, 
or has rights to, variable returns from its involvement with the 
entity and has the ability to affect those returns through its 
power to direct the activities of the entity. Subsidiaries are fully 
consolidated from the date on which control is transferred to 
the Group. They are de-consolidated from the date that control 
ceases. The acquisition method of accounting is used to 
account for business combinations by the Group.

Intercompany transactions, balances and unrealised gains 
on transactions between Group companies are eliminated. 
Accounting policies of subsidiaries have been changed where 
necessary to ensure consistency with the policies adopted by 
the group. Non-controlling interests in the results and equity of 
subsidiaries are shown separately in the consolidated income 
statement, statement of comprehensives income, statement of 
changes in equity and balance sheet respectively.

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED  
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

CONT.

6.0  GROUP STRUCTURE AND INVESTMENTS IN OTHER ENTITIES

6.1 

CONTROLLED ENTITIES

The consolidated financial statements incorporate the assets, liabilities and results of the subsidiaries listed below. Unless otherwise 
stated, they have share capital consisting solely of ordinary shares that are held directly by the Group, and the proportion of 
ownership interest held equals the voting rights held by the Group. All entities are incorporated in, and operate in, New Zealand 
unless otherwise stated. There were no changes in control during the year ended 31 December 2019. 

Name of entity

Grabone Limited 

NZME Australia Pty Limited A

NZME Educational Media Limited

NZME Holdings Limited

NZME Investments Limited 

NZME Print Limited 

NZME Publishing Limited

NZME Radio Investments Limited

NZME Radio Limited B

NZME Specialist Limited 

The Hive Online Limited

New Zealand Radio Network Limited

The Radio Bureau Limited

OneRoof Limited

A  Incorporated in, and operates in, Australia.

B  One "Kiwi Share" held by the Minister of Finance. The rights and obligations are set out in the NZME Radio constitution.

2019 
2019 
Ownership 
Ownership 
Interest
Interest

2018  
2018  
Ownership 
Ownership 
Interest
Interest

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

80%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

80%

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
92 NEW ZEALAND MEDIA AND ENTERTAINMENT

ANNUAL REPORT 2019 93

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED  
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

CONT.

6.2 

INTERESTS IN OTHER ENTITIES

6.2.1  Associates, joint ventures and joint operations

The Group has the following associates, joint ventures and joint operations:

Name of entity

Chinese New Zealand Herald Limited E

Eveve New Zealand Limited A

KPEX Limited F

2019 
2019 
Ownership 
Ownership 
Interest
Interest

2018  
2018  
Ownership 
Ownership 
Interest
Interest

0%

40%

25%

50%

40%

25%

New Zealand Press Association Limited A

38.82%

38.82%

Restaurant Hub Limited A

The Beacon Printing & Publishing Company Limited A

The Gisborne Herald Company Limited (held through Essex Castle Limited as a trust company 
for NZME Publishing Limited)A

The Radio Bureau B

The Wairoa Star Limited A

Ratebroker Limited D

The Newspaper Publishers Association of New Zealand Incorporated C

Online Media Association C

New Zealand Media Council C

Radio Broadcasters Association Incorporated C

40%

21%

49%

50%

40%

21%

49%

50%

40.41%

40.41%

0%

50%

Accounting policies

Associates

Associates are all entities over which the Group has 
significant influence but not control or joint control. Where 
the impact of the equity method of accounting is material, 
interests in associates are accounted for in the consolidated 
financial statements using the equity method (see below), 
after initially being recognised at cost. The Group’s 
investment in associates includes goodwill (net of any 
accumulated impairment loss) identified on acquisition.

Joint arrangements

Under IFRS 11: Joint Arrangements investments in joint 
arrangements are classified as either joint operations or 
joint ventures. The classification depends on the contractual 
rights and obligations of each investor, rather than the legal 
structure of the joint arrangement.

For material joint operations, the Group recognises its direct 
right to the assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses of 
joint operations and its share of any jointly held or incurred 
assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses. These have 
been incorporated in the financial statements under the 
appropriate headings.

Where the impact of the equity method of accounting is 
material, interests in material joint ventures are accounted 
for using the equity method (see below) after initially being 
recognised at cost in the consolidated balance sheet.

