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NZME Limited

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FY2020 Annual Report · NZME Limited
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KEEPING KIWIS 
IN THE KNOW

NZME LIMITED ANNUAL REPORT 
For the year ended 31 December 2020

2 NEW ZEALAND MEDIA AND ENTERTAINMENT

ANNUAL REPORT 2020 3

CONTENTS.

4 

6 

8 

10 

12 

16 

28 

30 

32 

43 

48 

99 

 Operational Highlights

 2020 Financial Results Summary

 Chairman’s Report

 Chief Executive Officer’s Report 

 Financial Results and Divisional Commentary

 Our Sustainability Commitment

 The Board

 The Executive Team

 Corporate Governance

 Statutory Disclosures

 Consolidated Financial Statements

 Independent Auditor’s Report

107 

 Directory

This annual report is dated 23 February 2021 and is signed 
on behalf of the Board of Directors by:

Barbara Chapman
Chairman

Carol Campbell
Director

4 NEW ZEALAND MEDIA AND ENTERTAINMENT

OPERATIONAL 
HIGHLIGHTS

ANNUAL REPORT 2020 5

AUDIO
9

Audio brands

NewstalkZB

#1 commercial radio network 
and ZB’s Mike Hosking 
Breakfast Show the most 
popular Breakfast show1

35.8%

radio audience market  
share2

2.0 million

weekly listeners1

ZM Breakfast

40.4%

#1 breakfast show for 25 to 54 
year old New Zealanders2

radio revenue market share  
for 12 months to Dec 20203

iHeartRadio Growth to 1.1 million registered users (up 12%) and 5.2 million average 

monthly listening hours (up 35%), growing revenue 45%

PUBLISHING
32

print publications across  
New Zealand4

1.4 million

weekly readers5

54.1%

print readership market share5

1.9 million 

NZ Herald weekly brand 
audience5

585,000

average issue readership5

17 

2.6 million

websites extending digital  
reach

digital users per month across 
NZME titles5

1.8 million 

monthly unique audience  
on nzherald.co.nz7

102,000

subscribers access NZ Herald 
Premium including 53,000 
paid digital subscribers

47.1%

print advertising revenue 
market share for 12 months  
to Dec 20206

24.3%

digital display advertising 
revenue market share for  
nine months to Sept 20208

ONEROOF
19

89.0%

53%

real estate publications, including 
seven OneRoof Local magazines

of nationwide residential  
for-sale real estate listings9

460,000

monthly unique audience on 
oneroof.co.nz7

#1

residential for-sale real estate 
listings site in Auckland for the 
majority of 20209

growth in digital classifieds 
revenue on oneroof.co.nz to 
$4.3 million for the 12 months 
to Dec 20 (compared to the  
12 months to Dec 19)

1 GfK, RAM, Commercial Radio Stations, Total NZ S4 2020, Cummulative Audience (%), AP10+. Rounded up from 1.985 million. 2GfK, RAM, Commercial 
Radio Stations, Total NZ S4 2020, Market Share (%), NZME including partners, 25 - 54. 3PwC Radio advertising market benchmark report, 12 months to  
31 December 2020 vs 12 months to 31 December 2019. Note: report excludes independent broadcasters. 4Print publications include 7 Metro and Regional 
newspapers, 17 Community newspapers and 8 Newspaper Inserted Magazine. 5Nielsen CMI Fused Q3 19 – Q2 20, November 2020, AP15+. 6PwC NPA 
quarterly performance comparison report, December 2020. 7Nielsen Online Ratings, December 2020. 8IAB digital advertising revenue – General Display, 
IAB NZ Digital advertising revenue report, Q3 2020. 9OneRoof’s listings as a percentage of residential for-sale real estate listings on trademe.co.nz.

6 NEW ZEALAND MEDIA AND ENTERTAINMENT

2020 
FINANCIAL 
RESULTS 
SUMMARY
$331.2m
$67.3m

Operating Revenue1

Operating EBITDA1

$22.0m

Operating NPAT1

2019 $371.7m

11%

2019 $65.7m

3%

2019 $17.3 m

27%

11.1cps

Operating EPS1

$14.2m

Statutory NPAT1

2019 8.8cps

26%

2019 ($165.2)m

109%

Reader Revenue 
Growth

2%

Cost 
Savings

14%

Net Debt 
Down $40.9m

Significant growth in 
digital subscriptions 
revenue offsetting the 
decline in print reader 
revenue year-on-year.

Ongoing focus on cost 
management and swift 
actions taken to mitigate 
the impacts of Covid-19 
on the business.

Net debt reduction 
to $33.8 million and 
leverage ratio reduced 
to 0.6 times EBITDA2 
(excluding NZ IFRS 16). 

1  Operating results presented include the impact of NZ IFRS 16, however exclude exceptional items to allow for a like for like comparison between 
2019 and 2020 financial years. 2 Operating results presented and used in these calculations exclude the impact of NZ IFRS 16 and exclude 
exceptional items. Please refer to pages 35-36 of the NZME 2020 Full Year Results Presentation for a detailed reconciliation. Operating and 
statutory results include $8.6 million (net) of Covid-19 government wage subsidy received in H1 2020. 

ANNUAL REPORT 2020 7

8 NEW ZEALAND MEDIA AND ENTERTAINMENT

CHAIRMAN’S 
REPORT 

Kia ora and welcome to the New Zealand Media and Entertainment 
Annual Report for the year ended 31 December 2020.

2020 will leave an indelible mark on the 

NZME’s platforms, which have been 

a leadership team confident to make 

history of our company, on New Zealand 

experiencing some of the highest audience 

difficult but necessary decisions, and a 

and indeed the world. 

engagement levels in years.

On February 28, as Covid-19 arrived on  

As New Zealand went into Covid-19 

New Zealand’s shores, we faced into a 

lockdown, the brakes were applied to the 

period of uncertainty the likes of which  

New Zealand economy and the impact on 

we have never before experienced.

businesses advertising was significant.

In the face of this incredible disruption  

NZME’s leadership responded with a set 

we can all be very proud of how NZME’s 

of initiatives aimed at making sure the 

people and its leadership responded to 

business was protected from the worst  

the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic.

of the revenue impacts of Covid-19. 

THE ADVERSITY CAUSED BY COVID-19 
REVEALED IN NZME A RESILIENT, ROBUST, 
RESOLUTE AND EMPATHETIC CHARACTER.

team with the capability to execute swiftly.

This response has meant NZME has 

returned an Operating Earnings before 

Interest, Tax, Depreciation and Amortisation 

(“EBITDA”)1 growth of 3% in 2020 to  

$67.3 million, despite an overall decrease in 

revenue of 13% for the year.

During 2020, NZME maintained its focus on 

effective capital management. This resulted 

in a significant reduction in net debt to 

$33.8 million at 31 December 2020, down 

from $74.7 million as at 31 December 2019. 

Whilst 2020 will primarily be remembered 

for Covid-19, a number of transformational 

initiatives aimed at accelerating NZME’s 

NZME’s response was swift, focussed and 

delivered with purpose. From the outset, 

and consistently throughout, we took a 

people first perspective, ensuring NZME 

Reducing costs across the business and 

momentum in key strategic priorities were 

continuing our focus on debt reduction 

delivered on. These included a new audio 

were both aimed at providing certainty  

strategy focused on audience and revenue 

for shareholders and our people.

growth, and ongoing investment in the 

audience engagement and subscriber 

staff were kept safe and well informed.

As we have stated previously, the 

Simultaneously our business continuity 

plan was deployed ensuring we continued 

to operate as an Essential Service during 

the lockdown periods. This kept our 

audiences informed and engaged with 

news and information they could trust 
and have confidence in. This also ensured 

government wage subsidy supported 

growth across NZME’s flagship news 

the production of quality journalism and 

broadcasting during an extremely difficult 

period and helped NZME retain roles that 

website, nzherald.co.nz. OneRoof achieved 

growth in listings, audience2 and revenue. 

are now supporting the delivery of our 

In November 2020 NZME introduced 

purpose of keeping Kiwis in the know.

investors and analysts to refreshed guiding 

The adversity caused by Covid-19 revealed 

principles and strategic priorities that the 

our commercial partners and advertisers 

in NZME a resilient, robust, resolute  

Board will employ to maximise value creation 

continued to reach their customers through 

and empathetic character. It revealed  

for our customers and shareholders.

1 Operating results presented include the impact of NZ IFRS 16, however exclude exceptional items to allow for a like for like comparison between 2019 and 
2020 financial years. Please refer to pages 35-36 of the NZME 2020 Full Year Results Presentation for a detailed reconciliation. Operating and statutory 
results include $8.6 million of Covid-19 government wage subsidy received in H1 2020. 2 Nielsen Online Ratings, December 2020.

ANNUAL REPORT 2020 9

These principles are a relentless focus on 

always putting our Customers First; we 

Dividend Policy

will be dedicated to a premium Win with 

NZME intends to pay dividends of 30-50%of Free Cash Flow subject to being within 

Quality approach; we will drive Digital 

its target leverage ratio and having regard to NZME’s capital requirements, operating 

Acceleration delivering world class digital 

experiences for our customers; we will 

continually seek out new opportunities to 

deliver Audience Expansion; and we will 

strive for Top Performance, measured 

against industry and sector competitors 

and against the performance of the publicly 

listed company environment.

With these guiding principles in mind,  

we also reset our focus on NZME’s key 

performance and financial position. NZME’s Target Leverage Ratio is 0.5 to 1.0 times 
rolling 12 month EBITDA1 (pre NZ IFRS 16). Full dividend policy is available at: 
www.nzme.co.nz/investor-relations/dividends/

I am confident our business will continue 

We are pleased to welcome New Zealand 

to respond successfully as the ongoing 

tech entrepreneur Guy Horrocks to the 

impacts of the of the Covid-19 pandemic 

board of NZME in 2021. Guy brings a 

will be felt throughout 2021 and beyond. 

background in successfully growing 

Based on current performance and NZME’s 

strategic priorities, evolving each against  

improved capital position, the Board 

a set of measurable targets to be achieved 

expects to be able to return to payment  

by 2023. By 2023 NZME will be home to  

New Zealand’s leading audio company; 

the New Zealand Herald will be  

of dividends in the second half of 2021.

Your board wishes to thank shareholders 

New Zealand’s Herald and OneRoof will  

for your support across the year especially 

be your complete property destination.

during those months when Covid-19 first 

2020 has been a year of extraordinary 

challenge and change. NZME has 

hit New Zealand, and for the confidence 

you have shown in the initiatives delivered 

responded with resilience and initiative.

during 2020. 

digital businesses, strong capability in the 

commercialisation of data, and a focussed 

entrepreneurial mindset to our Board.

Barbara Chapman 
Chairman

10 NEW ZEALAND MEDIA AND ENTERTAINMENT

CHIEF EXECUTIVE 
OFFICER’S REPORT 

Like virtually every enterprise, community and individual, 2020 
presented New Zealand Media and Entertainment an extraordinary 
set of challenges created by the Covid-19 pandemic.

The systems and processes to support 

the health, safety and wellbeing of our 

people were put to the test. NZME was 

challenged to operate as an Essential 

Service in unprecedented nationwide and 

Auckland lockdowns and, facing incredible 

uncertainty, the advertising community 

was forced to dramatically reduce their 

advertising with all media companies.

2020 Financial Results

The substantive impact of Covid-19 on 

NZME’s advertising revenue began in 

higher Operating EBITDA2 and comparably 

lower interest expense on loans in line with 

the reduction in net debt.

April with revenue down nearly 50% on 

Statutory NPAT was $14.2 million, 

April 2019. In subsequent months revenue 

compared to a $165.2 million net loss in 

continued to be significantly impacted 

2019 due to a $175.0 million impairment  

before eventually returning to growth by 

of intangible assets. Excluding the impact 

the end of the year.

of this impairment, Statutory NPAT was  

As I reflect on 2020, I’m incredibly proud of 

The overall impact for the year was an  

the response from our people, our leaders 

11% reduction in Operating revenue2 to 

and our commercial partners which was, 

$331.2 million, when compared to 2019. 

and continues to be, outstanding.

As a result of that response, NZME 

continues to make a solid recovery from 

the impacts of Covid-19. This recovery 

NZME also accessed $8.6 million (net)  

in wage support from the first tranche  

of the Government Covid-19 Wage  

Subsidy Scheme.

up 45% in 2020.

Capital expenditure was lower in 2020 at 

$6.3 million, a decrease from $11.8 million 

in 2019 as expenditure was contained 

in response to Covid-19. Ongoing 

capital expenditure is expected to be 

approximately $10 million to $12 million 

reflects the strong position NZME was in 

The Covid-19 impacts on advertising 

per annum. 

prior to Covid-19, the swift response across 

revenue were off-set by a swift business-

the company and our people’s complete 

wide response that included the 

NZME’s Key Strategic Priorities

focus on looking after our audiences and 

suspension and cessation of some 

NZME made excellent progress against its 

our partners.

operations, workforce restructuring and 

three key strategic priorities across 2020.

Our people stayed steadfastly committed 

to our purpose of keeping Kiwis in the 

know. NZME’s journalism excelled across 

all of our digital, print and radio news 

platforms. Our entertainers did what they 

do best, keeping Kiwis connected and their 

spirits up.

New Zealanders rewarded our dedicated 

teams with extraordinary audience 
engagement levels1. Our commercial 
partners have steadily grown their 

temporary reductions in directors’ fees.

Radio revenue was in growth prior to 

These measures and an ongoing focus on 

the impact of Covid-19 and NZME’s radio 

costs resulted in a 14%, or $42.2 million 

revenue market share grew year-on-year to 

year-on-year reduction in NZME’s 2020 

Operating expenses2. Approximately  

$20.0 million of those savings are 

expected to be permanent.

NZME’s Operating EBITDA2 was $67.3 

million, an increase of 3% against 2019.

40.4%3. Revenue from NZME’s digital audio 

platform - iHeartRadio grew 45% in 2020, 

supported by significant growth in users 

and engagement in music and podcasts4.

Growth in NZ Herald Premium subscriptions 

continues and now exceeds 102,000 

Operating Net Profit after Tax (“NPAT”)2 

subscriptions including more than 53,000 

investment in advertising as their businesses 

was $22.0 million and Operating Earnings 

paid digital-only subscribers. NZ Herald 

have recovered from the initial shock and 

per Share (“EPS”)2 was 11.1 cents in 2020, 

readership and brand audience showed 

uncertainty that Covid-19 created.

an increase of 2.3 cents per share due to 

significant growth across 20205.

1 Nielsen CMI Fused Q3 19 – Q2 20, November 2020, AP15+. 2 Operating results presented include the impact of NZ IFRS 16, however exclude exceptional 
items to allow for a like for like comparison between 2019 and 2020 financial years. Please refer to pages 35-36 of the NZME 2020 Full Year Results 
Presentation for a detailed reconciliation. Operating and statutory results include $8.6 million (net) of Covid-19 government wage subsidy received in 
H1 2020. 3 PwC Radio advertising market benchmark report, 12 months to 31 December 2020 vs 12 months to 31 December 2019. 4 iHeartMedia, Adobe 
Analytics, December 2020. 5 Nielsen CMI Q4 19 – Q3 20, November, AP 15+. 6 OneRoof’s listings as a percentage of residential for-sale real estate listings  
on trademe.co.nz.

ANNUAL REPORT 2020 11

NEW ZEALAND’S 
LEADING AUDIO 
COMPANY

Create New Zealand’s 
best local audio content

Grow broadcast and 
digital reach

Grow market revenue 
share and digital revenue

NEW ZEALAND’S 
HERALD

The #1 News brand for all 
New Zealanders

Subscriber first

Be a safe, scalable 
destination for advertisers

YOUR COMPLETE 
PROPERTY 
DESTINATION

Strengthen core 
residential listings 
business

Be indispensable to agents

Expand the portfolio

The NZ Herald was recognised at the 2020 

Our measurable targets within each division 

Voyager Media awards taking the ‘Triple 

include a focus on accelerating NZME’s 

Crown’ of, ‘Newspaper of the Year’, ‘Website 

digital transformation. With this concerted 

of the Year’ and ‘Best News Website or App’. 

effort we expect even greater momentum 

For the second year running, NZME was also 

in digital advertising, digital subscriptions, 

awarded the top Asia/Pacific prize, at the 

digital classifieds and digital audio products.

annual INMA media awards, of ‘Best Global 

Conclusion

Media Brand in Asia Pacific’.

NZME’s real estate platform OneRoof 

To have ended 2020 with a positive result 

against the backdrop of the significant 

continues to grow, now with more than  

impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic is very 

89% of New Zealand’s residential for-sale 

pleasing. These results have been made 

real estate listings6. OneRoof’s print revenue, 

possible by the dedication of our people  

significantly impacted by Covid-19 in the 

and by the support of our suppliers, business 

national and Auckland lockdowns, returned 

partners, advertisers and the government.

to growth in Q4. In 2021 we have welcomed 

Paul Maher, appointed to give dedicated 

leadership to OneRoof.

In November 2020, we reset our commitment 

to our key strategic priorities with a focus 

on a set of measurable achievements to be 

delivered by 2023:

I thanked you all in our half year report and  

I do so again now.

I thank again the millions of New Zealanders 

who choose to access NZME’s news 

publications and websites for news they  

can trust and thank you to those Kiwis who 

listen to our radio networks right around 

·  New Zealand’s leading audio company

New Zealand.

·  New Zealand’s Herald

At NZME we’re privileged to have the 

ongoing support and active interest of our 

·  OneRoof, your complete property 

shareholder community and the opportunity 

destination. 

to connect across 2020 has been invaluable.

We also introduced a new divisional 

This most tumultuous of years has 

reporting framework that more accurately 

highlighted the value of a truly engaged  

reflects and aligns with these refreshed 

and readily available Board of Directors.  

strategic priorities. 

The Annual Report will now report on our 

progress in the following new divisions: 

Audio (broadcast and digital radio), 

Publishing (containing print and digital 

reader, advertising, and other revenue) 

and OneRoof (NZME’s print and digital real 

estate products).

On behalf of myself and the NZME Executive 

I would like to thank the NZME Board for your 

ongoing guidance, counsel and support. 

Michael Boggs 
Chief Executive Officer

12 NEW ZEALAND MEDIA AND ENTERTAINMENT

FINANCIAL 
RESULTS & 
DIVISIONAL 
COMMENTARY

Financial Results and Divisional 

Depreciation and amortisation on owned 

last two years. As a result, the company’s 

Commentary

assets was $1.0 million lower for the year 

leverage ratio is now 0.6 times which is at 

Statutory NPAT for 2020 was $14.2 million, 

compared to a loss of $165.2 million for 

as the overall asset base reduced and 

the lower end of its target range of 0.5 to 

some assets became fully amortised. 

1.0 times Net debt to Operating EBITDA2. 

2019, with 2019 impacted by a $175.0 million 

Exceptional items in 2020 totalled  

Operating cash flow1 was $10.0 million 

impairment of intangible assets. Please refer 

$8.0 million, largely attributable to  

higher in the year substantially due to 

$8.3 million of redundancies due to 

higher earnings and lower working capital.

to note 3.1 of the consolidated financial 

statements for further details.

workforce restructuring, partially offset  

by one-off income. Exceptional items in 

Total Operating revenue1 was $331.2 million 

2019 were $9.9 million.

Capital expenditure was $6.3 million in 

2020, $5.5 million lower than the previous 

year as expenditure was contained given 

in 2020, down 11% compared to 2019, 

reflecting advertising market revenue 

pressures related to Covid-19. 2020 

Operating revenue1 includes $8.6 million 

(net) of wage subsidy, classified as other 

income, received due to the severe impact 

Operating NPAT1 for 2020 was $22.0 million 

the uncertain impacts of Covid-19. Capital 

up 27% on the previous corresponding 
period and equating to Operating EPS1 of 

11.1 cents per share compared to 8.8 cents 

expenditure is expected to return to  

more normal levels of $10.0 million  

- $12.0 million in the coming year.

for 2019. 

of Covid-19 on second quarter revenue. 

