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NZME Limited

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FY2021 Annual Report · NZME Limited
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NZME LIMITED ANNUAL REPORT

KEEPING 
KIWIS 
IN THE 
KNOW

For the year ended 31 December 2021

2 NEW ZEALAND MEDIA AND ENTERTAINMENT

2021 Financial Results Summary

Business Snapshot

8 Chairman’s Report

10 Chief Executive Officer’s Report

Financial Commentary

17 Our Sustainability Commitment

The NZME Board

30 The NZME Executive Team

32 Corporate Governance

Statutory Disclosures

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104

44

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48 Consolidated Financial Statements

Independent Auditor’s Report

This annual report is dated 22 February 2022 and is signed  
on behalf of the Board of Directors by:

Barbara Chapman
Chairman

Carol Campbell
Director

ANNUAL REPORT 2021 3

4 NEW ZEALAND MEDIA AND ENTERTAINMENT

2021 FINANCIAL 
RESULTS 
SUMMARY

$349.2m

Operating Revenue1
2020 $331.2m

5%

$66.0m

Operating EBITDA1
2020 $66.0m

$34.4m

Statutory NPAT1
2020 $14.5m

138%

$23.6m

Operating NPAT1
2020 $22.2m

6%

11.9cps

Operating EPS1
2020 11.3cps

6%

5.0 cps

Final Dividend
Payable on 23 March 2022

$13.5m

Net Cash 
Movement

$47.4m

1 Operating results presented are non-GAAP measures that include the impact of NZ IFRS 16 and the IFRIC agenda decision on Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) 
arrangements, however, exclude exceptional items to allow for a like for like comparison between 2020 and 2021 financial years. For the avoidance of 
doubt, 2020 has been restated to include the impact of the IFRIC agenda decision on SaaS arrangements. Please refer to pages 38-39 of this results 
presentation for a detailed reconciliation. The 2020 operating and statutory results include $8.6 million (net) of Covid-19 government wage subsidy 
received in H1 2020. 

ANNUAL REPORT 2021 5

BUSINESS 
SNAPSHOT

10

Audio brands

1.9 million

#1 Station

Weekly radio  
total listeners1

Newstalk ZB is the number one 
commercial radio station1

6 million

37.4%

40.9%

Over 6 million hours are 
listened to monthly through 
iHeartRadio2

NZME radio brand  
audience market share1

NZME radio revenue  
market share for 20213

32

2.2 million

Print publications across  
New Zealand

NZ Herald weekly  
brand audience4

191,000 

Subscribers across  
print and digital6

2 million

55.6%

47.4%

Average monthly unique 
audience on nzherald.co.nz5

NZME print audience  
market share4

NZME print advertising  
revenue market share for 20217

12

Real estate  
publications

853,000

90%

OneRoof  
brand audience4

Increase in total digital 
revenue year-on-year6

497,000

91%

23.5%

Average monthly unique 
audience on oneroof.co.nz5 

Nationwide residential  
for-sale real estate listings8

Listings upgrades in Auckland 
grew from 17.6%6

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1 GfK RAM, Commercial Radio, Total NZ 4/2021, M-S 12mn-12mn, M-F 6am-9am, Share %, Cume 000, AP10+ 2 Adswizz Jul-Dec 2021 TLH averaged  
3 PwC Radio advertising market benchmark report, Q1 2021 – Q4 2021. Note: report excludes independent broadcasters and contra revenue. 4 Nielsen CMI 
Q4 20 – Q3 21 Fused Nov 2021 AP15+ Note. OneRoof includes weekly print and monthly digital. 5 Nielsen Online Ratings Q4 2021 AP15+ (excludes APP)  
6 NZME Analysis 7 PwC NPA quarterly performance comparison report, Q1 2021 – Q4 2021. Note: report excludes any publishers that are not part of the NPA.
8 OneRoof’s listings as a percentage of residential for-sale real estate listings on trademe.co.nz. Note: From June 2021 onwards lifestyle properties and 
sections were added to the OneRoof count.

6 NEW ZEALAND MEDIA AND ENTERTAINMENT

ANNUAL REPORT 2021 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 2021.

New Zealand experienced another difficult 

previous year. It has been pleasing to see 

helping Kiwis stay safe against COVID-19 

year in 2021 with COVID-19 re-emerging 

NZME’s continued digital transformation 

and go about their daily lives. Through this 

in the community in August, resulting in 

in 2021 with 37% growth in digital revenue 

campaign we evidenced how seriously we 

full lockdowns and intra-country border 

across the business. 

restrictions effectively isolating our largest 

city – Auckland. As I reflect on 2021, I am 

very proud of what NZME has been able 

Statutory Net Profit After Tax in 2021 was 

up $20 million to $34.4 million, partly as a 

result of the gain on sale of GrabOne of  

take our responsibility to be a trusted voice 

for New Zealand and effectively use the 

influence we have through our platforms to 

make a positive impact for all Kiwis.

to achieve in what has been an incredibly 

$15.4 million. Operating NPAT1 was  

In 2021, NZME kept a close eye on the 

challenging and uncertain trading and 

$23.6 million – an improvement of 6% on 

legislation passed by the Australian 

operating environment for our customers 

the year prior. 

and our people.

Through The 90% Project we evidenced 
how seriously we take our responsibility 
to be a trusted voice for New Zealand and 
effectively use the influence we have 
through our platforms to make a positive 
impact for all Kiwis.

government requiring Google and 

Facebook (“Global Digital Platforms”) to 

negotiate with news publishers to pay for 

their content. In the absence of similar 

legislation in New Zealand we are actively 

engaging with the New Zealand Commerce 

Commission and the Global Digital 

Platforms to arrive at a satisfactory outcome 

for NZME. 

Just over three years ago the company’s 

net debt position was around $100 million, 

which led the Board to focus strongly on debt 

reduction as part of its capital management 

In 2020, NZME softened the impact of the 

I was incredibly proud of the important  

plan. I am very pleased to report that over the 

initial COVID-19 outbreak by responding 

role NZME played in keeping Kiwis in the 

past three years NZME has repaid all its debt 

know, particularly given the challenges  

and was in a net cash position of $13.5 million 

New Zealand faced with the emergence  

as at 31 December 2021. 

quickly and effectively. We prioritised the 

health and safety of our people, made 

some difficult restructuring decisions and 

reduced costs where we could. With this 

preparation, in 2021 the management team 

were able to continue their commitment to 

NZME’s 2023 strategy and continue steering 

the business back to pre-pandemic levels 

and a growth trajectory. 

of COVID-19 in our communities.  

A particular highlight was taking the lead 

to initiate “The 90% Project”, a NZ Herald 

campaign to drive the double vaccination 

of New Zealand’s eligible population to 

90% by Christmas 2021. NZME also ran an 

internal campaign, #RollUpYourSleevesNZ, 

to encourage our staff to support the 

Continued strong cash flows during 2021 

enabled NZME to re-commence dividend 

payments to shareholders with a fully 

imputed and fully franked 3.0 cents  

per share interim dividend declared in 

August 2021. Based on the business 

outlook and capital requirements, the 

Board has declared a fully imputed and 

fully franked final dividend of 5.0 cents 

Overall Operating Revenue1 was solid at 

important vaccination message. 

$349.2 million, up 5% higher on 2020. 

This included a significant recovery 

in advertising revenue, up 13% on the 

The initiative was a huge success, with 

per share bringing the total dividends 

90% of the eligible population receiving 

declared in relation to the 2021 year to  

two doses of the vaccine by 16 December, 

8.0 cents per share. 

1 Operating results presented include the impact of NZ IFRS 16 and the IFRIC agenda decision on Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) arrangements, however, 
exclude exceptional items to allow for a like for like comparison between 2020 and 2021 financial years. For the avoidance of doubt, 2020 has been 
restated to include the impact of the IFRIC agenda decision on SaaS arrangements. Please refer to pages 38-39 of this results presentation for a detailed 
reconciliation. The 2020 operating and statutory results include $8.6 million (net) of COVID-19 government wage subsidy received in H1 2020.

ANNUAL REPORT 2021 9

KEEPING 
KIWIS 
IN THE 
KNOW

The 90% Project 
An audacious bid by the NZ 

Herald team to see 90% of the 

eligible population immunised by 

Christmas, helping Kiwis reach 

the target by 16 December 2021. 

Myth-busting in an age  
of misinformation
NZME used its news and social 

platforms to ensure audiences 

were delivered accurate facts, 

and fair and balanced journalism.

KICK 
NZME's new digital brand, 

Kāhu and Te Rito
NZME launched Kāhu in 2021, NZ 

KICK, developed by youth and 

Herald’s digital platform showcasing 

focused on content formats and 

Māori journalism across Aotearoa. Te 

Impact of COVID-19 on business
Deep dives into how businesses are 

coping during COVID-19, including 

the self-isolation business trial 

strategies for New Zealand's 

Rito is a collaboration to train twenty-

campaign

youth audience, broadcast across 

five new cadets, to help future-proof 

multiple platforms.

journalism as a career pathway and 

enhance content diversity.

Following the settlement of the GrabOne 

sale in October 2021 and the repayment  

of debt, NZME’s balance sheet is in a strong 

position. With these factors in mind, the 

Board determined that it would commence 

a $30 million on-market share buyback 

programme. The disclosure document  

was issued on 17 December 2021 with  

the buyback of up to 21,428,571 shares.  