Equity method of accounting

Under the equity method of accounting, the investments 
are initially recognised at cost and adjusted thereafter to 

recognise the group’s share of the post-acquisition profits  
or losses of the investee in profit or loss, and the Group’s  
share of movements in other comprehensive income of  
the investee in other comprehensive income. Dividends 
received or receivable from associates and joint ventures  
are recognised as a reduction in the carrying amount of  
the investment.

When the Group’s share of losses in an equity-accounted 
investment equals or exceeds its interest in the entity, 
including any other unsecured long-term receivables, the 
Group does not recognise further losses, unless it has 
incurred obligations or made payments on behalf of the 
other entity.

Unrealised gains on transactions between the group and its 
associates and joint ventures are eliminated to the extent of 
the Group’s interest in these entities. Unrealised losses are 
also eliminated unless the transaction provides evidence of 
an impairment of the asset transferred. Accounting policies 
of equity accounted investees have been changed where 
necessary to ensure consistency with the policies adopted 
by the Group.

The carrying amount of equity-accounted investments 
is tested for impairment whenever events or changes in 
circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not  
be recoverable.

Where the effects of equity accounting are immaterial, 
investments are carried at cost.

A  These entities are classified as joint ventures or associates. Because the effects of equity accounting are immaterial, these investments are carried at cost (refer note 6.2.2).

B  The Radio Bureau is classified as a joint operation and the Group has included its direct right to the assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses of joint operations and its share of any 

6.2.2  Other financial assets

jointly held or incurred assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses in these consolidated financial statements.

C  These are bodies with which entities in the Group have memberships, but no ownership interest.

D  In June 2019, the Group transferred all of its shares to the founding shareholders of Ratebroker Limited.

E  In December 2019 the Group sold its share of the Chinese New Zealand Herald Limited to Chinese Herald Investments Limited.

F  In August 2019 it was announced that KPEX Limited would be wound up.

Shares in other corporations

Loans to other companies

Total other financial assets

2019 
$’000

3,308

815

4,123

2018 
$’000

3,788

1,569

5,357

Shares in other corporations consist of investments in entities that are not consolidated or equity accounted (see also note 6.2.1). 
These investments are carried at cost.

94 NEW ZEALAND MEDIA AND ENTERTAINMENT

ANNUAL REPORT 2019 95

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED  
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

CONT.

7.0  RELATED PARTIES

7.1 

KEY MANAGEMENT COMPENSATION

Total remuneration for Directors and other key management personnel:

Balances with related party 

20192019
$’000

20182018
$’000

2019 
Receivables 
$’000

2018 
Receivables 
$’000

2019  
Payables 
$’000

2018 
Payables 
$’000

Short term benefits

Termination benefits

Dividends (relating to shares held in the Company during the year)

Share-based payments

5,443

5,429

KPEX Limited

771

-

311

499

70

581

6,525

6,579

Chinese New Zealand Herald Limited

Eveve New Zealand Limited

Restaurant Hub Limited

The Wairoa Star Limited

The Beacon Printing & Publishing Company Limited

Total related party receivables and payables

-

-

-

47

1

1

49

940

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

26

78

-

-

940

104

127

19

124

89

-

-

359

8.0  CONTINGENT LIABILITIES

The Group did not have any significant contingent liabilities as at 31 December 2019.

9.0  SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

The directors are not aware of any material events subsequent to the balance sheet date. 

The table above includes remuneration of the Board of Directors and the Executive Team, including amounts paid to members of the 
Executive Team who left during the year. Where a staff member was acting in a position on the Executive Team, that portion of their 
remuneration has been included in the table above.

7.2  OTHER TRANSACTIONS WITH RELATED PARTIES

The Group did not purchase print services from The Beacon 
Printing & Publishing Company Limited, a company in which 
the Group holds a 21% interest in as the contract for supply 
ended on 30 September 2018. In the year to 31 December 2018 
purchases were $2,363,784. The Beacon Printing & Publishing 
Company Limited purchased advertising from the Group during 
the year ended 31 December 2019 totalling $3,559 (2018: $445) 
and reimbursed $6,200 for paper used in 2018 (2018: nil).