Impact of NZ IFRS 16 

Continued focus on cost management and 

NZ IFRS 16 was adopted on 1 January 2019, 

swift action taken to mitigate the impacts 

requiring that most leases be recognised 

of Covid-19 on the business resulted in 

as a lease liability on the Balance Sheet 

Operating expenses1 reducing by 14% 

with a corresponding “right of use” asset. 

compared to the previous corresponding 

In the income statement the operating 

period. For 2020 there was around $30.0 

million of activity related and temporary 

cost reductions as a result of the response 

to Covid-19, together with permanent 

savings which are expected to result in a 

$20.0 million annualised reduction in the 

cost base. The majority of the permanent 

lease cost is reclassified as depreciation 

and interest. The net negative impact on 

NPAT of this change was $3.2 million in 
2020. Operating EBITDA1 prior to the to  

the impact of NZ IFRS 16 was $53.0 million  

for 2020 which was 5% higher than the 

$50.6 million result in 2019.

reductions are from lower people costs 

Balance Sheet and Cash Flows 

Balances relating to the e-Commerce site 

GrabOne have been reclassified as “held 

for sale” as divestment opportunities are 

being explored. 

Divisional Performance 

NZME operates as an audience and 

customer centric, integrated multi-

channel media business with market 

leading news, sport, entertainment and 

classifieds platforms. The key divisions 

of the business that align to our 2023 

strategic priorities are: Audio (broadcast 

and digital audio), Publishing (print and 

digital news and journalism) and OneRoof 

(our real estate products division including 

with the temporary savings largely as a 

result of lower print and distribution costs.

Net debt was $33.8 million at 31 December 

the OneRoof website). To understand the 

2020, a significant reduction from  

performance of each division a framework 

As a result, Operating EBITDA1 grew 3%  

$74.7 million as at 31 December 2019.  

has been developed to allocate the various 

to $67.3 million for the year. 

Net debt has reduced by 65% over the 

cost pools on an appropriate basis. 

1 Operating results presented include the impact of NZ IFRS 16, however exclude exceptional items to allow for a like for like comparison between 2019 and 
2020 financial years. Please refer to pages 35-36 of the NZME 2020 Full Year Results Presentation for a detailed reconciliation. Operating and statutory 
results include $8.6 million (net) of Covid-19 government wage subsidy received in H1 2020. 2 Operating results presented and used in these calculations 
exclude the impact of NZ IFRS 16 and exclude exceptional items.

ANNUAL REPORT 2020 13

AUDIO

The audio division includes the company’s 

Radio audience market share in the key 

We have also been working hard this 

radio brands and digital audio platform 

iHeartRadio. Audio revenue was $99.6 

million in 2020, down 11% compared to 

25 to 54 year-old demographic was 
35.8% at the end of 20205. During the 
year we completed a number of brand 

year to maximise the potential of our 

iHeartRadio digital audio product and are 

pleased to report 45% growth in revenue 

2019. Audio revenue commenced the year 

optimisation initiatives, talent and 

in the year, contributing $2.4 million in 

in growth prior to the impact of Covid-19, 

content changes made to drive audience 

2020. This growth has been supported 

with monthly revenues returning to 2019 

growth and market share. These are now 

levels by the end of the year. 

beginning to be reflected in our results. 

Audio advertising revenue declined 14.1% 

Audience gaps within the existing portfolio 

in the year, slightly better than the radio 
advertising market decline4. This success 
resulted in a 0.9% gain in radio revenue 
market share to 40.4% for 20204. We 
are pleased with this achievement and 

were identified and a comprehensive 

research project undertaken. The music 

format for each station was then refined  

to broaden audience appeal. As a result, 

we launched two new stations – Gold 

progress towards our strategic priority  

(greatest hits) and Gold AM (sport, rural 

of becoming New Zealand’s leading  

and greatest hits). NZME radio is now  

audio company. 

more powerful than ever with a portfolio  

of complementary brands that cover all 

core demographics.

by a 12% increase in registered users to 
1.1 million6 and a significant 35% increase 
in average monthly listening hours to 
5.2 million7, with iHeartRadio benefitting 
from the brand and content optimisation 

initiatives previously mentioned. 

4 PwC Radio advertising market benchmark report, 12 months to 31 December 2020 vs 12 months to 31 December 2019. Note: report excludes independent 
broadcasters. 5 GfK, RAM, Commercial Radio Stations, Total NZ S4 2020, Market Share (%), NZME including partners, 25 - 54. 6 iHeartMedia, Adobe 
Analytics, December 2020. 7 AdsWhizz and StreamGuys, December 2020.

 
14 NEW ZEALAND MEDIA AND ENTERTAINMENT

PUBLISHING

The publishing division includes the 

growth was achieved through effective 

Despite the Covid-19 headwinds during 

company’s print and digital news and 

yield management delivering 3% growth in 

the year, digital advertising revenue grew 

journalism products. Publishing revenue 

yield, offsetting a 2% decline in volume. 

2% to $44.6 million, supported by our 

was $201.5 million in 2020, down 10% 

compared to 2019, reflecting the impact 

of Covid-19 on advertising and retail 

outlet revenues. 

We are pleased to report growth in total 

reader revenue of 2% to $79.3 million in 

2020, with significant growth in digital 

subscriptions offsetting the decline in retail 

outlet sales. Total print circulation revenue 

declined 5% to $72.7 million in 2020, 

largely driven by a 20% reduction in retail 

outlet sales revenue as many retail outlets 

were forced to close during level  

4 lockdown. 

Our strategic priority of becoming ‘New 

Zealand’s Herald’, and a subscriber-first 

Digital subscriptions revenue grew  

$4.9 million to $6.6 million in the year. 

NZ Herald Premium finished the year with 

102,000 subscribers, up 56,000 compared 

to the prior year-end. This subscriber base 

includes 53,000 paid digital subscribers, 

up 33,000 since 31 December 2019. 

Print advertising revenue declined 27% to 

$62.1 million in 2020. However, NZME grew 

focus on being a brand-safe and scalable 

destination for advertisers. We are pleased 

to report we outperformed the digital 

display market revenue rate of decline of 

6.6%, gaining 1.4% market share to 24.3% 

for the nine months to September 202010.

Monthly digital users grew 11% to  

2.6 million and the unique audience of 

nzherald.co.nz also increased 8% to  

print advertising revenue market share to 

1.9 million11. Our continued focus on being 

47.1%8. Initiatives implemented in March 

the number one news brand for all New 

2020 to mitigate the impact of Covid-19 

Zealanders delivered strong results in 2020.

included the temporary suspension of 

some newspaper inserted magazines and 

community newspapers. 

Readership continues to be strong with 

Other publishing revenue of $15.5 million  

decreased 15% in 2020 due to reduced 

external print revenue which was impacted 

by a reduction in third-party printing volumes. 

However, this has been substantially offset by 

a reduction in print expenses.

publisher, assisted us in achieving print 

16% year-on-year growth in NZ Herald 

subscriber revenue growth of 1% in the 

brand audience to 1.9 million9, and  

year, helping to offset these pressures 

1.4 million weekly readers of NZME  

on retail outlet sales. Subscriber revenue 

print publications. 

8 PwC NPA quarterly performance comparison report, December 2020, 12 months to 31 December 2020 vs 12 months to 31 December 2019. 9 Nielsen CMI 
Q4 19 – Q3 20, November, AP 15+. 10 IAB digital advertising revenue – General Display, IAB NZ Digital advertising revenue report, Q3 2020. Q4 report not yet 
available. 11 Nielsen CMI Q2 17 – Q3 20, November, AP 15+.

ANNUAL REPORT 2020 15

ONEROOF

The OneRoof division includes the OneRoof property 

OneRoof digital classifieds revenue grew 53% to  

website and all of the real estate dedicated print 

$4.3 million for the year, of which 74% relates to listings. 

publications. OneRoof revenue declined 8% in 2020 to 

$18.6 million, driven by a 23% decline in print revenue 

This growth has been supported by a 91% year-on-year 
increase in OneRoof’s digital audience to 460,00013. 

to $13.4 million. OneRoof print revenue was significantly 

impacted by the Covid-19 lockdowns in the first half of the 

year before returning to growth in the fourth quarter. 

OneRoof held the position as the number one residential 

for-sale real estate listings site in Auckland for the majority 

of 2020, with more than 89% of nationwide listings at 
31 December 2020, up from 82% at the end of 201912. 

OneRoof Local launched seven new regional real estate 

publications during the year, and now has real estate 

products in 19 local markets.

12 OneRoof’s listings as a percentage of residential for-sale real estate listings on trademe.co.nz.  
13 Nielsen Online Ratings, December 2020.

16 NEW ZEALAND MEDIA AND ENTERTAINMENT

OUR 
SUSTAINABILITY 
COMMITMENT

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

ANNUAL REPORT 2020 17

No one could have anticipated the impact 

Measurement of NZME’s key sustainability 

The tables on the following pages 

of the Covid-19 pandemic on the nation, our 

initiatives commenced in 2020 and 

include details of progress and baseline 

economy, our business and our people – nor 

the following is a progress report to 

measurements. We will continue to report 

the flow on effect across our sustainability 

date. We are at the early stages of our 

year-on-year progress against these. We 

commitment. Covid-19 in many respects 

sustainability plan and look forward to 

note that due to the impact of Covid-19 

accelerated our sustainability initiatives, 

the development of these initiatives to 

in 2020, progress may be affected when 

from ways of working through to reductions 

ensure we have meaningful, sustainable 

compared in future progress reports.

in travel and our fleet. In other respects, it 

practices for the well-being of our 

simply brought initiatives to a complete halt 

people, the wider community and the 

(as we were unable to access our buildings 

environment.

for example). 

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

NZME’s sustainability programme is aligned to the guidelines set out in the UN Sustainable Development Goals  
– an international blueprint to achieve a better and more sustainable future for everyone.

 
18 NEW ZEALAND MEDIA AND ENTERTAINMENT

Case Study: The Hits’ on-air team 

staffed Plunket phones to kick 

off the annual Pledge for Plunket 

appeal. Plunket is part of the lives 

of almost 90% of Kiwi babies as 

well as their whānau (family). 

Pictured L to R: Hosts Anika Moa, 

Mike Puru and Stacey Morrison, 

The Hits Drive Show.

OUR 
COMMUNITIES

We connect and empower our communities.

With the arrival of Covid-19, NZME (as an 

When Kiwis were asked to stay at home, 

for New Zealand and, in addition to 

essential service) had a critical role to keep 

we had an even greater responsibility to 

the activity driven out of Covid-19, we 

Kiwis informed and connected. More than 

keep our communities connected across 

continued to use our reach to address 

ever, in 2020 NZME used the extensive 

our platforms - sharing experiences, 

key topics and conversations important 

range of publications, radio networks and 

stories, advice and often providing 

to New Zealanders as well as partner 

digital platforms to connect and support 

reassuring companionship at times when 

with a number of organisations to 

communities right across New Zealand. 

many felt isolated.

champion charitable causes and facilitate 

For example, NZME launched the GoNZ! 

initiative to support Kiwi businesses to stay 

connected with their customers.

NZME recognises the responsibility that 

comes with acting as a voice of record 

conversations that matter. 

Case Study: 

Misconceptions – a ten-

part web series about 

miscarriage aimed to 

bust myths, provide 

information and let 

grieving parents know 

they are not alone.

Case Study: GoNZ! was a 

call to action for people 

and businesses to support 

local businesses in their 

community as they kick-

start their operations and, 

in some cases, even fight 

for survival during the 

Covid-19 crisis.

ANNUAL REPORT 2020 19

INITIATIVE

PROGRESS

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.

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.

SHARING OUR PLATFORMS

We will use our wide reach across New 
Zealand to provide a range of opinion and 
ensure a diversity of voices.

NZME strives to adhere to our Editorial Code of Ethics and the principles and 
standards of the NZ Media Council and the Broadcasting Standards Authority (BSA). 

Regulator

BSA

Media Council

Number of Upholds

One

Four

Where justified in the interests of freedom of expression, open justice and holding 
the powerful to account, NZME invests in legal challenges to suppression, take 
down orders, access to court files and other media law challenges. In 2020 NZME 
participated in at least 24 legal challenges, some of which involved continued 
investment in opposing or appealing to the High Court, Court of Appeal and the 
Supreme Court.

We have maintained our commitment to the regions through the presence of 
local journalists and broadcasters. We employ 526 journalists and broadcasters 
nationwide including upweighted newsrooms in Christchurch and Wellington. 

We participate in and support the Local Democracy Reporters - NZ On Air funded 
journalists, hosting two (of eight) democracy reporters in our newsrooms in 2020. 

We support an increase in the diversity of content and contributors across our platforms. 
Initiatives included new partnerships in 2020 with Radio New Zealand (RNZ), The Spinoff 

and Māori Television. NZME also carries RNZ and 12 iwi stations on iHeartRadio.

We have utilised our platforms to fight for New Zealanders including the 
disadvantaged, facilitating conversations that matter and holding the powerful to 
account. Refer to example case studies page 18 and 20. 

In 2020 we have championed and supported charitable causes, providing support to: 

ADHD New Zealand

Pet Refuge New Zealand

Surf Lifesaving NZ 

Auckland Rescue 
Helicopter Trust

Cure Kids 

KidsCan

Mary Potter Hospice

MusicHelps 

Plunket

Ronald McDonald House

Shine (Making Homes 
Violence Free) 

Solomon Group  
(Northland)

Starship Children’s 
Hospital

Tauranga Community 
Foodbank

Wellington Children’s 
Hospital

NZME recognises the responsibility that comes 
with acting as a voice of record for New Zealand 
and we continued to use our reach to address 
key topics and conversations important to  
New Zealanders.

20 NEW ZEALAND MEDIA AND ENTERTAINMENT

OUR COMMUNITIES

CONTINUED

Case Study: The Northern 

Advocate and The Hits Northland 

used their platforms to canvas the 

local community for assistance 

to create 20 furnished portacom 

homes for Northland’s homeless.

Case Study: The NZ Herald profiled twelve charities 

awarded $8,333 grants from Auckland Airport’s Twelve 

Days of Christmas programme in 2020 – now in its 

thirteenth year. One recipient included OKE Charity 

who installed a new garden for students at Manurewa 

South Primary. OKE fundraises the cost of around 

$10,000 per garden and organised the working bee  

to build it with a team of community volunteers

ANNUAL REPORT 2020 21

OUR 
PEOPLE

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

NZME believes its primary responsibility to 

NZME continued to support a diverse 

partnerships and support the newsroom to 

its people is to provide an inclusive, safe 

range of lifestyle choices (including 

improve cultural diversity and awareness. 

and healthy workplace and this was more 

parenting and caring for others) through 

critical than ever with Covid-19. We are 

enabling flexible working options for our 

proud of the quality and speed of delivery 

employees. During and post lockdowns 

to ensure our people were safe and able 

our people were equipped with resources 

to contribute and support government 

and skills needed to work from home. 

We are also working on a number of 

initiatives across NZME to improve 

representation of Māori and Pasifika, in 

particular through our intern programmes 

and with the TupuToa organisation. NZME’s 

initiatives as an essential service through 

Covid-19 lockdowns regionally and 

nationwide. 

NZME has recognised the need to focus 

Māori partnership workgroup is working to 

on improving ethnic and cultural diversity 

raise our understanding of Māori culture 

both in our people and the content we 

and awareness and adherence to the 

NZME strives to maintain its position as an 

produce. Initiatives in 2020 included 

principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi through 

employer of choice in the media industry. 

improving the quality of ethnicity data we 

initiatives including a review of corporate 

Our people, policies and practices provide 

hold so that meaningful objectives and 

governance documents, policies, 

our people with opportunities for learning 

initiatives can be developed. 

processes, and roll out of Te Reo and 

and development, the ability to choose 

how to manage a healthy work-life balance, 

a focus on diversity and inclusion – and a 

commitment to health, safety and wellness. 

We have appointed a Head of Cultural 

Partnerships in our newsroom to continue 

to promote cultural (including content) 

cultural awareness training. 

22 NEW ZEALAND MEDIA AND ENTERTAINMENT

OUR PEOPLE CONTINUED

INITIATIVE

PROGRESS

PROMOTING A HEALTHY, DIVERSE  
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 
that celebrates diversity. We will adopt and 
strengthen policies for the promotion of 
gender equality.

CHAMPIONING THE CRAFT

We will ensure we are mentoring the next 
generation of journalists and broadcasters. 
We will develop our people to maintain 
and grow the craft.

EQUIPPING OUR PEOPLE

We will commit to offering our staff relevant 
and impactful training to create new 
opportunities for growth and innovation.

We have continued to minimise health and safety incidents in 2020 and reduced 
these by more than half. Please refer to page 41 for a full breakdown of incidents.

We have increased awareness and engagement with health and safety initiatives with 
over 200 communications through multiple channels. This volume was primarily 
driven by Covid-19.

The employee Diversity and Inclusion Committee celebrated and educated 
employees about Chinese New Year, Rainbow Youth, International Women’s Day,  
Te Wiki o te Reo Māori, the Moon Festival and Diwali. NZME has maintained the 
Rainbow Tick certification mark (awarded to organisations that complete a diversity 
and inclusion assessment process). 

NZME aims to adopt policies and initiatives that have the effect of reducing the gender 
pay gap across the business. In 2020 we conducted a review of the gender pay gap 
in each area of the business and adopted actions to seek to address the gap and 
to address any specific gender pay issues identified. We updated our Recruitment 
and Selection policies and procedures to mandate equal gender representation 
on interview panels and to enable improved recruitment screening through our 
recruitment system. 

We are striving for diversity at Board, Executive and Senior Leadership Team level. 
We have begun by capturing our baseline reporting in 2020 by tracking gender and 
ethnicity at these levels. 

For gender, we have at Board level F60%:M40%, at Executive level F44%:M56%  
and at the Senior Leadership level F43%:M57%. For ethnicity, we have at Board  
and Executive levels all members identifying as European, at Senior Leadership  
level we have 89.4% European, 6.4% Māori, 2.1% Indian and 2.1% identifying as Other. 
We recognise that cultural and ethnic diversity needs to be improved and we have 
adopted and are working on a number of initiatives to seek to address this.

NZME supports flexible working for diverse needs and/or shared responsibility in 
the household. Policies and initiatives in 2020 to support this include equipping and 
supporting people to work from home and flexibly during and post lockdown and 
updating the Flexible Working Policy.

A total of 104 hours of media law and regulation training was undertaken by  
our journalists and broadcasters at NZME in 2020. In addition the Board of Directors 
attended a Media Law training session to assist in their knowledge  
and understanding of the legal issues encountered in journalism.

20 interns and cadets were employed at NZME in 2020.

NZME was voted in the Top 100 Graduate Employers in GradNewZealand’s 2020 
Student Survey.

We showcased our talent through a schedule of campaigns. For example,  
we ran a campaign to showcase the NZ Herald Business team in 2020.

Refer to page 26 for our Awards list celebrating the talent and commitment  
of our people.

Our people undertook a total of 8,763 hours of training in 2020 including the 
Editorial Learning and Development programme, health and safety training, creative 
and production training, people training (leadership, effective communication and 
recruitment for example) digital and sales operation training. 

In 2020 we were awarded an INMA (International News Media Association) Award for 
“The People Programme”, our Editorial Learning and Development Programme.

ANNUAL REPORT 2020 23

GENDER / LEVEL

AGE GROUP

CONTRACT TYPE

44%

56%

57%

<24
9%

55+
19%

56%

44%

43%

45-54
21%

STAFF 

EXECUTIVE

F

M N

SENIOR
LEADERSHIP TEAM

35-44
26%

25-34
25%

FULL TIME
70%

PART TIME
8%

CASUAL
17%

CONTRACTOR
5%

LENGTH OF SERVICE

ETHNICITY

The survey method has been modified in 2020  
to capture more than one ethnicity per person.