A further announcement will be made 

ahead of the on-market share buyback  

to confirm the commencement.

NZME is committed to delivering shareholder 

value by focusing on our guiding principles, 

our key strategic priorities and achieving 
the targets we have set for 2023. Alongside 

Net Debt Reduction

Net Debt / (Cash) (LHS)

1.8

1.5

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resuming the payment of dividends and 

On behalf of the Board, I would like to 

the expected execution of the on-market 

express our sincere thanks to our people, 

buyback, we remain in a strong position  

our customers, partners and shareholders 

to make future capital investments that  
align with our strategic priorities and fuel 

for your commitment and ongoing support 
during what has been another disrupted 

NZME for growth. 

and challenging year.

Barbara Chapman 
Chairman

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
10 NEW ZEALAND MEDIA AND ENTERTAINMENT

CHIEF EXECUTIVE 
OFFICER’S REPORT 

New Zealand Media and Entertainment remained steadfast in its goal of keeping 
Kiwis in the know, despite significant uncertainty in 2021 due to COVID-19.

Our people have continued to demonstrate 
an outstanding commitment to our purpose, 
ensuring we are delivering quality journalism 
and entertainment for our audiences. 

The 2021 year started with promising signs of 
recovery, with June 2021 revenues returning 
to 2019 levels. However, the reintroduction 
of restrictions across the nation in August 
reduced overall business confidence and 
momentum, impacting NZME’s advertising 
revenues through until the end of October. 
Throughout this time the business remained 
agile, ensuring we continued to service our 
audiences and our advertising customers 
whilst keeping Kiwis in the know.

The Operating EBITDA1 for 2021 of  
$66.0 million, was in line with last year’s 
result. This is pleasing given the impact 
of COVID-19 restrictions on revenue in 
the second half of the year, particularly 
without the benefit of the government wage 
subsidies that helped offset impacts in 2020. 

NZME’s Key Strategic Priorities

I am pleased to report that we continued 
to make strong progress across NZME's 
three strategic pillars: Audio, Publishing 
and OneRoof.

NZME’s share of total radio audience grew 
nearly two percentage points to 37.4% 
in 2021 compared to 35.6% in 20202. We 
worked hard to provide Kiwis with the best 
local audio content and we are extremely 
proud that Newstalk ZB has the number 
one breakfast show3 and is New Zealand's 
number one radio station for the 14th year 
running3.5. We also announced exciting line- 
up changes to NZME’s radio brands Flava, 
The Hits and ZM.

Radio revenue share grew 0.5% in 2021 to 
40.9%4 and NZME radio advertising revenue 
grew 10% year-on-year. Revenue from 
iHeartRadio, New Zealand’s leading digital 
audio platform, increased 51% year-on-year. 
iHeartRadio broadens our audio reach 
across both terrestrial radio and digital 
audio, positioning NZME as New Zealand’s 
leading audio company.

The NZ Herald remained the number one 
daily newspaper in New Zealand5 as NZME 
continued to engage audiences across 
both print and digital news publications. 
The execution of the publishing division’s 
digital media strategy continued to 
perform strongly, resulting in strong digital 
subscription and advertising revenue 
growth. NZME reached 191,000 total 
subscribers, up 13% compared to 2020. 
83,000 of those subscribers were paid 
digital-only subscribers, an increase of 54% 
year-on-year. This was supported by strong 
growth in total monthly digital users in 20216.

Digital and print publishing advertising 
revenue grew 26% and 5% respectively 
compared to 2020, with digital making 
up 46% of total publishing advertising 
revenue in 2021.

We were pleased to acquire BusinessDesk 
in 2022 and welcome their team to NZME. 
The acquisition is strongly aligned with 
NZME’s strategic priorities and we are 
excited to accelerate the digital growth of 
BusinessDesk and further cement NZME 
as the home of New Zealand’s premier 
business offerings.

OneRoof grew digital national residential 
listings penetration7 to 90.5% compared to 

88.6% in 2020. Residential for-sale listings 
upgrade conversion rates for Auckland 
and Regional markets increased to 23.5% 
and 5.4% respectively. This resulted in 
OneRoof’s digital revenue increasing 90% 
year-on-year as NZME’s digital real estate 
platform continues to show strong growth. 
OneRoof’s print advertising revenue 
remained flat year-on-year, impacted by 
the reintroduction of COVID-19 restrictions 
in the second half of 2021. We continue 
investment to increase brand awareness 
and monetisation, striving to become ‘Your 
Complete Property Destination’.

The GrabOne sale was completed on  
29 October 2021. The business and assets 
were sold for $17.5 million which, after 
settling merchant liabilities and sale costs, 
resulted in a net cash inflow of $13.1 million.

During the year Jason Winstanley was 
appointed as the new Chief Radio Officer and 
Paul Hancox as the new Chief Commercial 
Officer. Both were internal appointments, 
exhibiting the talent of our people and 
the wealth of experience that they bring. 
In addition, Carolyn Luey was appointed 
Chief Digital and Publishing Officer.
Carolyn has significant experience across 
telecommunications, technology and media. 

2021 Financial Results

The first half of 2021 showed positive signs 
of recovery compared to 2019 revenue 
levels. By June 2021, monthly advertising 
revenue exceeded the corresponding period 
in 2019. The reintroduction of COVID-19 
restrictions across the country in Q3 2021 
impacted advertising revenue and print 
retail sales. Despite these challenges, NZME 

1 Operating results presented are non-GAAP measures that include the impact of NZ IFRS 16 and the IFRIC agenda decision on Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) 
arrangements, however, exclude exceptional items to allow for a like for like comparison between 2020 and 2021 financial years. For the avoidance of doubt, 
2020 has been restated to include the impact of the IFRIC agenda decision on SaaS arrangements. Please refer to pages 38-39 of this results presentation 
for a detailed reconciliation. The 2020 operating and statutory results include $8.6 million (net) of Covid-19 government wage subsidy received in H1 2020.   
2 GfK Radio Audience Measurement, Commercial Stations, NZME excl. Partners, M-S 12mn-12mn, Market Share %, S4 2020 – S4 2021, AP10+.3 GfK RAM, 
Commercial Radio, Total NZ 4/2021, M-F 6am-9am, Share %, AP10+ 3.5 GfK RAM, Commercial Radio, Total NZ S1 2016 - S4 2021, M-S 12mn-12mn, Share %, 
AP10+ Note: TNS Radios survey 2008-2015.4 PwC Radio advertising market benchmark report, Q1 2020 – Q4 2021. Note: report excludes independent 
broadcasters and contra revenue. 5 Nielsen CMI Q4 20 – Q3 21 Fused Nov 2021 AP15+. 6 Nielsen Online Ratings monthly average Jan-Dec 2021 compared 
to Jan-Dec 2020. 7 OneRoof’s listings as a percentage of residential for-sale real estate listings on trademe.co.nz. Note: From June 2021 onwards lifestyle 
properties and sections were added to the OneRoof count.

ANNUAL REPORT 2021 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

ended the year strongly with both 
November and December advertising 
revenue exceeding 2019 levels. 

2021 operating revenue1 was  
$349.2 million, up 5% compared  
to 2020. Excluding the government 
wage subsidies received in 2020 of 
$8.6 million (net), the growth year-
on-year was 8%.

Operating expenses1 were 7% higher 
in 2021 in line with increased volumes 
and higher revenue, but pleasingly 
remain well below 2019 as a result of 
the initiatives implemented in 2020 
to permanently reduce the cost base 
by $20 million. We remain focused on 
ensuring that our cost base remains 
efficient and appropriate.

NZME's revenue mix shifted with a 
higher proportion of digital revenue in 
2021. Digital revenue grew $21.6 million 
to $79.5 million 2021 or 37% compared 
to 2020. It was very pleasing to deliver 
this growth as we execute our digital 
transformation strategy. 

Advertising revenue grew 13% to  
$248.5 million in 2021 compared 
to $220.1 million in 2020. Radio 
advertising revenue was 10% higher 
than 2020 with the first half of the 
year up 17% on the same period 
in 2020. Print advertising revenue 
recovered marginally year-on-year, 
with the majority of advertising 
revenue growth coming from a 26% 
lift in publishing digital advertising 
revenue. We are positioned 
exceptionally well to offer our 
customers one of the broadest 
integrated media offerings in the 
country and our teams have done a 
great job catering to our customers' 
advertising needs across NZME’s 
platforms. 

The continued growth in digital 
subscriptions revenue more than 
offset the decline in print retail sales 
to deliver a 3% growth in publishing 
reader revenue for the year.

Conclusion

The positive results achieved in  
2021 have been made possible by the 
dedication of our team of people, and 
through the support of our customers 
and business partners.

I would also like to thank the millions 
of Kiwis who choose to engage with 
our news and entertainment platforms 
every day.

On behalf of myself and the executive 
team, I would like to thank the NZME 
Board for their ongoing support 
and guidance, which has been 
particularly valuable as we have 
navigated our way through the 
challenges of recent years.

Michael Boggs 
Chief Executive Officer

12 NEW ZEALAND MEDIA AND ENTERTAINMENT

FINANCIAL 
COMMENTARY

Financial Results

NZME’s Operating NPAT1 for 2021 was  

reduced term of the lease liabilities.  