In November 2015, the Company, Fairfax Media, TVNZ and 
MediaWorks launched a new local advertising exchange 
service, KPEX Limited, offering media agencies and clients  
a programmatic option for purchasing online advertising. 
The group received advertising revenue of $1,427,209 
(2018: $2,571,450) and paid commission of $156,246 
(2018: $306,342). On 19 August 2019 it was agreed that  
KPEX Limited would be wound up.

The Group has commitments to provide future services (such 
as house advertising, occupancy space at NZME offices, 
business as usual finance and human resources support) to 
certain joint ventures and associates. During the year such 

services were provided to Eveve New Zealand Limited,  
valued at $98,642 (2018: $27,992) and Restaurant Hub Limited, 
valued at $10,752 (2018: $260,040). The outstanding balances 
for future services are included in the table on page 95, along 
with other receivables and payables.

During the year the Group received advertising revenue from 
The Wairoa Star Limited  totalling $8,931 (2018: $8,396). The 
Wairoa Star Limited also purchased other services totalling 
$1,207 (2018: $2,898) from the Group. The Group purchased 
services from The Wairoa Star Limited totalling $1,286 
(2018: $1,486) during the year.

The Group received advertising revenue totalling $89,929 
(2018: $46,096) from The Chinese New Zealand Herald Limited 
during the year and paid commission totalling $42,698 
(2018: $33,328).

The transactions with Ratebroker Limited during the year  
were $nil (2018: $nil).

The Group's transactions with the New Zealand Press Association 
Limited during the year were $nil (2018: $nil).

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
96 NEW ZEALAND MEDIA AND ENTERTAINMENT

ANNUAL REPORT 2019 97

Independent auditor’s report  
To the shareholders of NZME Limited 

Our audit approach 

Overview 

the consolidated balance sheet as at 31 December 2019; 
the consolidated income statement for the year then ended; 

We have audited the consolidated financial statements which comprise: 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

the consolidated statement of cash flows for the year then ended; and 

the consolidated statement of changes in equity for the year then ended; 

the consolidated statement of comprehensive income for the year then ended; 

the notes to the consolidated financial statements, which include significant accounting policies. 

Our opinion  
In our opinion, the accompanying consolidated financial statements of NZME Limited (the Company), 
including its subsidiaries (the Group), present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of 
the Group as at 31 December 2019, its financial performance and its cash flows for the year then ended 
in accordance with New Zealand Equivalents to International Financial Reporting Standards (NZ 
IFRS) and International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS).  

Basis for opinion  
We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (New Zealand) (ISAs 
(NZ)) and International Standards on Auditing (ISAs). Our responsibilities under those standards are 
further described in the Auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of the consolidated financial 
statements section of our report.  

We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for 
our opinion.  

We are independent of the Group in accordance with Professional and Ethical Standard 1 (Revised) 
Code of Ethics for Assurance Practitioners (PES 1) issued by the New Zealand Auditing and Assurance 
Standards Board and the International Ethics Standards Board for Accountants’ Code of Ethics for 
Professional Accountants (IESBA Code), and we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in 
accordance with these requirements.  

Our firm carries out other services for the Group in the areas of taxation compliance and taxation 
advisory services, treasury related financial markets risk analysis and commentary, agreed upon 
procedures for the benchmarking of market revenue data, and payroll assurance services.  In addition, 
certain partners and employees of our firm may subscribe to NZME services on normal terms within 
the ordinary course of the trading activities of the Group.  The provision of these other services has not 
impaired our independence as auditor of the Group. 

An audit is designed to obtain reasonable assurance whether the financial 
statements are free from material misstatement. 

Overall Group materiality: $1,260,000, which represents approximately 5% 
of profit before tax, after adjusting to exclude exceptional expense items 
incurred during the year. 

We chose profit before tax as the benchmark because, in our view, it is the 
benchmark against which the performance of the Group is most commonly 
measured by users and is a generally accepted benchmark.  We have 
adjusted this benchmark for exceptional expenses (refer to note 2.4.2) to 
reduce volatility and to reflect the underlying performance of the Group. 

We have determined that there is one key audit matter being the 
impairment testing of intangible assets. 

Materiality 
The scope of our audit was influenced by our application of materiality.  