300

200

100

0

< 1 Y

1 -2 Y

3 - 5 Y

6 - 10 Y 11 - 20 Y 21 - 30 Y

31 Y +

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

Chinese

European

Indian

Maori

Middle Eastern/Latin America/African

Other Asian

Other Ethnicity

Pacific Peoples

Undeclared

24 NEW ZEALAND MEDIA AND ENTERTAINMENT

OUR 
ENVIRONMENT

We take our responsibility to the environment seriously.

Case Study: The 
Government’s Our 
Atmosphere and Climate 
2020 Report revealed 
a rapidly transforming 
New Zealand. NZ Herald 
Science Reporter, Jamie 
Morton looked at the  
five most glaring facts.

Kiwis’ concern over environmental issues continued to 
increase in 2020 and as a media organisation we understood 
our responsibility to demonstrate leadership in this space, to 
share our platforms to raise community awareness and ask 
the questions that mattered. 

We intend to continue the progress we have made in 2021. 

NZME continues to review the actual and potential impact 
its business practices have on the environment. NZME has 
put in place policies and methods to enable it to measure 
this impact. This has, and will continue to, enable NZME to 
reduce environmental impacts through recycling, reduction 
of greenhouse gas (‘GHG’) emissions and sustainable 
procurement policies. 

Some of our environmental initiatives were positively 
impacted by Covid-19 lockdowns (for example, less travel) 
and NZME will need to be vigilant to ensure these gains can 
be maintained.

One of the focus areas for NZME in 2020 was recycling 
(particularly of our batteries, ink and cartridges), internally 

championing Recycling Week and Plastic Free July and the 

evolution of our Responsible Sourcing Policy.

Case Study: Covering Climate Now:  

NZ Herald Science Reporter Jamie Morton, 

asked a number of experts ‘what can we 

do that we aren’t already doing?’

 
ANNUAL REPORT 2020 25

INITIATIVE

PROGRESS

RECYCLING

We will separate our internal waste streams 
– including paper, food and green waste, 
and recyclables – to optimise value and 
reduce environmental impacts.

BEST PRACTICE

We will maintain our print operation’s 
Environmental Management System. 

We will collaborate with our suppliers 
and partners to ensure best practice 
sustainable operations.

RESPONSIBILITY

We will share our platform to promote 
environmental issues impacting Kiwis 
including carbon emissions and climate 
change.

Recycling facilities and initiatives in place through major offices with training and 
support offered.

The Ellerslie print plant has launched a Plastic Reduction Project across both its 
production and distribution teams, to reduce plastic usage of 47t in 2020. This 
is a phased project which is expected to lead to a decline in plastic used in the 
production process in the future.

A Waste Committee chaired by the Ellerslie Plant’s General Manager has been 
formed to reduce the 37t of general waste removed from the print plant in 2020. 
This Committee is tasked with a number of actions to ensure an annual decline in 
general waste from the plant.

NZME’s print operations were again awarded the Toitu Enviromark Gold certificate in 
2020.

We are evolving a responsible sourcing policy and work with a number of sustainable 
suppliers, for example: Orix, NZ Post, Air NZ, Norske and OfficeMax. 

Employees travelled 3,425,769 kms within NZ in 2020.

In 2020 carbon emissions from our motor vehicle fleet were 544 tCO2e. 

Our newspaper distribution network generated 2,754 tCO2e in 2020.

The NZ Herald continued to take part in the annual Covering Climate Now  
– a global news media initiative highlighting the need for action against climate 
change. Refer to example on page 24.

As part of the NZ Herald’s election coverage, environmental issues were highlighted 
including the different environmental policies of the political parties. NZME 
journalists comprehensively covered the Government’s major report on climate 
impacts on NZ.

The numbers in this table have not been independently audited.

Kiwis’ concern over environmental issues 
continued to increase in 2020 and as a 
media organisation we understood our 
responsibility to demonstrate leadership 
in this space.

26 NEW ZEALAND MEDIA AND ENTERTAINMENT

2020 
AWARDS

We are proud of our people and their 

achievements. In 2020 we celebrated the 

craft of broadcasting and journalism with 

the following award wins: 

New Zealand Radio Awards 
Categories won by NZME: 

Best Commercial Campaign – Joint Winner 

The Voyager Media Awards 

Categories won by  

NZ Herald / nzherald.co.nz: 

Website of The Year 

Best News Website or App 

Best Innovation in Digital Storytelling 

Voyager Newspaper of the Year 

Newspaper of the Year  

(more than 30,000 circulation) 

Political Journalist of the Year 

Best Client Promotion/Activation 

Best Sports Story – Team Coverage 

Best Sports Reader, Presenter or 

Commentator 

Best Newsreader (News & Sport) 

Best New Broadcaster  

– On-Air Joint-winner 

Best New Broadcaster – Off-Air 

Best Talk Presenter – Other 

Best Talk Presenter – Breakfast or Drive 

Reporting – social issues, including health 

Best Music Host – Local 

NZME was also recognised as a finalist 

for Best Internal Communications at the 

annual Public Relations Institute of  

New Zealand (PRINZ) Awards. NZME 

received an excellence award for HR Team 

of the Year (>500 staff) in the HRD Awards 

New Zealand 2021 for the support the team 

provided to the business during Covid-19 

in 2020.

NZME was awarded Native Sales 

Excellence (Agency) by The Interactive 

Advertising Bureau of New Zealand (IAB).

As well as being recognised for the 

above New Zealand industry awards, 

NZME celebrated a significant win at the 

prestigious International News Media 

Association (INMA) Awards with Best  

New Initiative to Empower and Retain 

Best Music Breakfast Show – Local 

Talent – “The People Programme”. This 

Feature Writer of the Year: short form  

Best Video 

Best Breakfast Show – Music Network 

and education 

Photographer of the Year 

(up to 3500 words) 

Feature Writing: general  

– (Joint winner) 

Regional Journalism Scholarship  
– (Joint winner) 

Best Station Trailer 

Best Station Imaging 

– Joint Winner 

initiative received the additional accolade 

of being judged Best in Asia Pacific for a 

Global/National brand. 

NZME also collected an honorable 

mention for Best Use of Print and was 

recognised for Best Idea to Acquire or 

Best New Initiative to Enhance Corporate 

Culture. NZME was also recognised on the 

30 Under 30 Award list. 

Best Show Producer – Talk Show  

Retain Advertising Clients (OneRoof) and 

NIB Health Journalism Scholarship: Senior 

Best Show Producer – Music Show 

NIB Health Journalism Scholarship: Junior 

Best Interview or Profile 

Associated Craft Award 

Services to Broadcasting 

Outstanding Contribution to Radio 

ANNUAL REPORT 2020 27

Mike Hosking,  
NewstalkZB  
Breakfast Show host 

28 NEW ZEALAND MEDIA AND ENTERTAINMENT

THE 
NZME 
BOARD Barbara Chapman

Independent Chairman

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 Chairman of Genesis Energy 

Limited and holds an independent directorship on the 

board of Fletcher Building 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 a 

seat on the Reserve Bank Act Review Panel. Barbara was 

appointed Chairman of the NZME Board in June 2020.

ANNUAL REPORT 2020 29

Carol Campbell 
Independent Director

David Gibson
Independent Director

Carol Campbell is a Chartered Accountant and Fellow 

of CAANZ, 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 10 years. Carol has extensive financial 

experience and a sound understanding of efficient 

board governance and chairs NZME’s Audit and Risk 

Committee. 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.

David Gibson has a strong background in strategy 

and finance with over 20 years investment banking 

experience, including as Co-Head of Investment 

Banking in New Zealand for Deutsche Bank and 

Deutsche Craigs. During his finance career David has 

advised on many of New Zealand’s largest capital 

market transactions, including within the media 

industry. David is director of Trustpower Limited, 

Goodman (NZ) Limited and Rangatira Limited. He is 

also a trustee for Diocesan School for Girls and has 

recently launched an e-commerce start-up Sidehustle 

Ecommerce Limited.

Sussan Turner
Independent Director

Guy Horrocks
Independent Director

For the past 25 years Sussan has held senior leadership 

Guy established himself as an early pioneer of the 

roles across media companies, including Group CEO 

mobile app industry co-founding the world’s first 

of MediaWorks, Managing Director of Radio Otago and 

commercial iPhone app company in 2007, Polar 

CEO of RadioWorks. She is currently Group CEO and 

Bear Farm. He is one of a number of high powered, 

Director of Aspire2 Group Limited, one of the leading 

experienced New Zealand entrepreneurs who’ve built 

private tertiary education groups in New Zealand and 

internationally successful digital enterprises – only 

is passionate about building executive teams and 

to return to New Zealand to escape the worst of the 

company cultures. Sussan has extensive experience as 

impacts of Covid-19 on their adopted homes. With 

a director and is currently Pro-chancellor of Auckland 
University of Technology and Co-Chair of Organic 

Initiative Limited.

clients including Expedia, DreamWorks, HBO, OREO, 
CNN, Time Magazine as well as NZ Herald, Horrocks 

helped launch over 100 mobile apps with his award-

winning mobile agency Carnival Labs, many of which 

were featured by Apple. Guy Horrocks has since 

launched a new real-time data warehouse called SOLVE. 
Guy was appointed as Independent Director of the 

NZME Board following the end of the financial year.

30 NEW ZEALAND MEDIA AND ENTERTAINMENT

THE NZME 
EXECUTIVE TEAM

D

Katie Mills  
Chief Marketing Officer

Katie joined the NZME Executive Team in 
December 2018 assuming leadership of the 
company’s Marketing and Communications 
functions. She is also responsible for the 
creative function of NZME including Sound, 
Vision and Creative departments. Prior to 
joining NZME, 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.

A

Michael Boggs 
Chief Executive Officer

C

Paul Maher 
Chief of OneRoof

Paul was appointed to the newly created 
Chief of OneRoof role in February 2021. 
OneRoof is New Zealand’s fastest growing 
multi-channel real estate and property 
platform and Paul’s appointment reflects 
the continued growth of OneRoof as a key 
pillar in NZME’s strategy.

Paul has extensive commercial leadership 
experience in numerous senior roles in New 
Zealand’s leading media companies including 
Commercial Director and Business Strategy 
Director at TVNZ and Chief Executive of 
MediaWorks Television. His commercial media 
experience includes establishing media 
communications agency Starcom MediaVest 
Group in New Zealand and leading the group’s 
business as CEO of Canada, China and then 
the North Asia region.

Paul has over thirty years business experience 
and has previously served on the board of 

Freeview New Zealand and 

Chair of the Kiwi Premium 
Media Exchange (KPEX) 
and Think TV New Zealand. 

Michael was appointed CEO of 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 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.

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

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; 
and leading NZME’s Culture & Performance 
function. 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.

H

Laura Maxwell  
Chief Digital Officer

Laura was appointed Chief Digital Officer in 
August 2017 and is responsible for growing 
the digital business, including enterprise 
responsibility for digital products and 
development, data, digital customer and 
digital revenue. The role also includes 
responsibility for DRIVEN and GrabOne. 
Until 2021, Laura led the OneRoof business, 
creating NZ’s fastest growing property portal.

E

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.

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. 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 

ANNUAL REPORT 2020 31

Laura joined NZME in 2013 as Commercial 
Director at The Radio Network, moving in 2014 
to APN Group Director Digital Media. In 2015, 
Laura was appointed Group Revenue Director, 
which transitioned to Chief Commercial 
Officer as part of the NZME transformation. 
Prior to joining the NZME group, Laura held 
the position of General Manager for Yahoo! 
New Zealand and previously held the role 
of Sales Director at APN Outdoor. Laura has 
over 25 years of experience in media and has 
held Chair roles for the Interactive Advertising 
Bureau and The Radio Bureau.

I

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 nine 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 nine-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.

J

Shayne Currie 
Managing Editor

Shayne has been a journalist for 32 years, a 
career that has spanned frontline and senior 
newsroom roles from New Zealand to New 
York. As NZME’s Managing Editor since 2015, 
he is responsible for the company’s almost 
300 editorial staff, in a role that includes 
overseeing the unrivalled mix of digital, 
audio, visual and print storytelling across the 
NZ Herald, nzherald.co.nz, Newstalk ZB, and 
NZME’s five regional daily newspapers.  

Shayne has helped lead some of the 
company’s biggest projects including  
the launch of the Herald on Sunday, the 
NZ Herald’s move to compact format and, 

in 2019, the launch of NZ Herald 

Premium digital subscriptions.  

Shayne sits on the board 
of the News Publishers 
Association, helping 
represent the industry on 
matters such as media 
regulation and public 
interest journalism. He 
was awarded the 2016 
Wolfson Scholarship at 
Cambridge University, 
studying audience 
patterns in the digital age.

 
32 NEW ZEALAND MEDIA AND ENTERTAINMENT

CORPORATE 
GOVERNANCE

GOVERNANCE FRAMEWORK

The Company is listed on the NZX Main Board and has a Foreign 

The Company has provided training on the Code of Conduct  

Exempt Listing on the ASX (both under the ticker  

& Ethics in the form of a video series on key points relevant  

code “NZM”). The ASX Foreign Exempt Listing category is based 

to employees.

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 

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 

set of ASX Listing Rules.

public’s right to know.

The Company’s corporate governance framework, as described 

Securities Trading Policy

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 2020 (unless otherwise 

stated) and are available on the Company’s website. The Board of 

NZME has approved this corporate governance statement. 

PRINCIPLE 1 - CODE OF ETHICAL BEHAVIOUR

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 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 the NZME Long Term 

Incentive Plan.

PRINCIPLE 2 - BOARD COMPOSITION  
& PERFORMANCE

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

Role of the Board and Board Charter

The business and affairs of the Company is managed under the 

direction and supervision of the Board currently comprised of 

independent Chairman, Barbara Chapman, and independent 

The Company’s Code of Conduct & Ethics governs the Company 

directors; Carol Campbell, David Gibson, Sussan Turner and  

and its subsidiaries’ commercial operations and the conduct of 

Guy Horrocks (appointed 8 February 2021). Peter Cullinane 

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 on 11 April 2019. 

resigned as Chair and director on 11 June 2020.

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 

Reporting of breaches of the Code is encouraged and steps for 

role of the Board is to assume accountability for the success of 

doing so are set out in the Code of Conduct & Ethics and the 

the Company by taking overall responsibility for the strategic 

Whistleblower Policy. 

direction and monitoring of operational management of the 

ANNUAL REPORT 2020 33

Group in accordance with good corporate governance principles. 

Diversity and Inclusion

More details regarding the main functions of the Board and the 

distinction from the roles of management can be found in the 

Board Charter available on the Company’s website.

Director Nomination and Appointment

Directors are appointed by the Company’s shareholders, with 

rotation and retirement being determined by the Constitution. 

The Group believes that a diverse and inclusive 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 Board may appoint directors to fill casual vacancies. Directors 

the principles of, its Diversity and Inclusion Policy which is 

appointed to fill casual vacancies are required to retire and 

available on the Company’s website. 

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. The Committee follows the nomination and 

appointment processes set out in the Governance & Remuneration 

Committee Charter available on the Company’s website. The 

Company enters into written agreements with each newly 

appointed director establishing the terms of their appointment.

Director Independence and Profiles

All of the Company’s directors, including the Chair, are independent 

directors for the purposes of the NZX Listing Rules as none of them 

are executives of the Company or have direct or indirect interests or 

relationships that could reasonably influence, or could reasonably 

be perceived to influence, in a material way, their decisions in 

relation to the Company. The profile for each director is available 

on the Company’s website and on page 28-29 of the Annual Report. 

Information about director attendance at meetings and ownership 

interests is set out on pages 35 and 44 of the Annual Report.

The Our People section on page 21 of the Annual Report sets 

out more detail about our diversity and inclusion objectives 

and progress towards achieving them. In accordance with the 

Diversity and Inclusion Policy, the Board assesses those objectives 

and NZME’s progress towards achieving them on an annual basis. 

The Board is comfortable with the Company’s 2020 performance 

with respect to its Diversity and Inclusion Policy and objectives 

but notes the ongoing nature of efforts to meet those objectives.

The table below includes the quantitative breakdown as to the 

gender composition of NZME’s Board and Officers as at the 

balance date. Since the balance date Guy Horrocks has been 

appointed as an independent director of the Company (with 

effect from 8 February 2021) and Paul Maher has joined the NZME 

Executive Team as Chief of OneRoof (with effect from  

2 February 2021).

As at

Board

Officers 1

31 December 2020

31 December 2019

Male

1

2

Female

3

3

Male

5

5

Female

4

4

1 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 and any person reporting to the Chief Executive or the Board directly. The numbers above 
therefore include the CEO and other members of the Group Executive Team.

34 NEW ZEALAND MEDIA AND ENTERTAINMENT

CORPORATE 
GOVERNANCE

CONTINUED

Director Access to Training, Information and Advice

Audit & Risk Committee

On appointment the Company’s directors are offered induction 

The Committee consists of three independent directors (one 

training as to the responsibilities of the directors and to enable 

of whom has an accounting and financial background). The 

the director to become familiar with the Company’s operations 

functions of the Committee are to:

and sites. Further training on pertinent topics is provided to the 

Board during the year. 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 

• 

Review, consider and if necessary, investigate any reports  

or findings arising from any audit function either internally  

or externally;

such information and seek independent advice as they consider 

• 

Evaluate financial information submitted to it, along with 

necessary to fulfil their duties and responsibilities.

relevant policies and procedures; and

Performance Review

The Chair 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.

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 two standing Committees; the Audit & Risk 

•  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.

As at 31 December 2020, 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.

Committee and the Governance & Remuneration Committee, to 

Governance & Remuneration Committee

assist in carrying out its responsibilities. The Board dissolved the 

Corporate Social Responsibility Committee in July 2020 given 

NZME has now launched its Sustainability Commitment (details of 

which are available in this report and on the Company’s website) 

and that commitment is now overseen by the Board as a whole. 

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 

The Committees operate under Board approved charters which 

executives reporting directly to the CEO.

are available on the Company’s website. 

The Governance & Remuneration Committee also makes 

The Board may establish other committees from time to time to 

recommendations to the full Board regarding the composition of the 

deal with specific projects or matters relating to the Company’s 

Board, filling of vacancies, appointing additional directors to the Board, 

various activities. 

The Board does not have a separate Health and Safety Committee, 

but Health and 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.

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.

ANNUAL REPORT 2020 35

As at 31 December 2020, director Sussan Turner was a member 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.

Board & Committee Attendance 1 January 2020 to 31 December 2020 1

Director 

Board

Audit & Risk

Governance & 
Remuneration

Corporate Social 
Responsibility

(dissolved July 2020)

Barbara Chapman

Carol Campbell

David Gibson

Sussan Turner

Peter Cullinane 2

20 of 20

20 of 20

20 of 20

20 of 20

15 of 15

4 of 4

4 of 4

4 of 4

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

10 of 10

10 of 10

2 of 2

2 of 2

N/A

N/A

2 of 2

1 These numbers do not include attendances at Committee meetings by non-member Directors.2 Peter Cullinane resigned on 11 June 2020.

PRINCIPLE 4 - REPORTING & DISCLOSURE

The Board should demand integrity in financial and non-

Corporate governance documents

financial reporting, and in the timeliness and balance of 

corporate disclosures.

Market Disclosure Policy

The Board has policies and procedures in place to keep investors 

The following documents have been adopted by the Company 

and are available on the Company’s website under the Corporate 

Governance section:

•  NZME Constitution

and staff informed of material information about the Company and 

•  Board Charter

to ensure compliance with the continuous disclosure obligations 

under the Financial Markets Conduct Act 2013 and the NZX Listing 

Rules.

The Market Disclosure Policy (available on the Company’s website) 

is designed to ensure that:

• 

There is full and timely disclosure of the Company’s activities 

and price sensitive information to shareholders and the 

market; and

•  All stakeholders (including shareholders, the market and 

other interested parties) have an equal opportunity to receive 

•  Code of Conduct & Ethics

•  Remuneration Policy

•  Diversity and Inclusion Policy

• 

• 

Editorial Code of Ethics

Fraud Policy

•  Market Disclosure Policy

•  Whistleblower Policy

•  Securities Trading Policy

and obtain externally available information issued by the 

•  Audit & Risk Committee Charter

Company.