Statutory NPAT1 for 2021 was $34.4 million, 

compared to $14.5 million in 2020. 2021 

Statutory NPAT included a $15.4 million 

$23.6 million, up 6% year-on-year resulting 

A portion of the right of use asset related 

in an operating earnings per share of  

to the sub-leased part of the Auckland 

11.9 cents versus 11.3 cents in 2020. 

and Whangarei offices was reclassified  

gain on sale of GrabOne. Operating EBITDA1 

In 2021 the company reviewed the 

was $66.0 million in 2021, flat year-on-year. 

accounting treatment of configuration and 

Operating Revenue2 was $349.2 million in 

2021, up 5% compared to $333.2 million in 

2020. Operating revenue in 2020 included 

$8.6 million (net) of government wage 

subsidies received in first half of 2020. 

customisation costs in relation to Software 

as a Service (SaaS) arrangements as a 

result of IFRS Interpretations Committee’s 

(IFRIC’s) agenda decision in April 2021. 

As a result, the company has changed 

its accounting policy in regard to the 

Operating Expenses1 increased 7% to 

capitalisation of these costs. The change 

$283.2 million, largely due to increased 

in policy has resulted in an increase 

agency commission and marketing costs 

in expenses of $1.7 million in 2021 and 

in line with an increase in revenue. In 

$1.4 million in 2020, together with 

to finance lease receivables. 

Operating cash flow was $51.8 million 

in 2021, $3.8 million lower than 2020 

primarily due to higher income tax paid  

in the year. 

Capital expenditure was $6.5 million in 2021 

which was $1.5 million higher than 2020 

given the pause on investment in 2020 in 

response to the initial outbreak of COVID-19. 

Taking into consideration the impact of the 

change in accounting policy in relation to 

addition, there were higher selling costs 

corresponding adjustments to the balance 

SaaS related arrangements, future capital 

associated with the growing OneRoof 

sheet. 2021 financial results have been 

expenditure is expected to be between  

business. Print and distribution costs1 

prepared to reflect the changed policy and 

$8 million and $10 million per annum.  

increased 11% compared to 2020 with 

2020 financial results have been restated. 

2020 including temporary cost savings 

Further detail has been provided in note 

Divisional Performance

in response to the COVID-19 impacts. 

1.2.3 of the financial statements for the 

NZME is an integrated multi-channel media 

Content expenses increased by 9%, as a 

restatement of the 2020 balance sheet 

business focused on engaging audience 

result of increased music royalties and 

and page 38 and 39 of the NZME 2021 

and customers with top quality content 

digital content costs which supported 

Full Year Results Presentation for a detail 

across multiple verticals, brands and 

higher revenue.

reconciliation of the operating results.

products. The key divisions of the business 

Depreciation and amortisation1 on owned 

Balance Sheet and Cash Flow

assets decreased by $1.1 million for the 

year as the overall asset base reduced and 

some assets became fully amortised. 

The company finished the year with 

a net cash position of  $13.5 million 

representing an improvement of 

Finance costs1 were 12% lower at $7.3 million 

$47.7 million compared to the  

as a result of lower average interest 

$33.8 million net debt position at  

bearing debt, with the majority of this cost 

the end of 2020.

align with the company’s strategic 

priorities: Audio (broadcast and digital 

audio), Publishing (print and digital news 

and journalism) and OneRoof (real estate 

print and the OneRoof digital platforms). 

To understand the performance of each 

division, a framework has been developed 

to allocate various shared cost pools on an 

relating to the interest expense on leases. 

Net working capital excluding cash 

appropriate basis. 

Exceptional items1 in 2021 totalled net  

continued to be a net liability with 

$10.8 million gains which included the 

increases in tax payable, deferred 

$15.4 million profit on the sale of GrabOne, 

revenue and other accruals offsetting the 

offset by $2.0 million relating to workforce 

reduction in merchant liabilities as a result 

restructuring costs, and $1.7 million of one- 

of the sale of GrabOne. 

off projects and other exceptional costs.  

Plant property and equipment, intangibles 

In 2020, exceptional items totalled a net 

and other non-current assets decreased 

cost of $8.0 million, predominately made 

due to depreciation and amortisation 

up of workforce restructuring costs in 

exceeding capital expenditure. Right 

response to COVID-19.  

of use assets declined in line with the 

1 Operating results presented are non-GAAP measures that include the impact of NZ IFRS 16 and the IFRIC agenda decision on Software-as-a-Service 
(SaaS) arrangements, however, exclude exceptional items to allow for a like for like comparison between 2020 and 2021 financial years. For the avoidance 
of doubt, 2020 has been restated to include the impact of the IFRIC agenda decision on SaaS arrangements. Please refer to pages 38-39 of this results 
presentation for a detailed reconciliation. The 2020 operating and statutory results include $8.6 million (net) of Covid-19 government wage subsidy 
received in H1 2020. 

ANNUAL REPORT 2021 13

The audio division includes NZME’s radio brands 

The growth in revenue was supported by average 

and digital audio platform iHeartRadio. 

monthly listening hours increasing to over  

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Total audio revenue was $105.7 million in 2021, up 

6% year-on-year. Audio revenue in 2020 included 

$3.7 million of government wage subsidy received 

in the first half. 

Radio advertising revenue grew 10% to  

$101.0 million, with the first half of the year 

showing signs of recovery with 17% growth 

compared to the first half of 2020. Revenue for 

the second half of 2021 was impacted by the 

reintroduction of COVID-19 restrictions but was 

still 4% higher than the second half 2020. 

NZME’s share of total audience grew to 37.4% in 

2021 compared to 35.6% in 20202 as optimisation 

initiatives, talent and content changes made in 

2020 led to audience engagement in 2021.  

This was accompanied by an increase in radio 

revenue market share to 40.9% compared to 

40.4% in 20203. 

We are extremely pleased to have received 

recognition at the NZ Radio Awards with Newstalk 

ZB the number one radio station and breakfast 

talk show in New Zealand4. 

Our digital audio platform, iHeartRadio, 

celebrated a continued growth trajectory in 2021 

with revenue increasing 51% year-on-year. 

6 million5. NZME holds a leading position in the 

podcast market and has the leading commercial 

podcast network in New Zealand6. 

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Radio Market Revenue3

Market Revenue

NZME Share

41.5%

41.0%

40.5%

40.0%

39.5%

39.0%

38.5%

2019

2020

2021

Digital Audio Revenue1

+51%

+42%

2019

2020

2021

1 NZME Analysis. 2 GfK Radio Audience Measurement, Commercial Stations, M-S 12mn - 12mn, NZME excl. Partners, Market Share %, S4 2020 – S4 
2021, AP10+. 3 PwC Radio advertising market benchmark report, Q1 2019 – Q4 2021. Rolling 4-quarter average for market share. Note: report excludes 
independent broadcasters and contra revenue. 4 GfK RAM, Commercial Radio, Total NZ 4/2021, M-S 12mn-12mn, M-F 6am-9am, Share %, AP10+.  
5 Adswizz Jul-Dec 2021 TLH averaged. 6 Triton NZ Podranker December 2021.

 
 
14 NEW ZEALAND MEDIA AND ENTERTAINMENT

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The publishing division includes NZME’s print 

and digital news and journalism products. 

Total publishing revenue was $212.0 million 

in 2021, up 5% compared to 2020. Publishing 

revenue in 2020 included $4.5 million 

government wage subsidy received in the 

first half.

Overall, reader revenue increased by 3% with 

digital subscription revenue growing 75%. 

This more than offset a 12% decline in print 

retail sales revenue and a 1% reduction in 

print subscriber revenue. Total subscribers 

across print and digital grew to 191,000,  

up from 169,000 in 2020, including 83,000 

digital-only subscribers.

NZ Herald Daily and Weekly Brand audience 

was 11.8% and 15.1% higher respectively 

compared to the prior corresponding period2. 

Monthly digital users grew 8% to  

2.8 million and the unique audience  

of nzherald.co.nz also increased 10% to  

2.1 million3. The increase in brand audience 

across NZME’s publishing platforms  

was pleasing, as we deliver on being 

New Zealand’s most trusted publisher.

Print advertising revenue grew 5% to  

$65.0 million in 2021. Although print 

advertising revenue remained lower 

than 2019 levels, NZME ended the year 

maintaining its strong print revenue market 

share position at 47.4%4, up from 47.1%  

in 20204.

Digital advertising revenue grew 26% to  

$56.1 million in 2021 with strong demand 

from advertising customers. 

Subscriptions Mix1

Print Only

Digital Entitled

Digital Only

s
r
e
b
i
r
c
s
b
u
S
f
o
r
e
b
m
u
N

200,000

150,000

100,000

50,000

-

)

m
$
(
e
u
n
e
v
e
R

80.0

70.0

60.0

50.0

40.0

30.0

20.0

10.0

-

2019

2020

2021

Digital Publishing Revenue1

Digital Subscriber Revenue
Digital Publishing Advertising Revenue

+32%

+17%

2019

2020

2021

1 NZME Analysis. 2 Nielsen CMI Q4 20 – Q3 21 AP15+ compared to Q4 19 – Q3 20. 3 Nielsen CMI fused Q4 20 – Q3 21, Nov 2021, AP 15+ Note: Dec is not 
released until March 2021. 4 PwC NPA quarterly performance comparison report, Q1 2020 – Q4 2021. Note: report excludes any publishers that are  
not part of the NPA.