Based on our professional judgement, we determined certain quantitative thresholds for materiality, 
including the overall Group materiality for the consolidated financial statements as a whole as set out 
above. These, together with qualitative considerations, helped us to determine the scope of our audit, 
the nature, timing and extent of our audit procedures and to evaluate the effect of misstatements, both 
individually and in aggregate on the consolidated financial statements as a whole. 

Audit scope 
We designed our audit by assessing the risks of material misstatement in the consolidated financial 
statements and our application of materiality. As in all of our audits, we also addressed the risk of 
management override of internal controls including among other matters, consideration of whether 
there was evidence of bias that represented a risk of material misstatement due to fraud. 

We tailored the scope of our audit in order to perform sufficient work to enable us to provide an 
opinion on the consolidated financial statements as a whole, taking into account the structure of the 
Group, the accounting processes and controls, and the industry in which the Group operates. 

Key audit matters  
Key audit matters are those matters that, in our professional judgment, were of most significance in 
our audit of the consolidated financial statements of the current year. These matters were addressed in 
the context of our audit of the consolidated financial statements as a whole, and in forming our 
opinion thereon, and we do not provide a separate opinion on these matters. 

PricewaterhouseCoopers, 188 Quay Street, Private Bag 92162, Auckland 1142, New Zealand 
T: +64 9 355 8000, F: +64 9 355 8001, pwc.co.nz  

PwC 

  
  
  
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
98 NEW ZEALAND MEDIA AND ENTERTAINMENT

ANNUAL REPORT 2019 99

Key audit matter 

Impairment testing of intangible assets 

As at 31 December 2019 the total carrying 
amount of the Group’s non-amortising 
intangible assets, including masthead brands 
and brands, amounted to $101.8 million after 
recording an impairment charge of $175.0 
million during the year, as disclosed in note 
3.1.1. 

The impairment testing of non-amortising 
intangible assets is considered a Key Audit 
Matter due to the existence of indicators of 
impairment including the increased gap 
between the market capitalisation of the 
Company and the carrying amount of net 
assets.  There is also a significant level of 
management judgement applied in 
estimating the future performance and cash 
flows of the business and other key 
assumptions made in determining the 
recoverable amount. 

Management tests for impairment of these 
assets on an annual basis by preparing a 
value in use (VIU) assessment, using a 
discounted cash flow model based on forecast 
future performance to determine the 
recoverable amount.  Key estimates and 
assumptions include: 

•  The assessment that the NZME business 

constitutes one CGU 

•  The expected future trading results and 
cash flows of the business which are 
based on forecasts approved by the Board 
of Directors 

•  The weighted average cost of capital of 

9.5% used as the discount rate in the VIU 
model 

•  The application of a negative long-term 
growth rate of 1.2% for the purposes of 
impairment testing. 

Management also assessed recoverable 
amount on a fair value less costs of disposal 
(FVLCD) basis. The FVLCD assessment, 
based on market capitalisation at balance 

How our audit addressed the key audit 
matter 
We gained an understanding of the strategic 
objectives of the business to assess the 
appropriateness of using a value in use model.  We 
also gained an understanding of how the business is 
managed and how the results are reported to 
management and the directors in order to 
understand management’s determination that 
NZME constitutes one CGU. 

We gained an understanding of the business 
process and controls applied by management in 
their impairment assessment. 

We engaged an auditor’s expert to assist us in 
testing and challenging management’s impairment 
assessment, including the procedures below: 
•  We ensured that the impairment model used by 

management was approved by the Board 
•  We assessed the Group’s forecasting accuracy 
by comparing historical forecasts to actual 
results 

•  We considered the reasonableness of key 
assumptions in the cash flow forecasts, in 
particular revenue growth for each channel, 
forecast expenses and the terminal growth rate.  
This was done with reference to the historical 
performance of the Group, key initiatives being 
undertaken by both the Group and businesses 
operating in similar markets, and comparison 
to third party industry forecasts and available 
broker reports 

•  We considered the reasonableness of the 

discount rate assumption by recalculating it 
using our own inputs 

•  We tested the accuracy of the calculations in the 
VIU model by reperforming the calculation of 
the recoverable amount and the resulting 
impairment 

•  We considered management’s FVLCD 

assessment based on market capitalisation at 
balance date and applied our estimate of the 
appropriate control premium. 