•  Governance & Remuneration Committee Charter

The Company will immediately notify the market of any material 

•  Risk Management Policy

information concerning the Company in accordance with 

legislative and regulatory disclosure requirements.

36 NEW ZEALAND MEDIA AND ENTERTAINMENT

CORPORATE 
GOVERNANCE

CONTINUED

Financial Reporting and Disclosure

PRINCIPLE 5 - REMUNERATION

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 remuneration of directors and executives should be 

transparent, fair and reasonable.

The Group’s Consolidated Financial Statements for the year ended 

Remuneration Policy

31 December 2020 are set out on pages 48 to 98 of the Annual 

Report. Also refer to the reports from the Chair and the CEO in this 

Annual Report and the NZME Full Year 2020 Results Presentation 

(available on the Company’s website) for additional information.

Non-Financial Reporting and Disclosure

The Company provides non-financial disclosures relating to Health 

and Safety, Risk Management, our interaction with our communities, 

people and our environment – see our Sustainability Commitment. 

We also include information about our performance against our 

operational priorities during the year. 

The Company’s Remuneration Policy (available on its website) 

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 

NZME’s Sustainability Commitment aligns with the UN Sustainability 

to non-executive directors.

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.

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.

In 2020 we measured our progress against key initiatives and 

The Governance & Remuneration Committee is also responsible 

objectives for each of the three pillars of our Sustainability 

for reviewing the remuneration of the CEO and any executive 

Commitment: Our Communities, Our People and Our Environment. 

directors and, in consultation with the CEO, the remuneration 

This is discussed on pages 18 to 25 of the Annual Report.

packages of executives reporting directly to the CEO. The 

NZME intends to continue to develop its Sustainability 

Commitment with the guidance of the Board.

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.

ANNUAL REPORT 2020 37

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

Chairman of the NZME Board

Membership of the NZME Board

Chairman of NZME Board Committees

Membership of NZME Board Committees

Fees ($)

150,000

100,000

20,000

10,000

Total fees paid to each director during 2020, reflecting the reduction taken in response to Covid-19, are shown in the following table:

Date 
appointed

Date 
resigned

Chairman of 
the Board ($)

Board 
Member ($)

Committee 
Chair ($)

Committee 
Member ($)

Total ($)

Barbara Chapman

18 April 2018

76,315

44,288

8,880

9,429

138,912

Carol Campbell

24 June 2016

94,288

18,858

113,145

David Gibson

8 December 

2017

94,290

18,858

9,429

122,577

Sussan Turner

16 July 2018

94,288

13,869

108,157

Peter Cullinane

24 June 2016

11 June 2020

66,432

8,858

75,289

Total fees paid 2020

558,080

Chief Executive Officer’s Remuneration

Salary ($) A

Bonus ($) B

TIP ($) C

Benefits ($) D

Total ($)

Michael Boggs

852,979

308,968

579,416

34,858

1,776,221

A Salary includes normal basic salary and paid leave. 2020 also includes an extra pay period due to timing of pay cycles. 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 in relation to the 2017 scheme. D Benefits relate to company contributions for KiwiSaver.

Michael Boggs held 1,079,866 shares in the company as at 31 December 2020. In addition to the remuneration disclosed above as at 24 February 

2020, Michael Boggs held 613,031 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. 

38 NEW ZEALAND MEDIA AND ENTERTAINMENT

CORPORATE 
GOVERNANCE

CONTINUED

Employee Remuneration
The Group paid remuneration including benefits in excess of $100,000 to employees (other than directors) during the year ended  

31 December 2020. 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

$320,001 - $330,000

$330,001 - $340,000

$370,001 - $380,000

$390,001 - $400,000

$400,001 - $410,000

$410,001 - $420,000

$430,001 - $440,000

$450,001 - $460,000

$460,001 - $470,000

$490,001 - $500,000

$520,001 - $530,000

$530,001 - $540,000

$620,001 - $630,000

$790,001 - $800,000

$1,770,001 - $1,780,000

69

59

51

44

36

25

19

11

7

16

14

12

8

4

3

8

4

5

3

5

1

1

1

1

2

2

1

2

2

1

1

1

1

1

1

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

422

The remuneration above includes all remuneration paid to permanent employees, including fixed remuneration, employer KiwiSaver 

contributions, medical aid contributions, bonuses, commission, settlements and redundancies. Of the 422 employees paid in excess  

of $100,000, 46 left NZME during the year.

ANNUAL REPORT 2020 39

PRINCIPLE 6 - RISK MANAGEMENT

Directors should have a sound understanding of the material risks 

The Company’s Risk Committee (a management committee)  

faced by the issuer and how to manage them. The Board should 

acts as a governance forum to assist the CEO and the Executive 

regularly verify that the issuer has appropriate processes that 

Team in fulfilling their corporate governance responsibilities.  

identify and manage potential and material risks.

This committee provides assurance that the following aspects  

Risk Management Framework

The Audit & Risk Committee is responsible for the oversight and 

independent review of the Group’s risk management framework, 

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 (available on 

its website) 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.

are managed appropriately:

•  Strategic and operational risk management;

•  Workplace Health and Safety matters;

•  Legal, regulatory and policy compliance;

•  Technology and security matters;

•  Business continuity planning.

The Group is a diversified media company and is subject 

to diverse 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 

The Board is ultimately responsible for the effectiveness, oversight 

to trade off financial or strategic returns by compromising 

and implementation of the Group’s approach to  

compliance with the law, the safety of our people, or our reputation 

risk management.

as a responsible corporate citizen and provider of news, sport and 

The Audit & Risk Committee is responsible for the oversight 

entertainment.

and independent review of the Company’s Risk Management 

When setting the appetite for taking and accepting risk, the Group 

Framework and Guidelines, and assisting the Board to discharge 

also considers the risk posed by inaction in what is a fast-paced 

its oversight responsibility for risk management.

and disrupted market.

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;

•  Driving a culture of risk management throughout the Group.

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 the Company’s Risk Management Framework and Guidelines. 

For additional information on financial risks, please also refer to 

Note 4.7 of the Consolidated Financial Statements. 

40 NEW ZEALAND MEDIA AND ENTERTAINMENT

CORPORATE 
GOVERNANCE

CONTINUED

Health and Safety

The NZME Board Charter states that the role of the Board includes 

5.  We will continue to build an environment where staff  

ensuring that the Group Health and Safety and environmental 

feel confident to speak up if they’re struggling personally  

practices and culture comply with legal requirements, reflects best 

or professionally and get the support they need.  

practice and are recognised by employees and contractors as key 

Mental Health Prevention and Support

priorities for the Group. As noted earlier, NZME does not have a 

separate Board-level Health and Safety Committee as Health and 

Safety is dealt with by the full Board.

Health and Safety advice and direction are overseen by the 

Culture and Performance team and a full-time Health, Safety 

and Compliance Manager. The Company utilises the online 

Health and Safety is included on the Company’s Risk Register. The 

safety management system “Vault” as the framework for how 

Company’s Annual Health and Safety Plan captures the projects and 

safety is managed within the business. Vault is used for incident 

objectives for the year to respond to the identified risks. 

reporting, contractor management, hazard and risk management, 

management of hazardous substances, risk monitoring and 

The Company records and monitors critical Health and Safety risks in 

a separate Health and Safety Risk Register. Currently that register is 

reporting.

reviewed and monitored by the Risk Committee, who meet monthly 

Worker engagement and involvement is recognised as an important 

and receive and review reporting on Health and Safety performance, 

part of growing a positive workplace health and safety culture.  

trends and updates, with key matters and progress against the 

At NZME, being actively involved in and contributing to Health and 

annual plan being reported to the Board. In 2020, areas of focus 

Safety is included in the GuideMe performance review template  

included, managing the risk associated with the Covid-19 pandemic, 

as a KPI for all employees and reviewed as part of the performance 

engaging leaders in health and safety, introducing digital safety 

review process. Health and Safety training forms part of induction 

technology into the print site, installing GPS into vehicles to promote 

and ongoing training schedules to ensure awareness of NZME’s 

safer driving, and mitigating risks associated with lone workers and 

health and safety obligations, critical risks and the resources 

harmful digital content.

The Company intends to build on the effectiveness of health, safety 

and wellbeing across the business, by following the following five 

key priorities over 2021 – 2022:

1.  Leaders will be provided with skills and support systems to 

actively be involved in contributing to the health, safety and 
wellbeing of the business. Proactive Safety Leadership

2.  With the introduction of a new safety check application, there 

will be greater oversight of safety management across all sites. 

Consistency Across Sites

3.  To build on safety excellence within the Print Plant, there will be 
a shift to moving all safety paper-based systems to digital. Print 
Safety Excellence

4.  GPS will continue to be installed in pool and promotional 

vehicles and dangerous driving events will be followed up and 
addressed. Proactive Vehicle Safety

available to satisfy these. NZME maintains a Wellness and Safety 

page on its intranet with sections for safety at NZME (which 

includes training manuals, emergency procedures and safety 

induction documents) and a Wellness section (which includes 

information about our Employee Assistance Programme, wellness 

videos and wellness success stories).

To ensure effective worker involvement, NZME has multiple Health 

and 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 and Safety 

performance is communicated throughout all levels of NZME 

through regular leadership team meetings and internal business 

communications.

Embedding a high performing Health and Safety culture and 

regularly reporting on our performance is a key initiative forming 

part of our Sustainability Commitment, as reported on page 22 of 

this Annual Report. The table below shows NZME’s year-on-year 

Health and Safety incident performance.

ANNUAL REPORT 2020 41

Injury type:

Lost Time Injuries

Medical Injuries

First Aid Injuries

No Treatment

Total

PRINCIPLE 7 - AUDITORS

1 Jan - 31 Dec 2019

1 Jan - 31 Dec 2020

5

17

16

10

48

2

4

11

4

21

The Board should ensure the quality and independence of the 

is also required to provide the Audit & Risk Committee with a 

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 2020.

The Audit & Risk Committee Charter requires the Committee  

to assess the following:

• 

• 

• 

• 

The independence of the auditors;

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 

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 2020, 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.

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 11 June 2020.

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 and 

compliance personnel and a structured internal audit programme 

executed by an external firm.

42 NEW ZEALAND MEDIA AND ENTERTAINMENT

CORPORATE 
GOVERNANCE

CONTINUED

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.

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.

In addition to holding its Annual Shareholders’ Meeting, NZME seeks to regularly engage with shareholders to ensure they are informed 

about our activities and our progress against our stated priorities. NZME engages 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 and 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 usually followed by an investor roadshow during which the CEO and other members of the Executive aim to meet with as many 

shareholders as possible. However, in 2020 such post-result meetings were held virtually. In 2020 NZME also held a virtual Investor Day.

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

ANNUAL REPORT 2020 43

STATUTORY 
DISCLOSURES

INTEREST REGISTER ENTRIES

In accordance with section 211(1)(e) of the Companies Act 1993, particulars of general disclosures of interest in the Interest Register of 

NZME for current directors are set out in the table below. Disclosures during 2020 are noted in italics.

Director

Barbara Chapman

Carol Campbell

Position

Chairman

Deputy Chair

Patron

Director

Member

Chairman

Director

Director

Director

Director

Director

Company

Genesis Energy Limited

The New Zealand Initiative

New Zealand Rainbow Tick Excellence Awards

Fletcher Building Limited

Reserve Bank Act Review Panel

APEC 2021 – CEO Summit Committee

T&G Global Limited

Asset Plus Limited

NZ Post Limited

Chubb Insurance New Zealand Limited

Kiwibank Limited

David Gibson

Director and shareholder

DG Advisory Limited

Director and shareholder

Sidehustle Ecommerce Limited

Trustee

Director

Director

Director

Director

Diocesan School for Girls

Rangatira Limited

Biostrategy Holdings Limited

Trustpower Limited

Goodman (NZ) Limited 

Sussan Turner

Director and shareholder

Aspire2 Group Limited

Co-Chair and shareholder

Organic Initiative Limited

Guy Horrocks

Pro-Chancellor

Shareholder

Auckland University of Technology (AUT)

Solve Data, Inc.

Disclosures of Directors’ interests in share transactions

During 2020, in relation to the Company’s Directors, the following 

•  Carol Campbell acquired 100,000 shares in the Company;

disclosures were made in the Interests Register by Directors as 

to the acquisition or relevant interests in Company shares under 

section 148 of the Companies Act 1993:

• 

Peter Cullinane (resigned 11 June 2020) acquired 200,000 

shares in the Company;

•  Barbara Chapman acquired 23,000 shares in the Company.

44 NEW ZEALAND MEDIA AND ENTERTAINMENT

STATUTORY 
DISCLOSURES

CONTINUED

Directors’ interests in shares

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

Director

Barbara Chapman

Carol Campbell

David Gibson

Number of shares as at 31 December 2020

73,000

150,000

50,000

Use of Company information

No notices have been received by the Board under section 145 

of the Companies Act 1993 with regard to the use of Company 

information received by the Directors in their capacities as 

Directors of the Company or its subsidiary companies.

Indemnities or insurance effected for directors

Financial Statements. Other than Mark O’Sullivan who received 

$8,800 for his services as a director of NZME Australia Pty Limited, 

these directors 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. Peng Yin receives remuneration 

through his company, Hougarden.com Limited, which provides 

In accordance with Section 162 of the Companies Act 1993 and 

services to OneRoof Limited.

the Company’s Constitution, the Company 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 for the period was $952,500.

SUBSIDIARY COMPANY INFORMATION

NZME’s subsidiary companies are listed at Note 6.1 of the 

Consolidated Financial Statements.

Directors of Subsidiary Companies

As at 31 December 2020, 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 2020. Michael 

Boggs, David Mackrell, Laura Maxwell (Chief Digital Officer) and 
Sam Yin (director representing OneRoof’s minority shareholder) 

were directors of the subsidiary OneRoof Limited, in which an 

80% interest was held, as detailed in Note 6.1 of the Consolidated 

Entries in interest registers of Subsidiary 
Companies

For each subsidiary company in which they act as a director 

Michael Boggs and David Mackrell have made general disclosures 

of interests in all other subsidiary companies as a result of 

their executive positions at the Company and their positions as 

directors of the other subsidiary companies. Laura Maxwell has 

made a general disclosure of interest in the OneRoof Limited 

Interest Register arising from her position on the Board of Control 

of the Interactive Advertising Bureau of NZ Inc. Peng Yin has made 

a general disclosure of interest in the OneRoof Limited Interest 

Register arising from his position as director and shareholder of 

Hougarden.com Limited and Hougarden Motors Limited.

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 2020 are noted below:

ANNUAL REPORT 2020 45

Shareholder 

Osmium Partners LLC

Auscap Asset Management Ltd.

Spheria Asset Management Pty Ltd

Forager Funds Management Pty Ltd.

Number of shares held

% of shares held

27,739,284

25,620,000

20,498,325

16,488,767

14.04

12.97

10.38

8.35

The total number of ordinary shares issued by the Company as at 31 December 2020 was 197,570,061. The Company did not have any 

other quoted voting products.

Top 20 shareholders
As at 22 February 2021

Rank

Investor Name

Total Units

% Issued Capital

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

J P Morgan Nominees Australia Pty Limited

Citicorp Nominees Pty Limited

HSBC Custody Nominees (Australia) Limited

JPMORGAN Chase Bank

Accident Compensation Corporation

Bnp Paribas Nominees Pty Ltd

HSBC Nominees (New Zealand) Limited

Walling Pty Limited

HSBC Custody Nominees (Australia) Limited Gsco Eca

National Nominees Limited

FNZ Custodians Limited

Forsyth Barr Custodians Limited

Pax Pasha Pty Ltd

Merrill Lynch (Australia) Nominees Pty Limited

Leh Soon Yong

Murray Athol Osmond

Pax Pasha Pty Ltd

UBS Nominees Pty Ltd

Michael Raymond Boggs

20

Timothy John Eakin

 39,217,589 

 31,495,418 

 12,697,520 

 10,581,967 

 7,805,355 

 7,642,902 

 7,450,905 

 7,000,000 

 6,903,018 

 4,357,223 

 4,308,975 

 4,020,558 

 3,147,959 

 2,383,616 

 1,279,827 

 1,163,404 

 1,123,173 

 1,082,420 

 1,079,866 

 1,070,138 

19.85

15.94

6.43

5.36

3.95

3.87

3.77

3.54

3.49

2.21

2.18

2.04

1.59

1.21

0.65

0.59

0.57

0.55

0.55

0.54

Total

 155,811,833 

78.88

46 NEW ZEALAND MEDIA AND ENTERTAINMENT

STATUTORY 
DISCLOSURES

CONTINUED

Spread of Quoted Security Holders
As at 22 February 2021

Range of Securities Held

1-1000

1001-5000

5001-10000

10001-50000

50001-100000

Greater than 100000

Total

OTHER INFORMATION

Waivers from NZX

Holders 

Holders % 

Issued Capital 

Issued Capital % 

(end)

3,477

988

262

354

55

83

(end)

66.62

18.93

5.02

6.79

1.05

1.59

(end)

881,595

2,347,661

2,005,364

8,107,547

3,917,153

180,310,741

5,219

100.00

197,570,061

(end)

0.45

1.19

1.02

4.10

1.98

91.26

100.00

Exercise of NZX disciplinary powers

The Company did not receive any waivers from any of the NZX 

For the year ended 31 December 2020, NZX did not exercise any of 

Listing Rules during the year.

its disciplinary powers under Rule 9.9.3 of the NZX Listing Rules in 

Donations

In accordance with section 211(1)(h) of the Companies Act 1993, 

NZME notes that the Group made donations of $1,020 during  

relation to the Company.

Direct director appointments under the Company’s 
Constitution

the year ended 31 December 2020. In addition the Group  

Rule 2.4.1 of the NZX Listing Rules allows a company to include in its 

provided in excess of $2.4 million of donated media placement  

Constitution a right for a product holder to appoint a director to the 

to a range of charities.

Credit rating

As at the date of this Annual Report NZME does not have  

a credit rating.

Board under certain circumstances. As at 31 December 2020, none 

of the Directors were appointed pursuant to Rule 2.4.1.

ANNUAL REPORT 2020 47

48 NEW ZEALAND MEDIA AND ENTERTAINMENT

CONSOLIDATED 
FINANCIAL 
STATEMENTS

NZME LIMITED

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020

ANNUAL REPORT 2020 49

50 NEW ZEALAND MEDIA AND ENTERTAINMENT

CONTENTS

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

Assets and Liabilities

Capital Management

Taxation

Group Structure and Investments in Other Entities

Related Parties

Contingent Liabilities

Subsequent Events

Independent Auditor's Report

51

52

53

54

55

56

57

60

68

77

89

92

97

98

98

99

* 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 58.

DIRECTORS’ 
STATEMENT

ANNUAL REPORT 2020 51

The directors are pleased to present the consolidated financial statements of NZME Limited (the “Company”) and its subsidiaries 
(together the “Group”) for the year ended 31 December 2020, incorporating the consolidated financial statements and the 
auditor’s report.

The directors are responsible, on behalf of the Company, for presenting these consolidated financial statements in accordance 
with applicable New Zealand legislation and generally acceptable accounting practices in New Zealand in order to present 
consolidated financial statements that present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Group as at 31 
December 2020 and the results of the Group’s operations and cash flows for the year then ended.

The consolidated financial statements for the Group as presented on pages 52 to 98 are signed on behalf of the Board of 
Directors, and are authorised for issue on the date below. 