 
 
 
ANNUAL REPORT 2021 15

F
O
O
R
E
N
O

The OneRoof division includes the OneRoof 

property website and all NZME’s real estate 

dedicated print publications. 

Total OneRoof revenue increased 15% to  

$21.5 million. OneRoof revenue in 2020 included 

$0.7 million government wage subsidy received in 

the first half.

Digital revenue grew 90% year-on-year as OneRoof’s 

digital platform continued to grow. This year saw 

a continued focus on using a data led approach to 

provide agents with valuable tools and insights to 

engage with their customers and the audience. 

OneRoof’s digital platform has its highest listings 

penetration in Auckland and showed strong growth 

in other parts of New Zealand, ending the year 

with a nationwide listings penetration of 91%, up 
approximately two percentage points on 20202.

OneRoof’s growing ecosystem and engaged 

audience led to an increase in listing upgrade 

conversions, with Auckland listings conversion 

increasing from 20.9% in Q4 2020 to 27.7% in Q4 

2021. Other regions ended the year strongly with 

upgrades increasing to 7.0% in Q4 2021, up from 

4.3% in the prior corresponding period. 

Leveraging OneRoof’s print publications across 19 

local markets, the focus is on fuelling OneRoof’s 

growth through continued investment in brand 

awareness and engagement with relevant audience.

)

m
$
(
e
u
n
e
v
e
R

9.0

8.0

7.0

6.0

5.0

4.0

3.0

2.0

1.0

-

30%

25%

20%

15%

10%

5%

-

Digital OneRoof Revenue1

+90%

+53%

2019

2020

2021

OneRoof Digital Residential for-sale 
Listings Upgrade %1

Auckland

Regional

Q1
20

Q2
20

Q3
20

Q4
20

Q1
21

Q2
21

Q3
21

Q4
21

1 NZME Analysis. 2 OneRoof’s listings as a percentage of residential for-sale real estate listings on trademe.co.nz. Note: From June 
2021 onwards lifestyle properties and sections were added to the OneRoof count.

 
16 NEW ZEALAND MEDIA AND ENTERTAINMENT

Te Herora o Aotearoa

Auckland’s Sky Tower 

lit up with vaccination 

messages as part of 

the 90% Project.

Photo / Chris Tarpey

FULLY VAXXED

 
ANNUAL REPORT 2021 17

OUR SUSTAINABILITY 
COMMITMENT

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

We are committed to protecting the craft of 

immunised in Aotearoa by Christmas 

We continue our sustainability journey 

journalism and broadcasting to keep Kiwis 

2021. The 90% Project and supporting 

and look forward to the development of 

in the know. In 2021, again impacted by the 

#RollUpYourSleevesNZ activation is one  

initiatives to ensure we have meaningful, 

ongoing impacts of COVID-19, we felt this 

of NZME’s proudest achievements. 

sustainable practices for the wider 

more keenly than ever, with a pandemic 

that required an accelerated need for the 

business to share its platforms to ensure 

our communities were connected, and our 

people kept safe. 

Our people were supported throughout 

lockdowns and alert levels with an 

community, the wellbeing of our people 

and the environment. 

increased focus on Wellbeing and 

Due to the ongoing impacts of COVID-19 in 

Engagement. This work continues into 2022 

2021, progress is likely to be affected when 

where a number of the initiatives planned 

compared to other years.

The 90% Project – a bold initiative driven 

will be brought to life as restrictions ease. 

by the NZ Herald and supported across the 

The following tables outline the progress 

entire business - successfully drove a call to 

we've made to date on these, as well as our 

action to see 90% of our eligible population 

environmental initiatives. 

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

Let’s vaccinate NZ by Xmas

WE DID IT NEW ZEALAND
Eligible population: 4.21m 

i

90% Fully vaccinated

90.0%
Fully vaccinated

94.3%
One dose only

90%

Fully vaccinated:    86%  •  Tairāwhiti 82%  •  Taranaki 86%  •  Hawke’s Bay 87%  •  MidCentral 89%  •  Whanganui 84%

OUR COMMUNITIES

We connect and empower our communities.

With the presence of COVID-19 in  
New Zealand during 2021, NZME (as an 
essential service) had a critical role to play 
to keep Kiwis informed and connected. 
In 2021 NZME used its extensive range 
of publications, radio networks and 
digital platforms to connect and support 
communities across New Zealand. Three 
significant campaigns were undertaken - 
The 90% Project, #RollUpYourSleevesNZ, 
and a partnership with World Vision to 
raise money for India to deliver aid.

The NZ Herald launched The 90% Project 
in September 2021 in an audacious bid 
to see 90% of the eligible population 

immunised in Aotearoa by Christmas. 
NZME utilised all platforms to reach as 
many people as possible, to encourage 
vaccination, and drive vaccination 
knowledge and understanding. By  
16 December, 90% of the eligible 
population in NZ were fully vaccinated 
having had received two doses of the 
vaccine. With the live NZ Vaccine Tracker 
at the top of print and digital NZ Herald 
platforms, Kiwis were able to see the 
nation’s target in real time. The tracker 
would refresh daily, gathering data direct 
from a Ministry of Health data feed.

Pictures /  
Alex Burton,  
Dean Purcell,   
Michael Craig,   
George Heard,  
Sylvie Whinray,  
Brett Phibbs

#RollUpYourSleevesNZ launched 
simultaneously with The 90% Project and 
was a NZME-wide campaign using the 
power of our platforms to keep Kiwis in the 
know, sharing our platforms with our wider 
community to support the message to get 
vaccinated. NZME staff were encouraged 
to participate by showing their rolled-
up sleeves and using the hashtag 
#RollUpYourSleevesNZ on their own social 
media accounts.

NZME recognises the responsibility that 
comes with acting as a voice of record 
for New Zealand and, in addition to 
the activity driven out of COVID-19, we 
continued to use our reach to address  
key topics and conversations important 
to New Zealanders, as well as partner 
with several organisations to champion 
charitable causes.

Case Study: Launched in 2021, Kāhu 
applies a cultural lens to stories affecting 
Māori and is establishing meaningful 
connections with iwi and Māori 
communities. The intention is to launch  
a Pasifika section in the future.

ANNUAL REPORT 2021 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.

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 2021 NZME 
participated in more than 30 legal challenges, some of which involved continued 
investment in opposing or appealing to the High Court, Court of Appeal and the 
Supreme Court. In 2021 NZME was involved and will continue its involvement with 
the Open Justice Project, which provides NZME with additional funding for court 
reporting through Public Interest Journalism funding.

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).

The table below shows a decrease in 2021 from 2020, of the number of complaints 
upheld by regulators. 

Regulator

Number of Upholds

BSA

2020

One

2021

Nil

Media Council

Four

One uphold and  
one partial uphold

We have maintained our commitment to our communities through the presence 
of local journalists and broadcasters. We employ 550 journalists and broadcasters 
nationwide, up from 526 in 2020.

We increased diversity of content and contributors across our platforms.  
Initiatives in 2021 included: 

•  The launch of Kāhu, NZ Herald’s digital platform showcasing Māori journalism 

from our newsrooms across Aotearoa. 

•  The Herald, E-Tangata and Tawera Productions joined forces to bring together 

‘Waka’, a six-part online video series which traces the cultural revival of the craft 
through four teams across the Pacific. 

•  NZME confirmed a media partnership with Auckland Unlimited across four major 
summer cultural festivals – Diwali, Lantern Festival, Tāmaki Herenga Waka Festival 
and Pasifika.

•  Basic te reo Māori pronunciation and pepeha sessions.

•  Cultural workshops and site visits for our journalists, including Sikh Temple visit 
and cultural workshops with different communities in NZ, such as the NZ Jewish 
Council and members of the Fijian Indian community.

We continue to participate in and support Local Democracy Reporters  
(NZ On Air funded journalists), hosting two (of eight) democracy reporters  
in our newsrooms in 2021.

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 on page 20. 

SHARING OUR PLATFORMS

In 2021 we have championed and supported charitable causes, providing support to:

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

Attitude Trust, Cure Kids, Himalayan Trust – Everest Day, Prostate Cancer Foundation 
of New Zealand, Ronald McDonald House, Rotorua Community Hospice, Variety 
Warm Hearts Appeal and World Vision.

20 NEW ZEALAND MEDIA AND ENTERTAINMENT

OUR COMMUNITIES

CONTINUED

Case Study: ‘The Country’ 
(radio, print and digital) has over 
many years been a companion 
to farmers and families and had 
a mission to use that privileged 
position to focus on mental  
health. ‘The Country’ launched 
Rural Mental Health Week, aimed  
at getting more Kiwis from  
New Zealand’s rural communities 
talking about mental health. 

Case Study: 
#RollUpYourSleevesNZ was a 
NZME-wide campaign using 
the power of our platforms 
to keep Kiwis in the know 
and support the message 
to get vaccinated. 

Case Study: Red Nose Day is Cure Kids’ biggest annual 
appeal where Kiwis come together to help fund high-
impact, New Zealand-based medical research to save, 
extend and improve the lives of children diagnosed 
with serious life-impacting and life-limiting health 
conditions.

Case Study: When the Delta strain of COVID-19 overwhelmed 
India, The NZ Herald and World Vision responded immediately. 
Building on our experience of working together in the past,  
a successful fundraising campaign was instigated, inspiring 
our audience to give generously. The India COVID-19 campaign 
raised a record $606,000, which was used for oxygen, medical 
supplies and other urgently needed essential services. 