We obtained and evaluated management’s 
sensitivity analysis to ascertain the impact of 
reasonably possible changes and also considered 
alternative possible scenarios and their potential 
impact. 

We reviewed the disclosures in the financial 
statements to ensure that they are compliant with 
the requirements of the relevant accounting 
standards. 

We have no other matters to report. 

date and taking into account that market 
capitalisation does not include any control 
premium, indicated a lower recoverable 
amount. Management considered the 
reasons for this difference in finalising their 
assessment of the recoverable amount. 

In their assessment management determined 
that the model was most sensitive to changes 
in the assumptions relating to the growth 
rates for print revenue, radio revenue, digital 
advertising revenue, digital classifieds 
revenue, digital subscriptions revenue and 
operating expenses as well as the terminal 
growth rate and discount rate.   

As a result of the impairment review, 
management identified an impairment in the 
carrying value of goodwill, masthead brands 
and brands.   

Management also determined that 
reasonably possible changes in key 
assumptions could result in further 
impairment, as disclosed in note 3.1.1. 

Information other than the consolidated financial statements and auditor’s report 
The Directors are responsible for the annual report. Our opinion on the consolidated financial 
statements does not cover the other information included in the annual report and we do not express 
any form of assurance conclusion on the other information.  

In connection with our audit of the consolidated financial statements, our responsibility is to read the 
other information and, in doing so, consider whether the other information is materially inconsistent 
with the consolidated financial statements or our knowledge obtained in the audit, or otherwise 
appears to be materially misstated. If, based on the work we have performed on the other information 
that we obtained prior to the date of this auditor’s report, we conclude that there is a material 
misstatement of this other information, we are required to report that fact. We have nothing to report 
in this regard. 

Responsibilities of the Directors for the consolidated financial statements 
The Directors are responsible, on behalf of the Company, for the preparation and fair presentation of 
the consolidated financial statements in accordance with NZ IFRS and IFRS, and for such internal 
control as the Directors determine is necessary to enable the preparation of consolidated financial 
statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.  

In preparing the consolidated financial statements, the  Directors are responsible for assessing the 
Group’s ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going 
concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless the Directors either intend to liquidate 
the Group or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so.  

PwC 

PwC 

  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
100 NEW ZEALAND MEDIA AND ENTERTAINMENT

ANNUAL REPORT 2019 101

Auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of the consolidated financial statements 
Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial 
statements, as a whole, are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to 
issue an auditor’s report that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance, 
but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with ISAs (NZ) and ISAs will always 
detect a material misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are 
considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence 
the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of these consolidated financial statements.  

A further description of our responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements is located at the 
External Reporting Board’s website at: 

https://www.xrb.govt.nz/standards-for-assurance-practitioners/auditors-responsibilities/audit-
report-1/ 
This description forms part of our auditor’s report.  

Who we report to 
This report is made solely to the Company’s shareholders as a body.  Our audit work has been 
undertaken so that we might state those matters which we are required to state to them in an auditor’s 
report and for no other purpose.  To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume 
responsibility to anyone other than the Company and the Company’s shareholders, as a body, for our 
audit work, for this report or for the opinions we have formed. 

The engagement partner on the audit resulting in this independent auditor’s report is Jonathan 
Skilton.  

For and on behalf of:  

Chartered Accountants 
24 February 2020 

Auckland 

DIRECTORY.

Registered Address 
NZME Limited 
2 Graham St  
Auckland 1010 
New Zealand

Registred Office Contact Details  
Postal Address:  Private Bag 92198   

Victoria St West   
Auckland 1142   
New Zealand

Phone:   

+64 9 379 5050

Website:   

www.nzme.co.nz

Email: 

Investor_Relations@nzme.co.nz

Auditors  
PricewaterhouseCoopers

Principal Bankers  
Westpac

Principal Solicitors  
Chapman Tripp

Share Registry 
Link Market Services

Share Registry Contact Details 
Postal Address:  PO Box 91976 
Auckland 1142

Street Address:  Level 11, Deloitte House 

80 Queen Street 
Auckland

Phone:   

+64 9 375 5998

Fax: 

+64 9 375 5990

Website:   

www.linkmarketservices.co.nz

Email: 

enquiries@linkmarketservices.co.nz

PwC 

 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
 NEW ZEALAND  

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