For and on behalf of the Board of Directors 

Barbara Chapman 
Chairman 

Date: 23 February 2021 

Carol Campbell   
Director   

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
52 NEW ZEALAND MEDIA AND ENTERTAINMENT

CONSOLIDATED 
INCOME STATEMENT

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020

Revenue

Finance and other income

Total revenue and other income

Expenses from operations before finance costs, depreciation, amortisation

Depreciation and amortisation

Profit before finance costs, income tax and impairment of intangibles

Finance costs

Share of joint ventures and associates net loss after tax

Impairment of software

Impairment of goodwill and indefinite life brands

Profit / (loss) before income tax expense 

Income tax expense

Net profit / (loss) after tax

Profit / (loss) 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

6.2.2

2.4.2

2.4.2

2020 
$’000

2019 
$’000

322,139

371,079

13,061

1,319

335,200

372,398

(274,279)

(315,829)

(30,224)

(31,672)

30,697

(8,253)

(417)

(3,149)

24,897

(9,495)

-

-

-

(175,000)

18,878

(159,598)

5.1

(4,636)

(5,574)

14,242

(165,172)

14,547

(164,665)

(305)

(507)

14,242

(165,172)

Cents

Cents

Earnings per share attributable to the ordinary shareholders of the Company

Basic earnings per share

Diluted earnings per share

2.3

2.3

 7.36 

 7.17 

 (83.77)

 (82.51)

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

 
 
 
ANNUAL REPORT 2020 53

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT 
OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020

Net profit / (loss) after tax

Other comprehensive income

Items that may be reclassified to profit or loss

Effective (loss) / gain on hedging instruments

Reclassification to profit or loss

Tax impact of hedging transactions

Net (loss) / gain on hedging instruments

Net exchange differences on translation of foreign operations

Items that will not be reclassified to profit or loss

Share of revaluation of joint ventures’ and associates’ assets

Other comprehensive income, net of tax

Total comprehensive income

Total comprehensive income attributable to:

Owners of the Company

Non-controlling interests

Note

2020 
$’000

2019
$’000

14,242

(165,172)

4.2

4.2

4.2

4.2

4.2

(656)

82

70

(504)

(21)

1,271

746

265

(17)

(70)

178

12

-

190

14,988

(164,982)

15,293

(164,475)

(305)

(507)

14,988

(164,982)

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

54 NEW ZEALAND MEDIA AND ENTERTAINMENT

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET

AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2020

Current assets

Cash and cash equivalents

Trade and other receivables

Inventories

Assets classified as held for sale

Total current assets

Non-current assets

Intangible assets

Property, plant and equipment

Right-of-use assets

Capital work in progress

Other financial assets

Equity accounted investments

Other receivables and prepayments

Derivative financial instruments

Total non-current assets

Total assets

Current liabilities

Trade and other payables

Current lease liabilities

Derivative financial instruments

Current tax provision

Liabilities directly associated with assets classified as held for sale

Total current liabilities

Non-current liabilities

Non-current lease liabilities

Interest bearing liabilities

Derivative financial instruments

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

3.6

6.3.1

3.1

3.2

3.3

3.4

6.2.2

3.5

3.9

3.7

4.5.2

3.9

6.3.1

4.5.2

4.5.1

3.9

5.2

4.1

4.2

2020 
$’000

2019 
$’000

11,560

43,882

1,480

56,922

2,165

59,087

150,478

34,978

85,382

2,275

815

4,162

1,079

-

279,169

338,256

43,838

10,931

16

1,575

56,360

7,338

63,698

96,521

45,379

310

260

142,470

206,168

132,088

361,758

3,485

(233,280)

131,963

125

132,088

14,416

52,449

1,943

68,808

-

68,808

150,263

39,902

75,538

13,633

815

3,308

1,329

248

285,036

353,844

51,483

11,076

-

254

62,813

-

62,813

84,807

89,149

-

605

174,561

237,374

116,470

360,768

2,984

(247,712)

116,040

430

116,470

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

ANNUAL REPORT 2020 55

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT 
OF CHANGES IN EQUITY

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020

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 2019

360,363

2,998

(77,662)

285,699

937

286,636

Adoption of NZ IFRS 16

-

-

(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)

2016 total incentive plan (TIP) settlement

405

(515)

Balance at 31 December 2019

360,768

2,984

(247,712)

116,040

430

116,470

Balance at 1 January 2020

360,768

2,984

(247,712)

116,040

430

116,470

Net profit / (loss) after tax

Other comprehensive income 

Total comprehensive income

Deferred tax on share based payments

Share based payments expense

4.2

-

-

-

-

-

-

14,547

14,547

(305)

14,242

746

746

-

1,095

-

746

-

746

14,547

15,293

(305)

14,988

(115)

(115)

-

-

1,095

(350)

-

-

-

(115)

1,095

(350)

2017 TIP settlement

990

(1,340)

Balance at 31 December 2020

361,758

3,485

(233,280)

131,963

125

132,088

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

56 NEW ZEALAND MEDIA AND ENTERTAINMENT

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT 
OF CASH FLOWS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020

Cash flows from operating activities

Receipts from customers

Payments to suppliers and employees

Government grants

Dividends received

Interest received

Interest paid on bank facilities

Interest paid on leases

Income taxes paid

Net cash inflows from operating activities

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

Note

2020
$’000

2019
$’000

324,146

368,454

(266,514)

(307,562)

1.5.4

9,900

2

67

(3,175)

4.5.2

(4,833)

(2,674)

56,919

4.6

-

108

87

(4,752)

(4,824)

(4,540)

46,971

(6,340)

(11,840)

-

30

-

125

11

(20)

Net cash outflows from investing activities

(6,310)

(11,724)

Cash flows from financing activities

Proceeds from borrowings

Repayments of borrowings

Payments for borrowing cost

Payments for lease liability principal

Net cash outflows from financing activities

Net (decrease) / increase in cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of the year

4.5.1

4.5.1

4.5.1

4.5.2

Cash and cash equivalents at end of the year

4.6

10,000

45,500

(53,500)

(66,500)

(490)

(36)

(9,475)

(11,512)

(53,465)

(32,548)

(2,856)

14,416

11,560

2,699

11,717

14,416

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

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED 
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

ANNUAL REPORT 2020 57

1.0  BASIS OF PREPARATION

1.2.1  Basis of measurement 

1.1 

REPORTING ENTITY AND  
STATUTORY BASE

These consolidated financial statements have been prepared 

under the historical cost convention with the exception of certain 

items for which specific accounting policies are identified.

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

limited by ordinary shares which are publicly traded on the NZX 

1.2.2  Comparatives

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’ 

(together the “Group”) principal activity during the financial year was 

the operation of an integrated media and entertainment business.

1.2  GENERAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Certain prior period information has been re-presented to ensure 

consistency with current year disclosures and to provide more 

meaningful comparison. The prior period information that has 

been re-presented is:

•  Other financial assets: Consolidated balance sheet, 

investments’ costs moved to equity accounted investments. 

This also affected FV disclosures in note 4.8.2.

• 

In note 2.1 $3,015,890 of print other revenue has been 

reclassified to external printing and distribution.

• 

Finance costs in note 2.2.3 have been split into interest on 

These consolidated financial statements have been prepared in 

bank facilities and interest on leases.

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”). 

• 

Leasehold improvements have been separated from buildings 

in note 3.2

•  Deferred revenue in note 3.7 has been separated from trade 

and other payables, and has therefore been excluded from the 

trade payables and accruals in note 4.7.4.

The consolidated financial statements have also been prepared in 

•  Average price per right of performance rights in note 4.3 has 

accordance with Part 7 of the Financial Markets Conduct Act 2013 

been recalculated.

and the NZX Listing Rules.

The Group has used non-GAAP measures which are not prepared 

•  Short term benefits in note 7.1 have been reduced to exclude 

the value of shares issued in settlement of the 2016 TIP.

in accordance with New Zealand International Financial Reporting 

1.2.3  Foreign currency translation

Standards (NZ IFRS) in relation to the following:  

Functional and presentation currency

•  profit before finance costs, depreciation, amortisation  

(income statement);

• 

total segment adjusted EBITDA (note 2.4); and

•  net tangible assets (note 3.8).

These measures should not be viewed in isolation, nor considered 

as a substitute for measures reported in accordance with NZ IFRS. 

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). 

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.

Non-GAAP financial measures may not be comparable to similarly 

1.2.4  Goods and Services Tax (‘GST’)

titled amounts reported by other companies.

The principal accounting policies adopted in the preparation of 

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

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

presented, unless otherwise stated. These consolidated financial 

statements are presented for the Group and were approved for 

issue by the Board of Directors on 23 February 2021.

The consolidated income statement has been prepared so that 

all components are stated exclusive of GST. All items in the 

consolidated balance sheet are stated net of GST, with the exception 

of receivables and payables, which include GST invoiced. In the 

consolidated statement of cash flows, receipts from customers 
and payments to suppliers are shown exclusive of GST.

 
 
58 NEW ZEALAND MEDIA AND ENTERTAINMENT

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED 
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

CONTINUED

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 

The level 3* lockdown for the Auckland region was lifted on  

30 August 2020 when the region was put at alert level 2*, plus 

some additional restrictions. On 8 October New Zealand as a 

whole returned to alert level 1*. The Group continued to operate 

safely within the various alert level changes with staff able to work 

from home during the level 3* and level 4* lockdowns.

on historical experiences and other factors that are considered to 

Based on information available at the time of preparing the 

be relevant. The resulting accounting estimates will by definition, 

consolidated financial statements, the Group has assessed the 

seldom equal the related actual results and are reviewed on 

impact of Covid-19 and the following notes provide some detail  

an ongoing basis. A list of those areas of significant estimation 

on items in the consolidated financial statements that have been 

or judgement and a reference to the notes containing further 

impacted by the pandemic.

information is provided below:

Areas of significant accounting estimates or judgements  Note

Determination of the number of reportable segments 

Intangible assets with indefinite useful lives 

Assumptions used in testing for impairment 

of indefinite life intangible assets 

Right-of-use assets 

Assets held for sale 

2.4.1

3.1

3.1.1 

3.3

6.3

1.4  NEW STANDARDS AND  

INTERPRETATIONS ADOPTED  
IN THE CURRENT PERIODS

The Group early adopted the practical expedient provided in the 

amendment to NZ IFRS 16: Leases in relation to rent concessions 

received as a result of Covid-19. In adopting the practical expedient 

the impact of the rent concessions on the current liabilities were 

credited to other income within the consolidated income statement. 

1.5.1 

The Group’s response to Covid-19

The Group responded immediately to the revenue decline with  

the Directors and CEO reducing their fees and salary respectively 

and employees also asked to take a voluntary 15% reduction for  

12 weeks. Restructuring of the work force was undertaken with over 

200 roles being disestablished, reducing the Group’s cost base 

significantly. The Group also negotiated with its landlords to obtain 

rent relief on various properties (see note 1.5.3 for further details).

The Group applied for, and received, the New Zealand 

Government’s wage subsidy and was eligible for relief under the 

Government’s Media Relief package. Note 1.5.4 provides more 

detail on the Government assistance received by the Group.

The Group’s second half performance has enabled the Company 

to return the voluntary salary reductions made by employees 

earlier in the year.

1.5.2  Revenue and trade receivables

The practical expedient was applied to all rent concessions.

The impact of Covid-19 on the Group’s revenue began in the final 

There have been no other changes to accounting policies and  

no other new standards adopted during the period.

1.5 

COVID-19

The global pandemic was declared by the World Health 

two weeks of March. March advertising revenue was 10.0% below 

the same period last year with April 47.6% down, May 39.2% down 

and June 23.7% down. The revenue impact of Covid-19 continued 

into the third quarter with July down 18.9%, August down 16.6% 

and September down 19.2%. Other revenue channels were also 

impacted to varying degrees. However, advertising revenue has 

Organisation on 11 March 2020. The subsequent full lockdown  

returned to pre-Covid-19 levels in the last two months of 2020.

of New Zealand’s non-essential services had a significant 

financial impact on the Group. 

NZME’s core news and broadcast media business operated as 

The Group has performed an assessment of credit risk on 

its advertisers. As a result of this assessment, the Group has 

increased its bad debt provision by 0.5% (note 3.5) to reflect 

an essential service during the level 4* lockdown which ran from 

the estimated financial difficulties of advertisers related to the 

25 March 2020 to 27 April 2020 (inclusive). Some community 
newspapers were unable to be delivered and some NZME run 

events had to be cancelled or postponed. On 12 August the 

Auckland region of New Zealand was placed at alert level 3* while 

the rest of New Zealand was placed at alert level 2* in response to 

community Covid-19 outbreak in Auckland.  

economic impact of the pandemic.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
ANNUAL REPORT 2020 59

1.5.3  Rent concessions

1.5.6  Other

The Group applied the specific Covid-19 related rent concessions 

There remains a heightened level of uncertainty given the 

amendment to NZ IFRS 16 with other income including $463,408 

continued presence of Covid-19. 

of rent concessions revenue in relation to office space rent savings. 

Note 2.4.2 provides additional information. The rent concessions 

received have decreased the deferred tax assets relating to NZ 

IFRS 16 by $117,229. 

The risks and uncertainty faced by the Group relate to (and are not 

limited to):

• 

the impact of wider economic pressures in New Zealand and 

1.5.4  Government assistance

globally; and

The Group applied for, and received, the Government’s wage 

subsidy and the consolidated income statement for the twelve 

• 

a potential outbreak at one of the Group’s facilities, warranting 

closure, may significantly affect operations.

months ended 31 December 2020 includes $9,899,738 of wage 

The Group’s net debt position at 31 December 2020 is lower than 

subsidy classified as other income. For segment reporting, in 

the 31 December 2019 position and the Group expects to be able 

note 2.4.2, the subsidy has been recognised as other income 

to meet its liabilities as they fall due and remain in compliance 

($8,554,198) and as an offset to redundancies and associated 

with all relevant banking covenants for the foreseeable future. 

costs ($1,345,540) relating to employees who were given an 

As such there is no change to the Directors’ assessment that it is 

extended notice period funded by the wage subsidy.

appropriate to apply the going concern basis of accounting.

The Government announced a Media Relief package on  

1.5.7  Subsequent to balance date

23 April 2020 whereby media companies would receive relief 

from paying transmitter tower rental, power and contracted 

maintenance costs for six months beginning 1 May 2020 for the 

transmitter sites leased from Kordia and Radio New Zealand. The 

relief obtained for the tower rental is treated as a rent concession 

and other income includes $1,337,300 in relation to the tower 

rental savings component of the Media Relief package. Note 2.4.2 

provides additional information.

1.5.5 

Impairment assessment

The Group has considered the impacts of Covid-19 in the 

assumptions used in the assessment of indefinite life intangible 

assets, software, right-of-use assets and property, plant and 

equipment. No impairment has been recognised (see note 3.1.1).

On 15 February 2021 the Auckland region of New Zealand was 

placed at alert level 3* while the rest of New Zealand was placed 

at alert level 2* for a period of 3 days in response to a community 

Covid-19 outbreak in Auckland. On 18 February 2021 the alert 

levels dropped, with the Auckland region of New Zealand moving 

to alert level 2* while the rest of New Zealand moved to alert 

level 1*. On 23 February 2021 Auckland moved to alert level 1*. 

The Group has continued to operate safely with all staff able to, 

working from home. This development highlights the uncertainty 

of Covid-19 impacts into the future, but at this stage does not 

change the Group’s judgments or estimates.

*These levels are defined at covid19.govt.nz 

60 NEW ZEALAND MEDIA AND ENTERTAINMENT

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED 
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

CONTINUED

2.0  GROUP PERFORMANCE

2.1 

DISAGGREGATION OF REVENUE AND OTHER INCOME

For the year ended 31 December 2020

Advertising

Circulation and subscription

External printing and distribution

Other

Segment revenue from integrated media  

and entertainment activities

Revenue from shared services centre

Events

Total revenue from external customers

Dividends

Government grants A

Rental income from sub-leases

Gain on disposal of property, plant and equipment

Lease rent concessions A

Other lease adjustments

Compensation for franking credits

Other income

Finance income

Total finance and other income

Total revenue and other income 

A See the Covid-19 note (note 1.5) for further information.

Print 

$’000

Radio 

$’000

Digital & 

e-Commerce 

$’000

Total 

$’000

75,451

72,710

4,994

2,628

94,037

55,914

225,402

-

-

873

6,621

-

4,112

79,331

4,994

7,613

155,783

94,910

66,647

317,340

3,409

1,390

322,139

2

9,900

455

22

1,801

34

780

12,994

67

13,061

335,200

ANNUAL REPORT 2020 61

For the year ended 31 December 2019

Advertising

102,163

110,111

55,796

268,070

Print 

$’000

Radio 

$’000

Digital & 

e-Commerce 

$’000

Total 

$’000

Circulation and subscription

External printing and distribution

Other

Segment revenue from integrated media  

and entertainment activities

Shared services centre

Events

Total revenue 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 

Accounting policies

76,322

10,632

3,265

-

-

759

1,667

-

2,966

77,989

10,632

6,990

192,382

110,870

60,429

363,681

3,377

4,021

371,079

108

475

11

638

1,232

87

1,319

372,398

The Group applies the following accounting policies in 

street performances etc. These activities are highly integrated 

relation to revenue:

Advertising

The Group operates an integrated media and entertainment 

business and contracts with customers to provide advertising 

on multiple platforms consisting of a series of distinct services 

that are substantially the same and that have the same pattern 

of transfer to the customer. Advertising is often bundled 

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

cases each component of the bundle is treated as a distinct 

performance obligation and the transaction price is allocated 

on a relative stand-alone selling price basis. Experiential 

campaigns are a type of bundling focused on providing an 

experience utilising a mix of traditional advertising mediums 

with bespoke elements like competitions, product sampling, 

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 

are provided by external parties and the Group acts as the 

principal in those instances. These campaigns are typically 

run over a short period of time and are typically completed 

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

the Group provides advertising for non-cash consideration, 

revenue is recognised at the fair value of the consideration 

received, unless the Group cannot reasonably estimate the fair 

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

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

the advertising promised to the customer. When advertising is 

exchanged for advertising, revenue is recognised on a gross 

basis as set out above.

62 NEW ZEALAND MEDIA AND ENTERTAINMENT

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED 
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

CONTINUED

Subscriptions

Deferred revenue

The Group enters into contracts with customers to deliver 

When a customer pays for goods or services in advance, the 

a specified publication on specified days. The performance 

Group recognises a deferred revenue liability which is reduced, 

obligation is satisfied, and revenue is recognised, when the 

and revenue recognised, as the Group satisfies each distinct 

publication is delivered.

Circulation

performance obligation.

Government grants 

The Group enters into contracts with customers to deliver 

Cash received from Government grants is recorded as  

specified publications on specified days which the customer 

“Other income”. 

will on-sell to the public. The performance obligation is satisfied 

when the publication is delivered. Certain customers have 

Significant financing component

a right to return any unsold publications which is treated as 

The Group does not expect, at contract inception, that the 

variable consideration. Customers are required to report unsold 

period between transferring the promised goods or services 

publications using an online system on a weekly basis. The 

from contracts with customers and when the customer pays 

Group therefore includes in the transaction price an estimate of 

for those goods and services to be more than one year. The 

the unsold publications using the most likely amount method 

Group applies the practical expedient in NZ IFRS 15 to not adjust 

based on the weekly reporting from customers to the extent 

the promised amount of consideration it expects to receive for 

that it is highly probable that a significant reversal in the 

those goods or services for the effects of a significant financing 

amount of cumulative revenue recognised will not occur when 

component.

the uncertainty associated with the variable consideration is 

subsequently resolved.

External printing and distribution

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 

The Group enters into contracts with customers to print their 

as commission) when incurred if the amortisation period is one 

publications and, in certain cases, distribute those publications 

year or less. If material, the Group will recognise an asset for 

on their behalf; including maintaining a distribution network. 

any incremental cost of obtaining a contract with a customer if 

The printing, delivery and maintenance of a distribution 

the Group expects to recover those costs and the amortisation 

network are distinct performance obligations. The performance 

period is expected to be more than one year. Those costs will 

obligation to print a publication is satisfied when those 

be amortised on a systematic basis that is consistent with the 

publications are printed. Similarly, the performance obligation 

transfer of the good or service to which the asset relates.

to deliver a publication is satisfied when it is delivered. The 

performance obligation to maintain a distribution network is 

Costs to fulfil a contract

a service that is largely the same on a monthly basis and is 

If the costs incurred in fulfilling a contract with a customer 

satisfied, and revenue recognised, in equal increments over the 

are material and not within the scope of another standard, the 

billing period.

e-Commerce (GrabOne)

Group recognises an asset from the costs incurred if all of the 

following criteria are met:

The Group acts as an agent for merchants selling their products 

or services to the public using the GrabOne platform. The 

• 

• 

the costs relate directly to the contract;

the costs generate or enhance resources that the Group  

Group does not control the product or service before it is 

  will use to satisfy the performance obligations in that  

transferred to the purchaser. Revenue is recognised in the 

contract; and

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.