ANNUAL REPORT 2021 21

Case Study: Te Wiki o te Reo Māori 
highlights included the launch of  
Te Reo advocate and the Flava radio 
host Stacey Morrison’s new podcast 
series called ‘Up to Speed with Te Reo 
Māori’ on iHeartRadio. 

Case Study: Seven graduates 
of the New Zealand 
Broadcasting School in 
Canterbury have designed and 
built ‘KICK’, a youth-focused 
digital audio network that lives 
on iHeartRadio, extending 
across all major digital 
platforms. The KICK team have 
support from across the NZME 
business and are a breeding 
ground for the future of radio, 
content by ‘youth,’ for ‘youth.’ 

22 NEW ZEALAND MEDIA AND ENTERTAINMENT

OUR PEOPLE

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

NZME strives to maintain its position as an 

volunteering to provide guidance and 

and Inclusion Committee in 2021  

employer of choice in the media industry. 

support to anyone that is facing a 

are outlined on the table on page 23.  

Our people, policies and practices 

challenging time either at home or work. 

We have established a Head of Cultural 

provide our people with opportunities 

These advocates are trained on how 

Partnerships in our newsroom to  

for learning and development, the ability 

to support team members and provide 

continue to promote cultural (including 

to choose how to manage a healthy 

information regarding our relevant NZME 

content) partnerships and support the 

work-life balance, a focus on diversity 

policies and guidance and where to seek 

newsroom to improve cultural diversity 

and inclusion and a commitment to 

professional advice and support. 

and awareness. 

health, safety and wellness. We are proud 

of the quality and speed of delivery to 

ensure our people were safe and able 

to contribute and support government 

initiatives as an essential service, through 

COVID-19 lockdowns and restriction 

periods regionally and nationwide.

NZME continued to support a diverse 

We are working on initiatives across 

range of lifestyle choices (including 

NZME to improve representation of 

parenting and caring for others) through 

Māori and Pasifika, including our intern 

enabling flexible working options for our 

programmes. A ground-breaking 

people. During and post lockdowns and 

initiative was announced in 2021, with 

restrictions, our people were equipped 

the formation of Te Rito, an industry 

with resources and skills needed to  

collaboration to train and develop  

In 2021 we introduced a new employee 

work from home. The mental health of  

25 new journalism cadets – including 

engagement tool. Our people were 

our people during lockdowns and 

those from Māori, Pasifika, LGBTQ and 

surveyed frequently with greater levels 

restriction periods was critical and  

other communities traditionally under-

of engagement after each survey, and it 

we had professional external 

represented in media. 

aided us to understand how our actions 

support, training, and regular email 

and communications were resonating 

communication from our CEO.

with our people.

The Wellbeing Advocates initiative was 

focus on improving ethnic and cultural 

launched in 2021 with 41 of our people 

diversity in our people and the content 

established as Wellbeing Advocates, 

we produce. The efforts of our Diversity 

NZME has recognised the need to  

GENDER / LEVEL

AGE GROUP

CONTRACT TYPE

44%

40%

56%

60%

70%

30%

47%

53%

ALL PEOPLE

BOARD

EXECUTIVE

PEOPLE 
LEADERS

45-54
21%

F M 0

55+
18%

<24
10%

FULL TIME
68%

25-34
26%

LENGTH OF SERVICE

ETHNICITY

35-44
25%

CONTRACTOR
6%

CASUAL

18%

PART TIME
8%

250

200

150

100

50

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%

European

Māori

Indian

Chinese

Other Asian

Pacific Peoples

Other Ethnicity

Middle Eastern/Latin America/African

Undeclared

INITIATIVE

PROGRESS

ANNUAL REPORT 2021 23

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 been highly focused on safety engagement in 2021, and have seen an 
increase in the number of employees proactively reporting incidents. Please refer to 
page 41 for further detail. We have been focused on engaging our leadership team in 
health, safety and wellbeing and stepping in and taking preventative actions as soon 
as an issue is identified.

The Diversity and Inclusion Committee hosted a calendar of events including: 

•  Chinese New Year and the Chinese Moon Festival

• 

International Women’s Day panel event

•  Rainbow Diversity, supporting the Rainbow Pride Parade

•  Samoan Language Week - celebrating Samoan independence

•  Matariki Event

• 

Te Wiki o te Reo Māori

•  Diwali – Festival of Lights

•  Wellbeing Week 

NZME has maintained the Rainbow Tick certification mark (awarded to organisations 
that demonstrate diversity and inclusion, measured through a thorough assessment 
process). 

NZME supports initiatives that reduce the gender pay gap across the business.

We are striving for diversity at Board, Executive and People Leader levels. 

In 2021, for gender, we have at Board level F60%:M40%, at Executive level F30%:M70% 
and for our People Leaders F53%:M47%. 

For ethnicity, we have at Board level all members identifying as European and at Executive 
level 9% identifying as Chinese and 91% as European, and for our People Leaders we have 
89.9% European, 6.8% Māori, 2.4% Indian, and 0.9% identifying as Other. 

Cultural and ethnic diversity remains a focus and we have engaged with a cultural 
consultant to commence cultural strategy work in 2022. We have mandated at least 
20% of interns be non-European and have collaborated with other media outlets to 
form the Te Rito partnership to train cadets. We are focused on diversity within our 
recruitment process.

NZME supports flexible working for diverse needs and/or shared responsibility  
in the household. Policies and initiatives in 2021 to support this included surveying 
our people to understand what was important to them.

NZME was voted Top Graduate Employer in the media and communications category 
and the second best-reviewed company in the country in the Top 100 Graduate 
Employers in GradNewZealand’s 2021 Student Survey. 19 interns and cadets were 
employed at NZME in 2021.

We highlighted our broadcast and journalistic talent through a series of campaigns.

NZME grew its digital audio brand KICK with the intention of incubating new,  
youth focused content formats and strategies. Refer to case study on page 21.

A total of 115 hours of media law and regulation training was undertaken by our 
journalists and broadcasters at NZME in 2021. In addition, the Board of Directors 
undertook Media Law training to assist in their knowledge and understanding of the 
legal issues encountered in journalism.

Refer to page 27 for our Awards list celebrating the talent and commitment of  
our people.

Our people undertook a total of 136,011 hours of training in 2021 which is a 
significant increase. This increase is due to several training initiatives that did not 
occur in 2020 and a greater ability to capture this information within NZME. Learning 
and development continued through our Editorial Learning and Development 
programme, health and safety training, creative and production training, people 
training (leadership, effective communication, and recruitment for example) finance, 
digital and sales operation training. 

24 NEW ZEALAND MEDIA AND ENTERTAINMENT

Case Study: NZ Herald Science 
Reporter Jamie Morton answered 
our questions on what COP26 
meant for New Zealanders.  
NZ Herald ran explainers, features 
and stories in the lead-up to, and 
during, the COP26 climate summit 
in Glasgow.

OUR ENVIRONMENT

We take our responsibility to the environment seriously.

Case Study: Covering Climate Now:  
NZ Herald Science Reporter Jamie 
Morton, asked how can we make  
New Zealand’s energy sector greener?

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 
emissions and sustainable procurement policies. 

Some of our environmental initiatives were positively impacted by COVID-19 
lockdowns (for example, less travel) in 2020 which created a low baseline and 
consequently in 2021 we have seen increases in travel around New Zealand due 
to reactivation of our client loyalty programme events. Similarly, production  
was reduced in 2020 due to COVID-19 restrictions and the higher production  
in 2021 lead to small increases in plastic and general waste. Initiatives to reduce 
plastic and general waste were implemented in the second half of 2021 and 
will deliver benefits in 2022. It is pleasing to see a reduction in electricity usage 
through improved efficiency at the Ellerslie print plant. We look to expand these 
initiatives further in 2022. 

NZME is closely monitoring and reviewing the development of the climate-
related disclosures framework enacted in October 2021 through the Financial 
Sector (Climate-related Disclosure and Other Matters) Act. NZME notes the 
Xternal Reporting Board intends to issue its first climate standard by the end 
of 2022 and NZME will be required to commence reporting for the full year 
ending 31 December 2023. NZME is preparing for this by engaging in the 
consultation process for development of the climate standards and undertaking 
an assessment of climate-related risks to the business throughout 2022.  

Kiwis’ concern over environmental issues continued to increase in 2021 and 
as a media organisation we are cognisant of our responsibility to demonstrate 
leadership and use our platforms to inform, raise awareness of the issues and 
participate in the debate. 

We will continue to seek ways to reduce our environmental footprint through  
2022 and beyond.

INITIATIVE

PROGRESS

ANNUAL REPORT 2021 25

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.

In 2021, NZME continued to identify and initiate the recycling of batteries, ink  
and toner cartridges at more of our offices. NZME supported Plastic-Free July  
and Recycling Week in October throughout the organisation.

The Ellerslie print plant launched a Plastic Reduction Project in 2020 across both 
its production and distribution teams, to reduce plastic usage. This is a phased 
project which is expected to lead to a decline in plastic used in the production 
process in the future. 2021 saw a year-on-year increase in plastic usage at the plant 
from 49 tonnes (restated) to 52 tonnes reflecting normalised production levels (yet 
showing a reduction from 77 tonnes in 2019). The team continues to work towards 
identifying a practical alternative for the plastic used to protect the bundles of 
papers. Consultation with suppliers is continuing with a goal of finding a more 
environmentally friendly alternative. The team continues to work to improve our 
processes and minimise the volumes directed to landfill. Refer to the case study on 
page 26 as an example of where we removed plastic wrap.