• 

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. 

 
 
 
 
ANNUAL REPORT 2020 63

2020
$’000

2019
$’000

135,783

150,342

55,194

38,637

5,607

519

9,609

-

-

321

8,361

1,339

18,909

274,279

8,352

12,515

9,357

30,224

2,919

5,032

82

220

67,313

50,690

6,720

2,729

6,043

210

869

-

7,550

3,272

20,091

315,829

8,853

12,817

10,002

31,672

4,496

4,824

(17)

192

8,253

9,495

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

Impairment of financial asset

Impairment of right-of-use asset

Repairs and maintenance costs

Travel and entertainment costs

Other

Total expenses from operations before finance costs, depreciation, amortisation

2.2.2  Depreciation and 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 on bank facilities

Interest expense on leases 

Interest expense / (income) on interest rate swaps

Borrowing cost amortisation

Total finance costs

 
64 NEW ZEALAND MEDIA AND ENTERTAINMENT

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED 
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

CONTINUED

2.2.4  Fees paid to auditors

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

Audit or review of financial statements A

405

389

2020
$’000

2019
$’000

Other services

Other assurance services B

Tax services C

Other services D

Total other services

Total fees paid to auditors

-

-

17

17

422

5

12

41

58

447

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

B  Payroll assurance procedures.

C  Transactional advice and tax compliance services.

D  Agreed upon procedures performed for monthly industry revenue benchmarking and the 2019 Broadcasting Standards Authority return. In 2019, a treasury related financial markets  

risk analysis in addition to the monthly market revenue benchmarking.

2.3 

EARNINGS PER SHARE

2020
$’000

2019
$’000

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

Profit / (loss) attributable to owners of the parent entity

14,547

(164,665)

Profit / (loss) attributable to owners of the parent entity used in calculating EPS

14,547

(164,665)

Weighted average number of shares

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

197,570,061 

 196,555,998 

Adjusted for calculation of diluted EPS

5,235,314 

 3,024,181 

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

202,805,375 

199,580,179 

2020
Number

2019
Number

Basic / diluted earnings per share

Basic earnings per share

Diluted earnings per share

2020
Cents

2019
Cents

7.36 

7.17 

 (83.77)

(82.51)

ANNUAL REPORT 2020 65

Accounting policies
Basic earnings per share

Diluted earnings per share

Basic earnings per share is determined by dividing: 

Diluted earnings per share adjusts the figures used in the 

• 

• 

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

determination of basic earnings per share by taking into 

the weighted average number of ordinary shares  

account:

outstanding during the financial year, adjusted for bonus  
elements in ordinary shares issued during the financial year. 

• 

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.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
66 NEW ZEALAND MEDIA AND ENTERTAINMENT

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED 
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

CONTINUED

2.4.2  Segment revenue and results

The segment information provided to the Directors and Executive Team for the year ended 31 December 2020 is as follows:

Revenue from external customers by channel

Print

Radio

Digital and e-Commerce

Segment revenue from integrated media and entertainment activities

Revenue from shared services centre

Events

2020
$’000

2019
$’000

155,783

94,910

66,647

317,340

3,409

1,390

192,382

110,870

60,429

363,681

3,377

4,021

Total revenue from external customers

322,139

371,079

Dividend income

Government grants A

Rental income from sub-leases B

Gain on disposal of property, plant and equipment

Expenses from operations before finance costs, depreciation, amortisation  

and exceptional items

Total segment adjusted EBITDA C

Depreciation and amortisation on owned assets

Depreciation on right-of-use assets

Total depreciation and amortisation

Interest income

Finance costs

Share of joint ventures and associates net loss after tax

Other lease adjustments D

Exceptional items 

Impairment of right-of-use asset E

Compensation for franking credits F

Loss on sale of joint venture G

Redundancies and associated costs H

Costs in relation to one-off projects I

Impairment of financial assets J

Impairment of goodwill and indefinite life brands K

Impairment of software L

Profit / (loss) before income tax expense

2

8,554

455

22

108

-

475

11

(263,830)

(305,978)

67,342

(17,709)

(12,515)

(30,224)

67

65,695

(18,855)

(12,817)

(31,672)

87

(8,253)

(9,495)

(417)

1,835

(321)

780

-

(8,263)

(519)

-

-

(3,149)

18,878

-

638

-

-

(210)

(6,043)

(2,729)

(869)

(175,000)

-

(159,598)

ANNUAL REPORT 2020 67

A  Government grants relate to the wage subsidy received from the Government in 

$34,103. The 2019 amount relates to the change in scope of the Ellerslie lease.

response to the effect of Covid-19 on businesses. The total received was $9,899,738 in 
the consolidated income statement which is included in finance and other income. For 
segment reporting the wage subsidy is allocated to other income ($8,554,198), where 
it related to employees who continued to work in the business, and exceptional costs 
($1,345,540), where the subsidy related to employees who were made redundant 
and who were given extended notice periods, and is offset against redundancies and 
associated costs.

B  Rental income of $310,213 (2019: $283,937) was received from the sub-lease of right-

of-use assets.

C  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 Board. 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. 

D  The Group early adopted the practical expedient under NZ IFRS 16 in relation to 

Covid-19 rent concessions. The rent concessions received by the Group reduced lease 
liabilities by $1,800,680, a corresponding amount is recognised within other income 
in the income statement with other adjustments and changes to leases contributing 

E  The impairment of right-of-use assets relates to the Whangarei office where business 
changes have resulted in a floor being vacated. The Group is currently marketing the 
available space.

F  NZME franking credits were utilised by HT&E as part of an ATO settlement and related 

to the 2016 demerger agreement.

G  Loss on disposal of the Group’s interest in the Chinese New Zealand Herald Limited in 

December 2019. 

H  The redundancies and associated costs relate to the restructuring and integration of 
the New Zealand operations and in 2020 includes the wage subsidy offset for those 
employers who were given an extended notice period.

I  The 2020 costs are in relation to the final costs incurred in connection with trying to 
acquire Stuff Limited and some additional provisions for historical pay claims. 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. 

J  2019 cost relates to the impairment of KPEX Limited and the loan to Jugl Limited.

K  Cost relates to the impairment of the goodwill and indefinite life brands.  

(See note 3.1.1).

L  Impairment of the Wide Orbit radio scheduling system.

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.

68 NEW ZEALAND MEDIA AND ENTERTAINMENT

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED 
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

CONTINUED

3.0  ASSETS AND 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 2019

Cost

Goodwill 
$’000

Software 
$’000

Masthead 
brands 
$’000

Radio 
licences 
$’000

Brands 
$’000

Total
$’000

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 capital 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

For the year ended 31 December 2020

Opening net book amount

Amortisation

Impairment

Transfer to assets held for sale

Transfers from capital work in progress

Net book value

As at 31 December 2020

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

15,136

72,640

33,289

29,198

150,263

15,136

72,640

33,289

29,198

150,263

(6,362)

(3,149)

(939)

12,757

-

-

-

-

(2,995)

-

-

-

-

(9,357)

(3,149)

(29)

(968)

932

-

13,689

17,443

72,640

31,226

29,169

150,478

Cost

166,397

77,809

146,976

78,479

59,019

528,680

Accumulated amortisation and impairment

(166,397)

(60,366)

(74,336)

(47,253)

(29,850)

(378,202)

Net book value

-

17,443

72,640

31,226

29,169

150,478

ANNUAL REPORT 2020 69

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 below) with all goodwill 

now fully impaired.

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 2 to 10 years).

Masthead brands

Masthead brands, being the titles, logos and similar items 

of the integrated media assets of the Group are accounted 

for as identifiable assets and are initially recognised at cost 

and subsequently measured at cost less any accumulated 

impairment losses. 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 below).

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.

Brands

Brands are accounted for as identifiable assets and are initially 

recognised at cost and subsequently measured at cost less 

any accumulated impairment losses. 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 below).

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 assets and liabilities attributable to the 

operations of the Group are allocated to one CGU except for financing, assets held for sale and equity accounted investments. 

This note also includes details of certain key estimates and assumptions made during the impairment testing process.

The recoverable amount of the CGU is determined based on 

The impairment review used a set of assumptions which are 

the higher of fair value less costs to sell and value-in-use (“VIU”) 

considered the most appropriate for impairment testing but are 

calculations using management forecasts. The recoverable 

more conservative than the Group’s medium term plans.

amount of the CGU is compared against the carrying value of  

the CGU to determine whether there has been impairment.  

Any impairment is recognised immediately as an expense and  

in relation to goodwill, is not subsequently reversed.

The VIU calculations use cash flow projections which cover a 

five-year period. Cash flows beyond the five-year period are 

extrapolated using the estimated terminal growth rate, which is 

the weighted average growth rate used to extrapolate cash flows 

A comprehensive impairment review was conducted at  

beyond the forecast period. This assessment is required to be made 

31 December 2020. The recoverable amount of the CGU has  
been determined based on VIU. Based on the assumptions 

below no impairment of indefinite life intangible assets has 

been recognised in the income statement (2019:$175 million). 

based on events and knowledge as at 31 December 2020.  

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
70 NEW ZEALAND MEDIA AND ENTERTAINMENT

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED 
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

CONTINUED

Key estimates and assumptions used for the VIU of the CGU are as follows:

Discount Rate

A post tax discount rate of 9.0% (2019: 9.5%). 

This discount rate represents the current assessment of the risks specific to the CGU, taking into account the time value of 

money and individual risks of the underlying assets that have not been incorporated in the cash flow estimates.

Terminal Value

The terminal value within the VIU assessment has been calculated using a terminal growth rate assumption of -1.5%  

(2019: -1.2%).

Forecasts prepared over the forecast period (2021 - 2025)

The forecasts used in impairment testing have been prepared by management, and approved by the Board, for that specific 

purpose. Actual results may differ materially from those forecast or implied. The forecasts used in the impairment assessment 

were prepared to comply with the requirements of IAS 36.

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.

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.

Revenue and operating cost forecasts are prepared based on management’s current expectations, with consideration given to 

internal information and relevant external industry data and analysis the CGU operates in. The business performance is forecast 

to be impacted by the forecast continuing decline of the print advertising market as indicated by market surveys. Management’s 

assessment of cash flows and growth assumptions for the forecast periods take into account this uncertainty. Whilst there are 

further uncertainties around forecasting in a Covid-19 environment and the potential impact on revenue, it is considered that the 

forecast assumptions are reasonable. 

Future capex spend is estimated at historical replacement levels, and no incremental revenue or costs savings are assumed as a 

result of this expenditure.

The key forecast assumptions used were: 

Print revenue

Radio revenue

Digital advertising revenue

Digital classifieds revenue

Digital subscriptions revenue

Operating expenses

A  1. CAGR = compound annual growth rate. 

CAGR A 

-6.50%

3.70%

1.30%

26.00%

28.00%

1.80%

ANNUAL REPORT 2020 71

Any reasonable adverse changes in the key assumptions would 

The Group compares the carrying amount of net assets with 

result in the recoverable amount being materially consistent with 

the market capitalisation value at each balance date. The share 

the carrying value.

Based on the assumptions the directors have not identified  

any impairment. The recoverable amount of the CGU of  

$283 million exceeds the carrying amount by $9 million.  

The Directors determined that the increase in the headroom 

over the prior year is not directly attributable to the brands and 

as a result a reversal of previously recognised impairment of 

indefinite life intangible assets has not been recognised.

price at 31 December 2020 was $0.70 equating to a market 

capitalisation of $138.3 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 2020 was $132.1 million ($0.67 per share). 

Accounting policy

Goodwill and intangible assets that have an indefinite 

at the lowest levels for which there are separately 

useful life are not subject to amortisation and are tested 

identifiable cash inflows which are largely independent 

annually for impairment and at the end of each reporting 

of the cash inflows from other assets or groups of assets 

period if there is an indication that they may be impaired. 

(cash-generating units). Currently, the group has only 

An impairment charge is recognised for the amount by 

one CGU, being Integrated Media and Entertainment. 

which the asset’s carrying amount exceeds its recoverable 

Non-financial intangible assets, other than goodwill, that 

amount. The recoverable amount is the higher of an 

suffer impairment are reviewed for possible reversal of the 

asset’s fair value less costs to sell and value-in-use. For 

impairment at each reporting date.

the purposes of assessing impairment, assets are grouped 

72 NEW ZEALAND MEDIA AND ENTERTAINMENT

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED 
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

CONTINUED

3.2 

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT

As at 1 January 2019

Cost or fair value

Accumulated depreciation and impairment

Net book amount

Year ended 31 December 2019

Freehold 
land A
$’000

Buildings A 
$’000

Leasehold 
improvements 
$’000

Plant and 
equipment 
$’000

Total
$’000

1,165

-

1,165

157

(24)

133

14,540

335,602

351,464

(6,230)

(298,065)

(304,319)

8,310

37,537

47,145

Opening net book amount

1,165

133

8,310

37,537

47,145

Additions

Disposals

Depreciation

Transfers from capital work in progress

Net book amount 

As at 31 December 2019

Cost or fair value

Accumulated depreciation and impairment

Net book amount

Year ended 31 December 2020

Opening net book amount

Additions

Disposals

Depreciation

Transfer to assets held for sale

Transfers from capital work in progress

Net book amount

As at 31 December 2020

Cost or fair value

Accumulated depreciation and impairment

Net book amount

-

-

-

-

1,165

1,165

-

1,165

1,165

-

-

-

(900)

-

265

265

-

265

-

-

(18)

-

115

157

(42)

115

115

-

-

(4)

(39)

(12)

60

67

(7)

60

-

-

457

(1)

457

(1)

(1,206)

(7,629)

(8,853)

-

1,154

1,154

7,104

31,518

39,902

14,540

337,165

353,027

(7,436)

(305,647)

(313,125)

7,104

31,518

39,902

7,104

31,518

39,902

-

-

111

(8)

111

(8)

(1,209)

(7,139)

(8,352)

-

187

-

4,089

(939)

4,264

6,082

28,571

34,978

14,727

339,327

354,386

(8,645)

(310,756)

(319,408)

6,082

28,571

34,978

A  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 $214,000 (2019: $442,270) and the net book value of buildings would have been $24,989 (2019: $317,103). The Mt Victoria land and buildings with fair values  
of $900,000 and $39,030 and net book values of $228,270 and $29,394 were transferred to assets held for sale (see note 6.3.1). The last revaluation was performed for the year 
ended 31 December 2015.

ANNUAL REPORT 2020 73

Accounting policies

Land is not depreciated. Depreciation on other assets is 

the income statement, the increase is first recognised in the 

calculated using the straight line method to allocate their cost 

income statement. Decreases that reverse previous increases 

or revalued amounts, net of their residual values, over their 

of the same asset are first charged against the revaluation 

estimated useful lives, as follows:

• 

Furniture and fittings 

•  3 to 25 years

•  Buildings 

• 

Leasehold improvements 

•  Motor vehicles 

• 

Plant & equipment 

• 

• 

• 

• 

10 to 50 years

2.5 to 50 years

5 to 10 years

1.5 to 29 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 amounts 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 

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 

asset’s 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.

3.3 

RIGHT-OF-USE ASSETS

Significant judgments: Where a discount rate is not explicit in a lease the Group determines an applicable discount rate to use 
based on publicly available rates for Government Bonds, Westpac swap rates and Treasury Risk-free discount rates and then 

applies an adjustment to these rates to apply a company specific credit risk. In determining the lease term the Group includes any 

periods covered by options to extend where the group is reasonably certain to exercise that option.

74 NEW ZEALAND MEDIA AND ENTERTAINMENT

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED 
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

CONTINUED

As at 31 December 2019

Buildings
$’000

Transmission
$’000

Vehicles
$’000

Other
$’000

Total
$’000

Net book amount

67,553

6,219

1,730

36

75,538

Year ended 31 December 2020

Additions

Depreciation

Impairment of right-of-use asset

Changes in scope or lease terms

Net book amount

 Accounting policies

-

-

(8,016)

(3,685)

(321)

(817)

-

23,451

58,399

25,985

157

(782)

-

(111)

994

-

157

(32)

(12,515)

-

-

4

(321)

22,523

85,382

The Group leases various offices, transmission towers, vehicles 

Assets and liabilities arising from a lease are initially measured 

and other equipment which are classified as operating leases. 

on a present value basis. Lease liabilities include the net 

From 1 January 2019, leases are recognised as a right-of-

present value of the following lease payments:

use asset and a corresponding lease liability. Each lease 

• 

fixed payments (including in-substance fixed payments), 

payment is allocated between the lease principal and finance 

less any lease incentives receivable;

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 

• 

variable lease payments that are based on an index  

or a rate;

straight-line basis.

• 

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.

3.4  CAPITAL WORK IN PROGRESS

As at 1 January

Additions

Transfers to intangible assets

Transfers to property plant and equipment

As at 31 December

2020
$’000

13,633

6,595

(13,689)

(4,264)

2,275

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. Capital work in progress is not depreciated or amortised prior to being transferred to the relevant asset 

category. Intangible assets not yet available for use, that are included in capital work in progress, are subject to annual impairment tests.

ANNUAL REPORT 2020 75

2020
$’000

38,241

(717)

37,524

37

6,321

43,882

632

721

(636)

717

1,079

1,079

2019
$’000

44,988

(632)

44,356

49

8,044

52,449

766

369

(503)

632

1,329

1,329

3.5 

TRADE AND OTHER RECEIVABLES

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

3.5.1  Classification

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.

3.5.2  Fair values of trade and other receivables

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. 

76 NEW ZEALAND MEDIA AND ENTERTAINMENT

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED 
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

CONTINUED

3.6 

INVENTORIES

Inventories is predominantly the stock of newsprint held at the Ellerslie print plant and is valued at cost. The stock of newsprint held 

is, on average, six to eight weeks supply. The longevity of the commodity, and the short period of time that stock is on hand, reduces the 

Group’s risk of holding obsolete stock.

During the year ended 31 December 2020 inventories totalling $10,002,578 were expensed.

Accounting policy

Inventories are measured at cost and are expensed as used. All paper stock is inspected on delivery and, if damaged retuned  

to the supplier, with undamaged stock recorded in the stock system. Weekly stock takes are performed to ensure stock on  

hand agrees to the inventory system.

3.7 

TRADE AND OTHER PAYABLES

Current payables

Amounts due to related companies (note 7.2)

Employee entitlements

Deferred revenue

Trade payables and accruals 

Total current trade and other payables

2020
$’000

64

4,605

13,400

25,769

43,838

2019
$’000

104

5,829

14,423

31,127

51,483

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 

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:

are carried at amortised cost which is the fair value of the 

• 

there are contracted terms in the plan for determining  

consideration to be paid in the future for goods and services 

the amount of the benefit;

received. Trade payables are unsecured and are generally 

settled within 30 to 45 days.

Employee entitlements

Wages and salaries and annual leave

• 

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 wages and salaries, including non-monetary 

Liabilities for short-term incentives are expected to be settled 

benefits and annual leave expected to be wholly settled within  

within 12 months and are recognised at the amounts expected 

12 months from the reporting date are recognised in payables 

to be paid when they are settled.

and accruals in respect of employees’ services up to the 

reporting date and are measured at the amounts expected to  

Refer to note 4.3 for disclosures relating to share based 

be paid when the liabilities are settled. Amounts to be settled 

payments and note 7.1 for key management compensation.