A Waste Committee chaired by the Ellerslie plant’s General Manager was formed 
in 2020 to reduce the general waste from the print plant. In 2021 36.5 tonnes of 
general waste was from the plant, a slight reduction from 37 tonnes in 2020. This 
Committee is tasked with a number of actions to ensure an annual decline in general 
waste from the plant. In 2021 this began with a waste audit which presented the site 
with a number of actions and waste reduction goals.

The COVID-19 lock-downs in 2021 restricted progress towards our waste reduction 
goals. We were successful in removing and replacing the waste compactor with an 
open bin. That allowed for constant surveillance of the contents directed to landfill 
and for any recyclable items to be redirected. It also provided an opportunity to 
trace the source and modify the behaviour.

At the Ellerslie plant the number of general waste bins has been reduced and 
recycling stations have been ordered. Bulk cages are in place in the production 
areas to capture recyclable waste streams.

NZME’s print operations were again awarded the Toitu Enviromark Gold certificate  
in 2021.

We are continuing to evolve a responsible sourcing policy and work with a number 
of sustainable suppliers. 

Employees travelled 3.5 million kms within NZ in 2021, this is up from 3.3 million kms 
(restated number) in 2020, due to reintroducing our client travel reward programme 
in 2021 (no programme was completed in 2020).

Encouragingly there was a reduction of more than 40 motor vehicles from the NZME 
motor vehicle fleet and we continue to look for ways to further maximise efficiencies 
in this area. In 2021 carbon emissions from our motor vehicle fleet were 372 tCO2e 
down from 544 tCO2e in 2020. 

Our newspaper distribution network generated 2,423 tCO2e in 2021, this decreased 
by 12% from 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 the case study on page 24 as an example of the coverage of COP26 in Glasgow.

DRIVEN (driven.co.nz) assembled automotive leaders and industry representatives  
to discuss the clean car feebate scheme with the government. See case study on 
page 26.

The numbers in this table have not been independently audited.

26 NEW ZEALAND MEDIA AND ENTERTAINMENT

Case Study: DRIVEN led 
conversations through a live 
panel, to talk about unravelling 
the tangle of detail around  
New Zealand’s clean car 
electric vehicle feebate 
scheme.

Case Study: In 2021, our Ellerslie team 
worked to reduce the amount of plastic 
used to protect our newspapers as they 
are delivered. NZ Herald subscribers in 
Auckland were offered newspaper boxes 
as shown below, made of polyethylene, 
to ensure newspapers were kept dry and 
reducing the use of plastic wrap.

ANNUAL REPORT 2021 27

2021 AWARDS

We are proud of our people and their 

•  Best Reporting - General:  

•  Best News or Sports Journalist:  

achievements. In 2021 we celebrated the 

Tom Dillane

Barry Soper, Newstalk ZB

craft of broadcasting and journalism with 

the following award wins: 

INMA 

Categories won by NZME: 

•  Best Brand Awareness Campaign, 

National Brad, 1st Place:  

NZ Herald - ‘Headspace’

•  Best Use of Print, Groups, 1st Place: 

NZME ‘Viva Magazine’

•  Best Use of Data to Automate or 

Personalise: Groups, 1st Place:  

NZME ‘Corona Surf Reports’

Voyager Media Awards 
Categories won by NZME: 

•  News App of the Year

•  News Website of the Year

•  Best Reporting - Personal Finance: 

•  Best Sports Reader, Presenter  

Tamsyn Parker

•  Political Journalist of the Year:  

Matt Nippert

•  Regional Journalist of the Year:  

Kurt Bayer

Pride in Print Awards 
Categories won by NZME: 

or Commentator: The Alternative 

Commentary Collective

•  Best Sports Story - Team Coverage:  

The America’s Cup World Series 

Auckland

•  Best New Broadcaster - Journalist:  

Aaron Dahmen - Newstalk ZB

•  Gold Award - Coldset Publications 

•  Best New Broadcaster - Off-Air:  

category for the NZ Herald Compact

Alex Lansdown - The Hits Network

GradNewZealand 
Categories won by NZME: 

•  Top Grad Employer in the media  

and communications category 

NZ Radio Awards 
Categories won by NZME: 

•  Best Station Imaging: ZM Network 

(Alistair Cockburn, Brynee Wilson)

•  Best Station Trailer:  

ZM’s $100k Secret Sound

•  The Johnny Douglas Award:  

Joel Harrison - ZM and Static 88.1

•  Best Feature Writing - General: 

•  Network Station of the Year:  

(Canvas, NZ Herald) Greg Bruce: 

Newstalk ZB

Goodwill Hunting

•  Sir Paul Holmes Broadcaster of the Year: 

•  Feature Writer of the Year - (Short-form): 

Mike Hosking, Newstalk ZB

NZ Herald Nicholas Jones

•  Best Music Breakfast Show - Network: 

•  Best Newspaper Magazine:  

ZM’s Fletch, Vaughan & Megan 

•  Sales Team of the Year:  

NZME Auckland 

•  Best Single Commercial: 

Taupo Violence Intervention

New York Festival 
Categories won by NZME: 

Travel, NZ Herald

•  Best Music Breakfast Show - Local:  

•  World’s Best Radio Programmes: 

•  Regional Newspaper of the Year: 

The Hits Dunedin (Callum Procter, 

Silver Award

Rotorua Daily Post

Patrina Roche)

•  Best Photographer - News:  

•  Best Music Host - Local:  

Brett Phibbs 

The Hits Bay of Plenty (Will Johnston)

•  Best Photographer - Sport:  

•  Best Talk Presenter - Other:  

Brett Phibbs 

Marcus Lush, Nights Newstalk ZB

•  Photographer of the Year:  

Brett Phibbs 

•  ‘The Blackie Award’:  

The Hits ‘The Siri Prank’

•  Best Reporting - Crime and Justice:  

•  Outstanding Contribution to Broadcasting:  

Kurt Bayer

Phil Gifford - Newstalk ZB

2021 NZ Marketing Awards 
Categories won by NZME: 

•  Media/Publishing Sector Award:  
Flava Old School Hip Hop & RnB  

Monique Hodgson, Megan Sagar,  

John Pelasio

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 and Bank of New Zealand. She is also Deputy Chair of The 

New Zealand Initiative and Patron of the New Zealand Rainbow Tick 

Excellence Awards. Barbara was appointed Chairman of the NZME 

Board in June 2020.

Carol Campbell  
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.

ANNUAL REPORT 2021 29

David Gibson
Independent Director

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.

Sussan Turner
Independent Director

For the past 25 years Sussan has held senior leadership roles across 

media companies, including Group CEO of MediaWorks, Managing 

Director of Radio Otago and CEO of RadioWorks. She is currently Group 

CEO and Director of Aspire2 Group Limited, one of the leading private 

tertiary education groups in New Zealand and is passionate about 

building executive teams and company cultures. Sussan has extensive 

experience as a director and is currently Pro-chancellor of Auckland 

University of Technology.

Guy Horrocks
Independent Director

Guy established himself as an early pioneer of the mobile app industry 

co-founding the world’s first commercial iPhone app company in 2007, 

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

New Zealand entrepreneurs who’ve built internationally successful digital 

enterprises – only to return to New Zealand to escape the worst of the 

impacts of COVID-19 on their adopted homes. With 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.

30 NEW ZEALAND MEDIA AND ENTERTAINMENT

THE NZME 
EXECUTIVE TEAM

Michael Boggs 
Chief Executive Officer

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.

Shayne Currie 
Managing Editor

Shayne was appointed Managing Editor in 2015 and is responsible for NZME’s 300-plus journalists and the 
company’s editorial and news strategy. His role includes overseeing NZME’s unique mix of digital, print, audio 
and visual storytelling across the NZ Herald, nzherald.co.nz, Newstalk ZB, NZME’s five regional daily newspapers 
and more than 17 community titles. In 2019, Shayne helped oversee the successful launch of NZ Herald Premium 
digital subscriptions and he has helped lead some of the most significant projects at the Herald in the past 15 years 
including the launch of the Herald on Sunday in 2004 and the Herald’s move to compact format in 2012. 

In 2019, Shayne celebrated his 30th year in journalism, including two decades in senior editorial leadership roles 
across New Zealand. In 2016 he was awarded the Wolfson Scholarship at Cambridge University in the UK, studying 
audience patterns in the digital age.

Paul Hancox  
Chief Commercial Officer

Paul was appointed as Chief Commercial Officer in 2021. Prior to this, Paul was part of the NZME Executive 
Team as Chief Revenue Officer, where he was accountable for agency and key customer revenues, including 
programmatic, trading and integration performance. In his new role, he continues to oversee his existing 
portfolio in addition to direct clients, and is accountable for revenue growth across NZME platforms. 

Prior to joining the 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. 

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

Carolyn Luey 
Chief Digital and Publishing Officer

Carolyn was appointed Chief Digital and Publishing Officer in August 2021. 

After 5 years at NZME, Carolyn left as Chief Operating Officer in December 2016. She then went on to senior 
transformational roles at MYOB and Vodafone where she was Chief Consumer Officer. 