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 

Deferred revenue

The accounting policy for deferred revenue is disclosed in  

the rates paid or payable.

note 2.1.

 
 
 
 
ANNUAL REPORT 2020 77

3.8  NET TANGIBLE ASSETS

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

Intangible assets

Total liabilities

Net tangible assets

Number of shares issued (in thousands) 

Net tangible assets per share (in $)

3.9  DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

2020
$’000

2019
$’000

338,256

353,844

(150,478)

(150,263)

(206,168)

(237,374)

(18,390)

197,570

($0.09)

(33,793)

196,556

($0.17)

The Group has invested $30 million in five different interest rate swaps with maturity dates from August 2021 to August 2023, to 

minimise the Group’s interest rate risk. As at 31 December 2020 the Group had a current liability of $16,040 and a non-current liability  

of $309,692 compared to a non-current asset of $248,291 at 31 December 2019 and has recycled interest expense of $82,121 through 

other comprehensive income compared to $17,089 of interest income in the prior year.

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.

4.0  CAPITAL MANAGEMENT

4.1 

SHARE CAPITAL

2020
’000

2019
’000

2020
$’000

2019
$’000

Authorised, issued and paid up share capital

Balance at the beginning of the period

196,556

196,011

360,768

360,363

Shares issued during the year

1,014

545

990

405

Balance at the end of the period

197,570

196,556

361,758

360,768

78 NEW ZEALAND MEDIA AND ENTERTAINMENT

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED 
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

CONTINUED

Accounting policy

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

2016 TIP settlement

2017 TIP settlement

Balance at end of the year

Cash flow hedge reserve

Balance at the beginning of the year

Effective (loss) / gain on hedging instruments

Reclassification to profit or loss

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

Equity investments revaluation reserve

Share of revaluation of joint ventures’ and associates’ assets

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

2020 
$’000

2019
$’000

1,746

1,095

-

(1,340)

1,501

178

(656)

82

70

(326)

722

722

1,271

1,271

338

(21)

317

1,950

311

(515)

-

1,746

-

265

(17)

(70)

178

722

722

-

-

326

12

338

3,485

2,984

ANNUAL REPORT 2020 79

4.2.1 

 Nature and purpose of reserves

Share based payments 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.

Cash flow hedge reserve

The cash flow hedge reserve is used to record unrealised gains 

or losses on hedging instruments that are recognised directly in 

described in note 3.2. In the event of the sale of an asset  

the revaluation surplus is transferred to retained earnings.

Equity investments revaluation reserve

The equity investments revaluation reserve is used to record the 

Group’s share of increments and decrements on the revaluation 

of assets owned by its joint ventures and associates. In the event 

of the sale of an asset the revaluation surplus is transferred to 

equity. The modified fair value method has now been applied to the 

retained earnings.

interest rate swaps and therefore no tax adjustments are required.

Foreign currency translation reserve

Asset revaluation reserve

The asset revaluation reserve is used to record increments  

and decrements on the revaluation of non-current assets as 

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.

4.3  SHARE BASED PAYMENTS

As at 1 January

Granted (2017 TIP)A

Granted (2019 TIP)B

Granted (2020 TIP)C

Surrendered D

Issued E

As at 31 December

Average price  
per right ($)

2020
Number  
of rights

Average price  
per right ($)

 0.72 

 3,024,181 

 - 

 - 

 0.36 

0.89 

0.89 

 0.41 

 - 

 - 

 3,724,664 

 (499,468)

 (1,014,063)

5,235,314

 0.80 

 0.78 

 0.55 

 - 

 0.66 

 0.66 

 0.72

2019
Number  
of rights

 2,281,136 

 216,431 

 1,510,650 

 - 

 (556,163)

 (427,873)

 3,024,181 

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 
resulted in an additional 216,431 shares being issued to participants.

D  The 2020 surrendered shares relate to the 2017 TIP with participants surrendering shares 

in lieu of PAYE owing on the issue of shares. The 2019 surrender comprises both surrender 
of shares by participants in lieu of PAYE owing on the issue of shares for the 2016 TIP plus 
two participants surrendering their rights under the 2016 TIP and 2017 TIP on leaving the 
company.

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

C  The number of performance rights expected to be granted in 2021 in respect of the 

E  The rights granted under the 2017 TIP were exercised on 31 December 2020 with 
1,014,063 shares being issued. The share price at the date of issue was $0.70.

2020 TIP.   

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

Grant date

Vesting date

Exercise date

25 September 2017

31 Dec 2018

31 Dec 2020

29 March 2019

5 March 2020

As at 31 December

31 Dec 2020

31 Dec 2022

31 Dec 2021

31 Dec 2023

Weighted average remaining time until rights outstanding at the end of the period 
automatically convert to ordinary shares 

Grant price  
per right ($)

2020
Number  
of rights

2019
Number  
of rights

 0.90 

 0.55 

 0.36 

- 

1,513,531 

1,510,650 

1,510,650 

3,724,664 

5,235,314 

3,024,181 

2020

2019

33 months

24 months

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
80 NEW ZEALAND MEDIA AND ENTERTAINMENT

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED 
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

CONTINUED

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 

• 

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: 

on performance over a one year period (“performance period”) 

•  50% of awards are made in cash; and

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   2020 and 2019 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:

•  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 

% of EBITDA

% of target opportunity awarded

shares. Participants are not entitled to receive any dividends for 

< 95%

0%

> 95% to 100%

Pro-rata vesting between  

25% and 100%

> 100% to 110%

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%

Pro-rata vesting between  

25% and 100%

> 100% to 110%

Pro-rata vesting between  

100% and 150%

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 five trading days of each performance period.

ANNUAL REPORT 2020 81

Model inputs

The following is a summary of the key inputs in calculating the share-based payment expense under the 2020 TIP:

• Performance period

• Service period

1 January 2020 to 31 December 2020

1 January 2021 to 31 December 2021

• Vesting period (being the performance period and the service period)

1 January 2020 to 31 December 2021

• Deferral period

• Share price at grant date

• VWAP

1 January 2022 to 31 December 2023

36 cents

39.8 cents

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

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   2017 TIP

No TIP was offered for the 2018 Financial Year.

The rights owing to the participants of the 2017 TIP were settled on 

31 December 2020 with the issue of 1,014,063 shares.

Accounting policies

Total incentive plan (TIP)

The fair value of rights granted under the TIP plan is recognised 

Non-market vesting conditions are included in assumptions 

as an employee benefits expense with a corresponding increase 

about the number of rights that are expected to vest. At each 

in equity over the vesting period, being the performance period 

reporting date, the Group revises its estimate of the number of 

and the service period. The fair value is measured at grant date 

rights that are expected to become exercisable.

and the number of rights are determined using the volume 

weighted average price of NZME’s shares on the NZX over the 

first five trading days of the performance period.

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 

The fair value at grant date is determined taking into account the 

corresponding adjustment to equity. 

share price, any market performance conditions and any non-

vesting conditions, but excluding the impact of any service and 

non-market performance vesting conditions.

 
82 NEW ZEALAND MEDIA AND ENTERTAINMENT

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED 
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

CONTINUED

4.4  DIVIDENDS

4.4.1  Dividend policy

4.4.2 

 Dividends paid and declared

The Group’s dividend policy is to pay dividends of between 

No dividends were paid during 2020 and on 22 February 2021,  

30-50% of free cash flow while having regard to the Company’s 

the Board of Directors confirmed that NZME Limited would not  

capital requirements, operating performance and financial 

be declaring a final dividend for the 2020 financial year.

position. The payment of dividends is also subject to the Company 

being within the leverage ratio range of 0.5 to 1 times the rolling 12 

month trading EBITDA.

4.4.3 

 Franking and imputation credits

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   

2020
$’000

2019
$’000

NZ$ 18,061

NZ$ 12,596

A$ 0 A

A$ 0 A

A  Although the Company does not have any franking credits available for use, other entities within the Group have A$9,163,691 (2019:A$10,828,676) available that might become 

available to the Company in future periods.

4.5 

INTEREST BEARING LIABILITIES

4.5.1 

 Secured bank loans

Bank Loans

As at 1 January

Cash flows

Capitalised borrowing costs

Amortisation of borrowing costs

As at 31 December

Cash and cash equivalents

As at 1 January

Cash flows

As at 31 December

Net bank debt

2020
$’000

2019
$’000

89,149

109,993

(43,500)

(21,000)

(490)

220

(36)

192

45,379

89,149

(14,416)

2,856

(11,717)

(2,699)

(11,560)

(14,416)

33,819

74,733

 
 
 
 
ANNUAL REPORT 2020 83

Capitalised borrowing costs of $621,268 (2019: $351,072) are 

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

included in the secured bank loans balance at 31 December 2020. 

margin.

Capitalised borrowing costs are the costs incurred on acquiring 

the loan less accumulated amortisation to 31 December 2020 with 

the costs being amortised over the period of the loan.

The NZME bilateral facilities contain undertakings which are 

customary for facilities of this nature including, but not limited 

to, provision of information, negative pledge and restrictions on 

The Group is funded from a combination of its own cash reserves 

priority indebtedness and disposals of assets. The assets  

and NZ$120 million bilateral bank loan facilities, which NZME 

of the Group are collateral for the interest bearing liability.

refinanced on 21 November 2018 and 22 July 2020, of which  

$46.0 million (2019: $89.5 million) is drawn and $74.0 million 

(2019: $60.5 million) is undrawn as at 31 December 2020. The 

facility limit will step down by $20 million from 1 January 2021,  

and by a further $10 million from 1 July 2021 and 1 July 2022  

and by a further $5 million from 1 January 2023. This facility 

expires on 1 July 2023.

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 31 March, 30 June,  

30 September and 31 December. The Group has complied with 

these covenants, throughout the reporting period.

Accounting policy

Borrowings are initially recognised at fair value less attributable 

Costs incurred in connection with the arrangement of 

transaction costs and subsequently measured at amortised cost. 

borrowings are deferred and amortised over the period of the 

Any difference between cost and redemption value is recognised 

borrowing. These costs are netted off against the carrying value 

in the income statement over the period of the borrowing on an 

of borrowings in the balance sheet.

effective interest basis.

4.5.2 

 Lease liabilities

As at 1 January

Current lease liabilities

Non-current lease liabilities

Total lease liabilities

Interest on lease liabilities

New leases

Rent concessions

Other lease adjustments

Changes in scope or lease terms

Total lease liabilities before cash payments

Interest paid on leases

Principal payments

Total cash payments

Total lease liabilities at 31 December

Current lease liabilities

Non-current lease liabilities

Total lease liabilities at 31 December

2020
$’000

2019
$’000

11,076

84,807

95,883

5,032

157

(1,801)

(34)

22,523

121,760

(4,833)

(9,475)

11,505

88,820

100,325

4,824

948

-

(638)

6,760

112,219

(4,824)

(11,512)

(14,308)

(16,336)

107,452

10,931

96,521

107,452

95,883

11,076

84,807

95,883

84 NEW ZEALAND MEDIA AND ENTERTAINMENT

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED 
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

CONTINUED

4.6  CASH FLOW INFORMATION

Reconciliation of cash

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

Cash and cash equivalents

11,560

14,416

Reconciliation of net cash inflows from operating activities to profit / (loss) for the year:

2020
$’000

2019
$’000

Profit / (loss) for the year

Depreciation and amortisation expense

Borrowing cost amortisation

Net gain on sale of non-current assets

Change in current / deferred tax payable

Net loss on sale of investment

Impairment of goodwill and indefinite life brands 

Impairment of software

Group's share of retained losses in joint ventures and associates

14,242

(165,172)

30,224

31,672

220

(22)

1,963

-

-

3,149

417

192

(11)

1,034

210

175,000

-

-

Lease rent concessions and other lease adjustments

(1,835)

(638)

Impairment of right-of-use asset

Interest accrual on lease

Impairment of financial assets 

Share based payment expense

Changes in assets and liabilities net of effect of acquisitions:

Trade and other receivables

Inventories

Prepayments

Trade and other payables and employee entitlements

Net cash inflows from operating activities

321

199

-

1,095

7,718

464

503

(1,739)

56,919

-

-

869

311

4,030

(78)

(630)

182

46,971

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. 

ANNUAL REPORT 2020 85

4.7 

FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT

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

• 

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.

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 3.9). 

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 

Refer to note 4.5 for undrawn facilities to which the group has 

on a semi-annual basis.

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. 

Based on the outstanding net floating debt at 31 December 

2020, a change in interest rates of +/-1% per annum with all other 

variables being constant would impact post-tax profit and equity 

by $0.2 million lower / higher (2019: $0.6 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 

The Group’s overall risk management programme focuses on 

is not deemed to be significant as other financial assets are 

the unpredictability of financial markets and seeks to minimise 

categorised as level 3 in the fair value hierarchy and have been 

potential adverse effects on the financial performance of the 

impaired, where applicable, to the present value of expected 

Group. The Group uses different methods to measure different 

future cash flows.

types of risk to which it is exposed. These methods include 

sensitivity analysis in the case of interest rate and ageing analysis 

4.7.3  Credit risk

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.

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. 

86 NEW ZEALAND MEDIA AND ENTERTAINMENT

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED 
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

CONTINUED

The table below sets out additional information about the credit quality of trade receivables net of the provision for impairment. 

2020

Expected loss rate

Trade receivables A

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

Past due

0.7%

28,699

(205)

2.9%

7,085

(203)

28,494

6,882

7.7%

-145.2%

1,529

(117)

1,412

(32)

(46)

(78)

14.0%

1,042

(146)

896

38,323

(717)

37,606

A Trade receivables includes $82,236 of receivables in relation to GrabOne Limited that are classified as assets held for sale.

2019

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

Past due

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

44,988

(632)

44,356

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. Trade receivables are monitored on an individual basis and the Company considers the probability of default upon 

initial recognition of the trade receivable and throughout the period and provides for trade receivables considered to be impaired.

As of 31 December 2020, trade receivables of $2,230,000 (2019: $5,648,000) were past due but not impaired.

The maximum exposure to credit risk at 31 December 2020 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.

ANNUAL REPORT 2020 87

4.7.4  Liquidity risk

Prudent liquidity risk management implies maintaining sufficient 

Management monitors rolling forecasts of the Group’s liquidity 

cash and marketable securities, the availability of funding through 

reserve on the basis of expected cash flows.

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.  

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. 

Less than one 
year
$’000

Between one 
and two years
$’000

Between two 
and five years
$’000

Over  
five years
$’000

Total  
cash flows
$’000

31 December 2020

Trade payables and accruals A

Lease liabilities

Bank loans 

Gross liability

(Less): interest

Total financial liabilities

31 December 2019

Trade payables and accruals

Lease liabilities

Bank loans 

Gross liability

(Less): interest

31,688

16,241

3,001

50,930

(3,001)

47,929

31,127

15,608

4,016

50,751

(4,016)

 - 

 - 

 - 

31,688

15,829

3,001

18,830

(3,001)

15,829

-

13,566

4,016

17,582

(4,016)

42,411

49,001

91,412

(3,001)

88,411

-

35,919

93,516

59,511

133,992

 - 

55,003

59,511

220,683

-

(9,003)

59,511

211,680

-

31,127

55,759

120,852

 - 

101,548

129,435

55,759

253,527

(4,016)

-

(12,048)

Total financial liabilities

46,735

13,566

125,419

55,759

241,479

A Total includes $5,918,262 of GrabOne Limited trade payables and accruals which are included in liabilities directly associated with assets classified as held for sale.

4.8 

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENT

4.8.1  Fair value hierarchy

The Group measures and recognises the following assets and 

NZ IFRS 13 requires disclosure of fair value measurements by level 

liabilities at fair value on a recurring basis:

of the following fair value measurement hierarchy:

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

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

•  Land and buildings (excluding leasehold improvements).

identical assets or liabilities;

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

directly or indirectly; and

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

observable market data (unobservable inputs).

88 NEW ZEALAND MEDIA AND ENTERTAINMENT

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED 
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

CONTINUED

4.8.2  Recognised fair value measurements

Recurring fair value measurements

Financial assets (Level 2)

Derivative financial instruments (current assets)

Derivative financial instruments (current liabilities)

Derivative financial instruments (non-current liabilities)

Financial assets (Level 3)

There are no financial assets carried at fair value. Other financial assets of $815,000 

(2019: $815,000) 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

Note

2020
$’000

2019
$’000

3.9

3.9

3.2

3.2

(16)

(310)

248

-

-

(326)

248

265

60

325

1,165

115

1,280

All fair value measurements referred to above are in either  

4.8.4  Valuation techniques used to derive  

level 2 or level 3 of the fair value hierarchy and there were no 

transfers between levels. The Group’s policy is to recognise 

at level 2 and 3 fair values

transfers between fair value hierarchy levels as at the end of the 

Recurring fair value measurements

reporting period.

4.8.3  Disclosed fair values

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 

The Group also has a number of assets and liabilities which are  

data where it is available and rely as little as possible on entity 

not measured at fair value but for which fair values are disclosed 

specific estimates. If all significant inputs required to fair value an 

in these notes.

instrument are observable, the instrument is included in level 2.

The carrying amounts of trade receivables and payables are 

If one or more of the significant inputs is not based on observable 

assumed to approximate their fair values due to their short-term 

market data, the instrument is included in level 3.

nature. There are no outstanding non-current receivables as at  

31 December 2020 or 31 December 2019 (level 3).

The Group obtains independent valuations for its freehold land 

and buildings (classified as property, plant and equipment in note 

The fair value of interest bearing liabilities disclosed in note 4.5  

3.2), less subsequent depreciation for buildings, with sufficient 

is estimated by discounting the future contractual cash flows at 

regularity to ensure that the carrying value of the assets is 

the current market interest rates that are available to the group for 
similar financial instruments. For the period ending 31 December 

2020, the borrowing rates were determined to be between 2.5% 

and 4.0% (2019: between 3.4% and 4.6%), 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). 

materially consistent with their fair value. All resulting fair value 

estimates for properties are included as level 3. 

 
 
 
ANNUAL REPORT 2020 89

2020
$’000

2019
$’000

5,789

(419)

(734)

4,636

4,636

4,636

5,494

(132)

212

5,574

5,574

5,574

18,878

(159,598)

5,286

(44,687)

(2)

(218)

117

-

220

(15)

(18)

(734)

4,636

(3)

-

-

49,000

1,066

(14)

-

212

5,574

5.0  TAXATION

5.1 

INCOME TAX EXPENSE

Reported income tax expense comprises: 

Current tax expense

Deferred tax benefit

(Over) / under 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:

Profit / (loss) before income tax expense

Prima facie income tax at 28% 

Non-assessable asset sales and exempt distribution receipts

Non-assessable receipt

Non-assessable loss from equity accounting of investments in joint ventures and associates

Non-deductible impairment

Non-deductible expenses

Differences in international tax rates 

Re-instatement of tax depreciation on buildings

(Over) / under provision in prior years 

Income tax expense

90 NEW ZEALAND MEDIA AND ENTERTAINMENT

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED 
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

CONTINUED

5.2  DEFERRED TAX

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are attributable to:

2019

Tax credits

Employee entitlements

Provision for impairment

Accruals / restructuring

Intangible assets 

Property, plant and equipment

Leases

Share schemes

Other

2020

Employee entitlements

Provision for impairment

Accruals / restructuring

Intangible assets 

Property, plant and equipment

Leases

Share schemes

Other

Balance 
$’000

Recognised  
in income 
$’000

Recognised  
in equity 
$’000

Other 
movements 
$’000

Balance 
$’000

3

1,034

214

914

(455)

(2,153)

-

-

(5)

(448)

1,485

177

119

(418)

(2,093)

(331)

526

(70)

(605)

(3)

451

(37)

(795)

37

60

420

(6)

5

132

(742)

24

49

37

283

758

10

-

419

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

(14)

-

(14)

-

-

-

-

-

-

(115)

-

(115)

-

-

-

-

-

-

(751)

546

(70)

-

1,485

177

119

(418)

(2,093)

(331)

526

(70)

(275)

(605)

(14)

-

-

-

729

201

168

(381)

(15)

(1,825)

-

-

70

41

427

421

- 

(260)

There are unrecognised tax losses of $1,859,348 (A$1,744,812) (2019: $1,805,182 (A$1,744,812)) 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.