With extensive experience as a strategic business leader in large New Zealand telecommunications, technology 
and media companies, Carolyn brings a wealth of knowledge and understanding of how best NZME can deliver 
growing digital audience engagement for our commercial partners.

ANNUAL REPORT 2021 31

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 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,  
and was the Deputy Chief Financial Officer for 12 years.

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. 

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.

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.

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 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.

Jason Winstanley  
Chief Radio Officer

Jason was appointed as Chief Radio Officer in October 2021. Jason is one of New Zealand’s most experienced 
audio executives with extensive experience across music and talk radio. He has led high profile and successful 
music radio brands including 7 years as Assistant Content Director at ZM and 5 years as Content Director of  
The Hits. He also led the successful transition of ‘Classic Hits’ to the ‘The Hits’ brand in 2014.  

In his most recent role as Head of Talk for NZME, Jason has led Newstalk ZB to record audience growth and 
continued commercial success. 

Jason’s role includes responsibility for the radio business and the content delivery to support audience and revenue 
growth across NZME’s radio networks.

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 also has an Editorial Code of Ethics highlighting that 

Exempt Listing on the ASX (both under the ticker code “NZM”). 

our principal responsibilities are to the community and the truth 

The ASX Foreign Exempt Listing category is based on a principle 

and our undertaking to maintain the highest ethical standards in 

of substituted compliance recognising that, for secondary listings, 

our journalism while balancing the right of the individual with the 

the primary regulatory role and oversight rests with the home 

public’s right to know.

exchange and the supervisory regulator in that jurisdiction.  

As such, NZME is required to comply with a limited set of ASX 

Securities Trading Policy

Listing Rules.

The Company’s corporate governance framework, as described 

in this section, therefore primarily takes into consideration 

contemporary standards in New Zealand, incorporating the  

NZX Corporate Governance Code (“NZX Code”).

The Group is committed to having a strong governance 

framework and therefore complies with the recommendations of 

the NZX Code (unless specifically stated otherwise). The corporate 

governance policies referred to in this section reflect the Group’s 

governance framework as at 31 December 2021 (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 Company’s Code of Conduct & Ethics governs the Company 

and its subsidiaries’ commercial operations and the conduct of 

directors, employees, consultants and all other people when 

they represent the Company and its subsidiaries. The Code of 

Conduct & Ethics comprises certain fundamental principles and 

demonstrates the high standards of conduct expected of us. The 

current Code of Conduct & Ethics was updated on 11 April 2019. 

Reporting of breaches of the Code is encouraged and steps for 

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

Whistleblower Policy.

The 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 

Incentive Plans.

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 

(and as at 31 December 2021 was comprised) of independent 

Chairman, Barbara Chapman, and independent directors; Carol 

Campbell, David Gibson, Sussan Turner and Guy Horrocks. The 

directors acknowledge their duty to act in good faith and in the 

best interests of the Company. The objective of the Company 

is to generate growth, corporate profit and shareholder gain 

from the activities of the Group. In pursuing this objective, the 

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

the Company by taking overall responsibility for the strategic 

direction and monitoring of operational management of the 

Group in accordance with good corporate governance principles. 

More details regarding the main functions of the Board and the 

distinction from the roles of management can be found in the 

The Company has provided training on the Code of Conduct  

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

Board Charter available on the Company’s website. No person 
ceased to be a director of the Company during the financial year 

to employees.

ended 31 December 2021.

ANNUAL REPORT 2021 33

Director Nomination and Appointment

Diversity and Inclusion

Directors are appointed by the Company’s shareholders, with 

The Group believes that a diverse and inclusive workforce 

rotation and retirement being determined by the Constitution. 

is essential for it to be able to deliver its strategic objectives 

The Board may appoint directors to fill casual vacancies. Directors 

and continue to meet its responsibilities to its customers, 

appointed to fill casual vacancies are required to retire and stand 

its employees, the communities in which it works, and its 

for election at the first annual shareholders’ meeting after their 

shareholders.

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 

The Group is currently operating in accordance with, and applying 

the principles of, its Diversity and Inclusion Policy which is 

available on the Company’s website.

Charter available on the Company’s website. The Company enters 

The Our People section on pages 22 and 23 of the Annual Report 

into written agreements with each newly appointed director 

sets out more detail about our diversity and inclusion objectives 

establishing the terms of their appointment.

Director Independence and Profiles

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. 

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

The Board is comfortable with the Company’s 2021 performance 

independent directors for the purposes of the NZX Listing Rules 

with respect to its Diversity and Inclusion Policy and objectives 

as none of them are executives of the Company or have direct or 

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

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 34 and 44  

of the Annual Report.

The table below includes the quantitative breakdown as to the 

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

balance date.

As at

Board

Officers 1

31 December 2021

31 December 2020

Male

2

1

Female

3

3

Male

7

5

Female

3

4

Director Access to Training, Information and Advice

Performance Review

On appointment the Company’s directors are offered induction 

The Chair meets annually with directors of the Company to 

training as to the responsibilities of the directors and to enable 

discuss their performances. The Board reviews its performance  

the director to become familiar with the Company’s operations 

as a whole, and the performance of its committees,  

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

on an annual basis. The Board may choose to use external 

Board during the year. All directors have access to the advice 

facilitators, where appropriate, to assist with reviewing the 

and assistance of the General Counsel on the Board’s affairs 

performance of directors, the Board and its committees.

and governance matters. In addition, all directors may access 
such information and seek independent advice as they consider 

necessary to fulfil their duties and responsibilities.

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

PRINCIPLE 3 - BOARD COMMITTEES

The Committee is also responsible for communicating and 

engaging with the external auditors and for oversight and review 

The Board should use committees where this will enhance its 

of the risk management framework. For further information, 

effectiveness in key areas, while retaining Board responsibility.

also refer to the Committee’s charter which is available on the 

The Board has two standing Committees; the Audit & Risk 

Company’s website.

Committee and the Governance & Remuneration Committee,  

As at 31 December 2021, directors Barbara Chapman and David 

to assist in carrying out its responsibilities. The Committees 

Gibson were members of the Audit & Risk Committee and it was 

operate under Board approved charters which are available on  

chaired by Carol Campbell. Employees and external parties may 

the Company’s website.

attend meetings of the Audit & Risk Committee at the invitation  

The Board may establish other committees from time to time to 

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

various activities.

of the Audit & Risk Committee.

Governance & Remuneration Committee

The Governance & Remuneration Committee ensures that 

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

remuneration policies and practices are consistent with the strategic 

but Health and Safety is considered by the full Board. The Board 

goals of the Group and are relevant to the achievement of those goals. 

did not identify a need for any other standing Board committees.

The Committee also reviews the remuneration of the CEO and, in 

The Company also has an NZME Takeover Response Manual (not 

publicly available) as recommended by Recommendation 3.6 of 

the NZX Code.

Audit & Risk Committee

The Committee consists of three independent directors  

(one of whom has an accounting and financial background).  

The functions of the Committee are to:

consultation with the CEO, the remuneration packages of executives 

reporting directly to the CEO.

The Governance & Remuneration Committee also makes 

recommendations to the full Board regarding the composition of 

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

Board, and to review and adopt corporate governance policies and 

practices which reflect contemporary standards in New Zealand, 

incorporating principles and guidelines issued by the Financial 

• 

Review, consider and if necessary, investigate any reports  

Markets Authority and the NZX. For further information, refer to the 

or findings arising from any audit function either internally  

Committee’s charter available on the Company’s website.

or externally;

As at 31 December 2021, director Sussan Turner was a member of 

• 

Evaluate financial information submitted to it, along with 

the Governance & Remuneration Committee and it was chaired 

relevant policies and procedures; and

by David Gibson. Employees and external parties may attend 

•  Assess the effectiveness of risk management throughout  

the Group.

meetings of the Governance & Remuneration Committee at the 

invitation of the Governance & Remuneration Committee.

Board & Committee Attendance 1 January 2021 to 31 December 2021 

Director 

Barbara Chapman

Carol Campbell

David Gibson

Guy Horrocks

Sussan Turner

Board

15 of 15

15 of 15

15 of 15

15 of 15

14 of 15

Audit & Risk

Governance & Remuneration

3 of 4

4 of 4

4 of 4

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

6 of 6

N/A

6 of 6

ANNUAL REPORT 2021 35

PRINCIPLE 4 - REPORTING & DISCLOSURE

The Board should demand integrity in financial and non- 

•  Whistleblower Policy

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 

and staff informed of material information about the Company 

and to ensure compliance with the continuous disclosure 

obligations under the Financial Markets Conduct Act 2013 and 

the NZX Listing Rules.

•  Securities Trading Policy

•  Audit & Risk Committee Charter

•  Governance & Remuneration Committee Charter

•  Risk Management Policy

Financial Reporting and Disclosure

The Company is committed to providing financial reporting that 

is balanced, clear and objective. The Audit & Risk Committee 

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

oversees the quality, integrity and timeliness of external reporting. 

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  

The Group’s Consolidated Financial Statements for the year ended 

31 December 2021 are set out on pages 48 to 103 of the Annual 

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

Annual Report and the NZME Full Year 2021 Results Presentation 

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

and other interested parties) have an equal opportunity to  

Non-Financial Reporting and Disclosure

receive and obtain externally available information issued by 

The Company provides non-financial disclosures relating to 

the Company.