The other movements in employee entitlements and property plant and equipment are the transfer of the deferred tax assets  

of GrabOne Limited to assets held for sale (see note 6.3.1).

ANNUAL REPORT 2020 91

Accounting policies

The tax expense for the period comprises current and 

neither accounting nor taxable profit or loss. Deferred income 

deferred tax. Tax is recognised in the income statement, 

tax is determined using tax rates (and laws) that have been 

except to the extent that it relates to items recognised in other 

enacted or substantially enacted by the balance sheet date and 

comprehensive income or directly in equity. In this case the tax 

are expected to apply when the related deferred income tax 

is also recognised in other comprehensive income or directly in 

asset is realised or the deferred income tax liability is settled.

equity, respectively.

The current income tax charge is calculated on the basis of the 

that it is probable that future taxable profit will be available 

tax laws enacted or substantively enacted at the balance sheet 

against which the temporary differences can be utilised.

Deferred income tax assets are recognised only to the extent 

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 

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 tax 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 

business combination that at the time of the transaction affects 

net basis. 

92 NEW ZEALAND MEDIA AND ENTERTAINMENT

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED 
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

CONTINUED

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 2020.

Name of entity

GrabOne Limited A

NZME Australia Pty Limited B

NZME Educational Media Limited

NZME Holdings Limited

NZME Investments Limited 

NZME Print Limited 

NZME Publishing Limited

NZME Radio Investments Limited

NZME Radio Limited C

NZME Specialist Limited 

The Hive Online Limited

New Zealand Radio Network Limited

The Radio Bureau Limited

OneRoof Limited

A  GrabOne Limited is classified as held for sale (see note 6.3).

B  Incorporated in, and operates in, Australia.

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

2020 
Ownership 
interest

2019  
Ownership 
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%

ANNUAL REPORT 2020 93

Accounting policies

The Group controls an entity when the Group is exposed to, 

Intercompany transactions, balances and unrealised gains 

or has rights to, variable returns from its involvement with the 

on transactions between Group companies are eliminated. 

entity and has the ability to affect those returns through its 

Accounting policies of subsidiaries have been changed where 

power to direct the activities of the entity. Subsidiaries are fully 

necessary to ensure consistency with the policies adopted by 

consolidated from the date on which control is transferred to 

the Group. Non-controlling interests in the results and equity of 

the Group. They are de-consolidated from the date that control 

subsidiaries are shown separately in the consolidated income 

ceases. The acquisition method of accounting is used to account 

for business combinations by the Group.

statement, statement of comprehensives income, statement of 
changes in equity and balance sheet respectively.  

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

Eveve New Zealand Limited A

KPEX Limited B

New Zealand Press Association Limited A

Restaurant Hub Limited C

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 D

The Wairoa Star Limited A

The Newspaper Publishers Association of New Zealand Incorporated E

Online Media Association E

New Zealand Media Council E

Radio Broadcasters Association Incorporated E

2020 
Ownership 
Interest

2019  
Ownership 
Interest

40%

0%

40%

25%

38.82%

38.82%

38%

21%

49%

50%

40%

21%

49%

50%

40.41%

40.41%

A  These entities are classified as joint ventures or associates, and are accounted for using the equity method in the consolidated financial statements.

B  KPEX Limited was removed from the New Zealand Companies Register in July 2020.

C  The shareholding in Restaurant Hub Limited was reduced to 38% on 6 October 2020. Restaurant Hub Limited is classified as a joint venture and is accounted for using the equity 

method in the consolidated financial statements. 

D  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 

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

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

 
 
94 NEW ZEALAND MEDIA AND ENTERTAINMENT

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED 
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

CONTINUED

Accounting policies

Associates

Equity method of accounting

Associates are all entities over which the Group has significant 

Under the equity method of accounting, the investments 

influence but not control or joint control. Interests in associates 

are initially recognised at cost and adjusted thereafter to 

are accounted for in the consolidated financial statements 

recognise the group’s share of the post-acquisition profits or 

using the equity method (see below), after initially being 

losses of the investee in profit or loss, and the Group’s share 

recognised at cost. The Group’s investment in associates 

of movements in other comprehensive income of the investee 

includes goodwill (net of any accumulated impairment loss) 

in other comprehensive income. Dividends received or 

identified on acquisition.

Joint arrangements

receivable from associates and joint ventures are recognised 

as a reduction in the carrying amount of the investment.

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.

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.

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.

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 

The Group’s interests in joint ventures are accounted for using 

necessary to ensure consistency with the policies adopted  

the equity method (see below) after initially being recognised 

by the Group.

at cost in the consolidated balance sheet.

6.2.2  Equity accounted investments

Opening balance 1 January

Share of losses in joint ventures and associates

Asset revaluation (Gisborne Herald)

Disposal and impairment of investments

Total equity accounted investments

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.

2020 
$’000

3,308

(417)

1,271

-

4,162

2019 
$’000

3,788

-

-

(480)

3,308

The equity accounted investments are not considered to be material to the Group’s operations or results and therefore no disclosures of 

the summarised financial information for these investments have been made.

The investment in the Gisborne Herald is the most significant of the joint ventures and associates and has increased by the Group’s share of 

the revalued land owned by the Gisborne Herald and not through its share of profits. The revaluation gain on the land has been processed 

through the equity investments revaluation reserve (see note 4.2).

ANNUAL REPORT 2020 95

6.3  ASSETS HELD FOR SALE

Significant judgement: On 16 November 2020 it was announced to the market that Grant Samuel has been appointed to explore 
divestment options for GrabOne Limited which is therefore classified as held for sale. GrabOne Limited is not considered to be a 

significant component of the Group or separate major line of business and is therefore not a discontinued operation. Assets held 

for sale have been determined based on the business being sold as a going concern net of cash. The terms of the ultimate sale 

may be different from this assumption.

For information purposes additional disclosures in respect of GrabOne Limited’s performance are shown in note 6.3.2. The Group’s  

Mt Victoria land and buildings, in Wellington, are also classified as held for sale. 

Accounting policies

Non-current assets (or disposal groups) are classified as held 

A discontinued operation is a component of the entity that 

for sale if their carrying amount will be recovered principally 

has been disposed of or is classified as held for sale and that 

through a sale transaction rather than through continuing 

represents a separate major line of business or geographical 

use. They are measured at the lower of their carrying amount, 

area of operations, is part of a single coordinated plan to 

and their fair value less costs to sell, except for assets such 

dispose of such a line of business or area of operations, or  

as deferred tax assets, assets arising from employee benefits, 

is a subsidiary acquired exclusively with a view to resale. The 

financial assets and investment property that are carried at fair 

results of discontinued operations are presented separately  

value and contractual rights under insurance contracts, which 

on the face of the income statement.

are specifically exempt from this requirement.

6.3.1  Carrying values of net assets held for sale

Trade and other receivables

Intangible assets

Property, plant and equipment

Deferred tax asset

Assets classified as held for sale

Trade and other payables

Current tax provision

Liabilities directly associated with assets classified as held for sale

Net liabilities held for sale

2020
$’000

229

968

939

29

2,165

6,278

1,060

7,338

5,173

96 NEW ZEALAND MEDIA AND ENTERTAINMENT

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED 
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

CONTINUED

6.3.2 

Income statement for GrabOne Limited

Revenue and other income

2020
$’000

2019
$’000

8,952

9,690

Expenses from operations before finance costs, depreciation and amortisation

(4,574)

(5,480)

Depreciation and amortisation

Impairment of intangible assets

Profit before income tax expense

Income tax expense

Profit after tax

6.3.3  Cash flows from GrabOne Limited

Net cash inflows from operating activities

Reconciliation of net cash inflows from operating activities to profit for the year:

Profit for the year

Depreciation and amortisation expense

Change in current / deferred tax payable

Impairment of intangible assets

Changes in assets and liabilities net of effect of acquisitions:

Trade and other receivables

Prepayments

Trade and other payables and employee entitlements

Net cash inflows from operating activities

(682)

-

3,696

(1,039)

2,657

(274)

(30)

3,906

(1,109)

2,797

2020
$’000

2019
$’000

4,187

3,403

2,657

682

(140)

-

75

(112)

1,025

4,187

2,797

274

734

30

95

78

(604)

3,403

 
 
 
ANNUAL REPORT 2020 97

7.0  RELATED PARTIES

7.1 

KEY MANAGEMENT COMPENSATION

Total remuneration for Directors and other key management personnel:

Short term benefits

Termination benefits

Share-based payments

Note

2020
$’000

2019
$’000

5,583

5,110

-

1,095

6,678

771

311

6,192

4.2

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. The 2019 comparative has been reduced by $333,334 to exclude the value of 

shares issued on 31 December 2019, in settlement of the 2016 TIP, as this cost was included in the share based payments expense in 

prior years as the benefit was accrued.

7.2  OTHER TRANSACTIONS WITH RELATED PARTIES

The Beacon Printing & Publishing Company Limited purchased advertising from the Group during the year ended 31 December 2020 

totalling $559 (2019: $3,559) and reimbursed $62,077 for paper used in 2019 (2019: $6,200 for paper used in 2018).

KPEX Limited was removed from the Register of Companies on 9 July 2020. The group received advertising revenue of $nil  

(2019: $1,427,209) and paid commissions of $nil (2019: $156,246).

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 $27,992 (2019: $98,642) and Restaurant Hub Limited, valued at $12,008 (2019: $10,752). The outstanding 

balances for future services are included in the table below, along with other receivables and payables.

During the year the Group received advertising revenue from The Wairoa Star Limited totalling $8,288 (2019: $8,931). The Wairoa Star 

Limited also purchased other services totalling $1,177 (2019: $1,207) from the Group. The Group purchased services from The Wairoa 

Star Limited totalling $1,583 (2019: $1,286) during the year.

The Group sold its interest in the Chinese New Zealand Herald in December 2019. In 2019 the Group received advertising revenue 

totalling $89,929 from The Chinese New Zealand Herald Limited during the year and paid commission totalling $42,698.

The Group’s transactions with the New Zealand Press Association Limited during the year were $nil (2019: $nil). 

98 NEW ZEALAND MEDIA AND ENTERTAINMENT

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED 
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

CONTINUED

Balances with related party 

Eveve New Zealand Limited

Restaurant Hub Limited

The Wairoa Star Limited

The Beacon Printing & Publishing Company Limited

Total related party receivables and payables

2020 
Receivables 
$’000

2019 
Receivables 
$’000

2020  
Payables 
$’000

2019 
Payables 
$’000

-

37

-

-

37

-

47

1

1

49

-

64

-

-

64

26

78

-

-

104

8.0  CONTINGENT LIABILITIES

9.0  SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

The Group did not have any significant contingent  

The changes to New Zealand’s alert levels on 15 February 2021  

liabilities as at 31 December 2020.

and 18 February 2021 are discussed in note 1.5.7.

The directors are not aware of any material events  

subsequent to the balance sheet date.

ANNUAL REPORT 2020 99

Independent auditor’s report  
To the Shareholders of NZME Limited 

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 2020, 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).  

What we have audited 
The Group's consolidated financial statements comprise: 

● 
● 
● 
● 
● 
● 

the consolidated balance sheet as at 31 December 2020; 

the consolidated income statement for the year then ended; 

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

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

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

the notes to the consolidated financial statements, which include significant accounting 
policies and other explanatory information. 

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.  

Independence 
We are independent of the Group in accordance with Professional and Ethical Standard 1 
International Code of Ethics for Assurance Practitioners (including International Independence 
Standards) (New Zealand) (PES 1) issued by the New Zealand Auditing and Assurance Standards 
Board and the International Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants (including International 
Independence Standards) issued by the International Ethics Standards Board for 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 agreed upon procedures for the 
benchmarking of market revenue data and the Broadcasting Standards Authority return. The provision 
of these other services has not impaired our independence as auditor of the Group. 

Key audit matters  
Key audit matters are those matters that, in our professional judgement, 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, 15 Customs Street West, Private Bag 92162, Auckland 1142, New Zealand 
T: +64 9 355 8000, F: +64 9 355 8001, pwc.co.nz  

 
 
  
  
  
100 NEW ZEALAND MEDIA AND ENTERTAINMENT

Description of the key audit matter 

Intangible assets impairment assessment 

As at 31 December 2020 the total carrying amount 
of the Group’s indefinite life intangible assets, 
comprising masthead brands and other brands 
(the brands), amounts to $101.8 million. Annual 
impairment testing is required under NZ IFRS. 

The NZME business has been identified as a single 
cash generating unit (CGU) and the brands have 
therefore been tested for impairment at this level. 
The Group prepared a discounted cash flow model 
to assess the recoverable amount of the CGU on a 
Value-In-Use (VIU) basis.  

Impairment testing of the CGU is considered a key 
audit matter due to the significance of the carrying 
value of the brands, the inherent judgement 
involved in performing an impairment assessment 
and the inherent uncertainty in relation to the 
continuing impact of the declining print 
advertising market.  

How our audit addressed the key audit 
matter 

We performed the following audit procedures in 
relation to the impairment assessment and key 
judgements:  
●  considered the appropriateness of the one CGU 

assessment 

●  gained an understanding of the forecast 
outlook for the industry and the strategic 
direction of the business 

●  held discussions with management and 

understood the processes undertaken and basis 
for determining the key assumptions in 
preparing the impairment assessment 

●  considered whether the methodologies applied 

were appropriate 

●  performed lookback procedures, comparing 
actual results achieved against forecasts and 
industry performance and considered the 
impact on our assessment of forecast cash 
flows. 

The recoverable amount of the CGU was 
determined to be greater than the carrying value of 
the CGU.  

In relation to the recoverable amount determined, 
we performed the following: 
●  tested the mathematical accuracy of the VIU 

It was determined that the increase in the 
recoverable amount is not directly attributable to 
the brands and as a result an impairment reversal 
has not been recognised.  

Key judgements and estimates included in the 
impairment assessment: 
●  the assessment that the NZME business 

constitutes one CGU 

●  expected future trading results and cash flows 

of the CGU which include, in particular, 
estimates and assumptions around print, radio 
and digital revenue forecasts, the sustainability 
of operating expense restructuring measures 
undertaken this year  
●  the discount rate of 9% 
●  the application of a negative long-term growth 

rate of 1.5%. 

Refer to note 3.1.1 of the consolidated financial 
statements for further information. 

model 

●  engaged our auditor’s valuation expert to assist 

us to: 
o  assess and challenge the reasonableness of 
key assumptions, including revenue and 
operating costs growth rates, the discount 
rate and terminal growth rate, with 
reference to external market evidence  
o  assess and challenge the impact of the 
declining print advertising market and 
digital transformation of the market on 
forecast earnings 

o  consider any changes in the recoverable 

amounts of individual brands. 

In addition, and in conjunction with our auditor’s 
valuation expert, we developed an independent 
VIU point estimate based on our assessment of key 
assumptions which we developed with reference to 
historical performance, industry and other external 
market evidence where relevant. 

Whilst certain inputs determined by us differed to 
those used by management, our independent point 
estimate supports the conclusion reached by 
management. 

We also considered the appropriateness of 
disclosures made. 

PwC 

 
 
  
 
 
ANNUAL REPORT 2020 101

Our audit approach for revenue is largely 
substantive. In responding to the judgments 
involved in determining whether the revenue 
has been recognised in accordance with the 
relevant accounting standards, our audit 
procedures included: 
●  updating our understanding of the systems, 
processes and controls in place over the 
recognition of revenue 
testing controls over the approval of credit 
notes 

● 

●  performing disaggregated risk assessment 

analytics over all revenue streams 
●  examining invoices and contracts with 
customers and ensuring revenue 
recognition was appropriate based on the 
terms of the arrangements  

●  validating that the payment and pricing 

● 

● 

● 

arrangements supporting the recognition of 
revenue 
testing the cut-off around the year end to 
check if revenue was recognised in the 
correct accounting period 
testing the completeness of revenue by 
agreeing cash receipts to invoices raised. 
Additionally, we tested the completeness of 
advertising revenue by agreeing published 
and broadcasted advertisements to booking 
schedules and invoices 
testing the classification of revenue into the 
disaggregation analysis presented in note 
2.1 and 2.4.2 

●  performing analytical procedures over 

● 

● 

revenue recognised through the Group’s 
joint operation 
recalculating commission earned from 
merchant advertising 
testing accounts receivables by requesting 
confirmation from the Group’s customers 
and by reconciling cash payments received 
after year end against these confirmations. 
As a result of our procedures we have no matters 
to report. 

Recognition of revenue 
The recognition of revenue is a key area of focus 
for our audit. 

As set out in notes 2.1 and 2.4.2 to the 
consolidated financial statements, the Group has 
significant revenue from advertising, circulation 
and subscriptions. Other revenue earned 
consists of external printing, digital classifieds, 
shared service centre functions and events. 
Together, these form total revenue from external 
customers totalling $322.1 million for the year.  

Advertising arrangements are often customised 
and consist of multiple performance obligations 
and a series of distinct goods and services. It 
meets the definition for revenue recognition 
over time in accordance with IFRS 15.  

Circulation and subscription revenue are 
recognised at a point in time as single 
performance obligations. 

Other revenue is recognised over time in 
accordance with IFRS 15. 

Management judgment in the form of estimates 
are applied in the following areas: 

●  Measuring progress towards complete 

satisfaction of a performance obligation 

●  Allocating the transaction price to 

performance obligations 

●  Determining the transaction price in 

respect of contracts with non-standard 
consideration. 

The recognition of revenue is a judgemental area 
requiring significant audit focus and attention. 
As a result we consider it a key audit matter.  

PwC 

  
 
 
  
102 NEW ZEALAND MEDIA AND ENTERTAINMENT

Our audit approach 

Overview 

Overall Group materiality: $1,600,000, which represents approximately 
0.5% of total revenues. 

We chose total revenue as the benchmark because, in our view, it is a key 
financial metric used in assessing the performance of the Group. We 
chose 0.5% based on our professional judgement, noting that it is also 
within the range of commonly accepted thresholds for entities where 
revenue is considered the appropriate benchmark. 

We performed a full scope audit over the consolidated financial 
information of the Group. 

As reported above, we have two key audit matters, being: 

Intangible assets impairment assessment 

● 
●  Recognition of revenue 

As part of designing our audit, we determined materiality and assessed the risks of material 
misstatement in the consolidated financial statements. In particular, we considered where 
management made subjective judgements; for example, in respect of significant accounting estimates 
that involved making assumptions and considering future events that are inherently uncertain. 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. 

Materiality 
The scope of our audit was influenced by our application of materiality. An audit is designed to obtain 
reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free from material 
misstatement. Misstatements may arise due to fraud or error. They are considered material if, 
individually or in aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of 
users taken on the basis of the consolidated financial statements.  

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. 

How we tailored our group audit scope 
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. 

PwC 

 
 
  
 
 
  
 
  
 
 
ANNUAL REPORT 2020 103

Other information  
The Directors are responsible for the other information. The other information comprises the 
information included in the Annual report, but does not include the consolidated financial statements 
and our auditor's report thereon. 

Our opinion on the consolidated financial statements does not cover the other information and we do 
not express any form of audit opinion or assurance conclusion thereon.  

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.  

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 consolidated financial statements is 
located at the External Reporting Board’s website at: 

https://www.xrb.govt.nz/assurance-standards/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. 

PwC 

  
 
 
  
 
104 NEW ZEALAND MEDIA AND ENTERTAINMENT

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

For and on behalf of:  

Chartered Accountants 
23 February 2021 

Auckland 

PwC 

  
 
 
  
  
  
ANNUAL REPORT 2020 105

106 NEW ZEALAND MEDIA AND ENTERTAINMENT

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ANNUAL REPORT 2020 107

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

 
 
 
 
 
 
TUKUTUKU KŌREROEducation Gazette NEW ZEALAND