The Company will immediately notify the market of any material 

information concerning the Company in accordance with 

legislative and regulatory disclosure requirements.

Corporate governance documents

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.

NZME’s Sustainability Commitment aligns with the UN 

Sustainability Development Goals – an international blueprint 

The following documents have been adopted by the Company 

to achieve a better and more sustainable future for everyone. 

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

Combined with our promise to keep Kiwis in the know, NZME’s 

Governance section:

•  NZME Constitution

•  Board Charter

•  Code of Conduct & Ethics

•  Remuneration Policy

•  Diversity and Inclusion Policy

• 

• 

Editorial Code of Ethics

Fraud Policy

•  Market Disclosure Policy

commitment to sustainable practices contributes to the prosperity 

of our business and our communities, people and  

the environment.

In 2021 we measured our progress against key initiatives and 

objectives for each of the three pillars of our Sustainability 

Commitment: Our Communities, Our People and Our Environment. 

This is discussed on pages 17 to 27 of the Annual Report.

NZME intends to continue to develop its Sustainability 

Commitment with the guidance of the Board.

36 NEW ZEALAND MEDIA AND ENTERTAINMENT

CORPORATE 
GOVERNANCE

CONTINUED

PRINCIPLE 5 - REMUNERATION

The remuneration of directors and executives should be 

While the Company does not pay equity-based remuneration to 

transparent, fair and reasonable.

Remuneration Policy

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 

to non-executive directors.

Directors’ Remuneration

its non-executive directors, it encourages those directors to hold 

shares in the Company to better align their interests with the 

interests of other shareholders.

The Governance & Remuneration Committee is also responsible 

for reviewing the remuneration of the CEO and any executive 

directors and, in consultation with the CEO, the remuneration 

packages of executives reporting directly to the CEO. The 

Company conducts external benchmarking analysis in order 

to determine the market rate for a role. The Company provides 

a combination of cash and non-cash benefits and takes a total 

remuneration approach. The Company reviews remuneration with 

the objective of achieving pay equity, including by gender.

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

1 January 2021 to 31 December 2021

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 2021 are shown in the following table: 

Date appointed

Chairman of 
the Board ($)

Board 
Member ($)

Committee 
Chair ($)

Committee 
Member ($)

Total ($)

Barbara Chapman

18 April 2018

150,000

10,000

160,000

Carol Campbell

24 June 2016

100,000

20,000

120,000

David Gibson

8 December 2017

100,000

20,000

10,000

130,000

Guy Horrocks

8 February 2021

Sussan Turner

16 July 2018

Total fees paid 2021

89,087

100,000

89,087

10,000

110,000

609,087

ANNUAL REPORT 2021 37

Chief Executive Officer’s Remuneration

Salary ($) A

Bonus ($) B

TIP ($) C

Benefits ($) D

Total ($)

Michael Boggs

847,147

478,164

-

39,759

1,365,070

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

Michael Boggs held 1,079,866 shares in the company as at 31 December 2021. In addition to the remuneration disclosed above as  

at 22 February 2022, Michael Boggs held 1,814,448 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.

Employee Remuneration

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

31 December 2021. 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

$270,001 - $280,000

72

60

42

43

35

15

14

16

8

9

7

9

10

4

7

7

3

$280,001 - $290,000

$290,001 - $300,000

$300,001 - $310,000

$330,001 - $340,000

$350,001 - $360,000

$360,001 - $370,000

$390,001 - $400,000

$400,001 - $410,000

$410,001 - $420,000

$420,001 - $430,000

$440,001 - $450,000

$450,001 - $460,000

$460,001 - $470,000

$570,001 - $580,000

$680,001 - $690,000

$690,001 - $700,000

$1,360,001 - $1,370,000

5

6

3

1

1

1

2

1

1

3

2

1

2

1

1

1

1

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

394

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

contributions, medical aid contributions, bonuses, commission, settlements and redundancies.

38 NEW ZEALAND MEDIA AND ENTERTAINMENT

CORPORATE 
GOVERNANCE

CONTINUED

Review of Total Incentive Plan 

In FY21 the Governance & Remuneration Committee undertook 

with NZME’s performance and value creation for shareholders over 

a review of executive remuneration incentives and, in particular, 

both the long and short term. 

the Company’s Total Incentive Plan (TIP), which has been in place 

since the Company listed in 2016. In light of the significant change 

in the business since 2016, the objective of this review was to be 

consistent with Australasian best practice by re-balancing the 

cash and share rights components of the TIP and introducing a 

true long-term incentive component to the TIP, increasing share 

ownership for executives and better aligning executive awards 

The Governance & Remuneration Committee engaged an 

independent remuneration specialist to review the TIP and  

related components of executive remuneration and this  

resulted in an updated TIP framework being put in place for  

the 2022 financial year. 

The table below summarises the key changes adopted  

in the updated TIP framework:

Change

Detail

Rationale and Outcome

Introduction of long-

The LTI component measures performance 

Previously the TIP measured performance 

term incentive (LTI) 

conditions over three financial years with 

conditions over one financial year. The addition 

component.

executives receiving share rights at the start of 

of a three-year performance period introduces a 

that period. The number of share rights each 

true long-term incentive component to executive 

executive will receive is based on the volume 

remuneration.

weighted average sale price of NZME shares for 

the 20 consecutive NZX trading days after the 

date of release of NZME’s FY21 annual financial 

results. 

The LTI performance conditions are based on 

earnings per share (EPS) and total shareholder 

return (TSR) targets, with each condition given 

equal weighting. 

If a performance condition is met, then each 

share right allocated to that condition will vest 

and the executive will receive one share following 

the end of the three-year performance period, 

subject to them remaining employed by the 

Company at the end of the performance period.

Re-balancing the mix 

Both the STI and LTI may confer share rights with 

Previously, the TIP mix was set at 50% in cash, 

between short-term 

the STI also including a cash bonus.

payable following the end of the relevant 

incentive (STI) and LTI 

components.

The total TIP opportunity for each executive is 

split into:

-  STI: 60% of TIP opportunity – 35% cash and 

25% share rights

-  LTI: 40% of TIP opportunity as share rights

financial year, and 50% in share rights that were 

exerciseable after a three-year restricted period. 

The TIP now delivers an increased proportion 

of incentives in share rights, rather than cash, 

further aligning executive remuneration with 

shareholder returns. 

ANNUAL REPORT 2021 39

Change

Detail

Rationale and Outcome

Reduced deferral 

The STI component has a deferral period of one 

With the introduction of the LTI component 

period for STI share 

year which commences at the end of the STI 

measured over a three-year performance period, 

rights issued under 

performance period. If an executive remains an 

the Board considered a deferral period for the 

the TIP.

employee at the end of this deferral period, share 

STI share rights component of one year was 

rights issued to them under the STI will vest and 

appropriate. Executives must remain employed 

they will receive shares.

during the performance period and the deferral 

period in order to be eligible to receive their STI 

share rights. If they cease to be an employee 

during the deferral period, their STI share rights 

will not vest.

Introduction of 

For the STI component a minimum financial 

EBITDA was previously only one element of the 

a conditional 

performance 

earnings performance condition, measured 

TIP calculation. It is now a minimum threshold 

by group EBITDA, must be achieved in order 

which must be met, ensuring that STI payouts are 

gateway – minimum 

for an award outcome to be considered. If this 

dependent upon Company performance.

financial earnings 

performance condition is not met, executives will 

performance 

condition.

not receive any STI award outcome.

Introduction of 

For the STI component, the performance 

Introduction of these performance conditions 

new performance 

conditions include role specific KPIs and may 

ensures alignment to delivery of strategic 

conditions.

be based on group, divisional and/or individual 

priorities for NZME and shareholder returns.

performance aligned to NZME’s strategic 

priorities. Each KPI will be measured for a 

potential award pro rata between 50% -150%.

For the LTI component, as noted above, the 

performance conditions are based on EPS and 

TSR targets set by the Board at the beginning of 

the three-year performance period and measured 

on a cumulative basis.

Increased total 

The total on-target TIP opportunity for executives 

Previously the TIP opportunity was set at between 

reward opportunity 

is set as a percentage of their base remuneration. 

50% and 100% of base remuneration for each 

based on NZME’s 

The range for the FY22 Offer is between 60% and 

executive. The Board considers that with the 

performance and 

130% of base remuneration (with the opportunity 

splitting of the incentive between a STI and LTI 

shareholder returns.

for up to 150% of the STI award) and varies 

and the lengthening of the performance period 

according to their role in the Company.

and the service period, an increased total TIP 

opportunity is appropriate in the circumstances.

40 NEW ZEALAND MEDIA AND ENTERTAINMENT

CORPORATE 
GOVERNANCE

CONTINUED

PRINCIPLE 6 - RISK MANAGEMENT

Directors should have a sound understanding of the material risks 

This committee provides assurance that the following aspects are 

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

managed appropriately:

regularly verify that the issuer has appropriate processes that 

identify and manage potential and material risks.

Risk Management Framework

The Audit & Risk Committee is responsible for the oversight and 

•  Strategic and operational risk management;

•  Workplace Health and Safety matters;

•  Legal, regulatory and policy compliance;

independent review of the Group’s risk management framework, 

•  Technology and security matters; and

including:

•  Business continuity planning.

• 

• 

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.

The Board is ultimately responsible for the effectiveness, oversight 

and implementation of the Group’s approach to risk management.

The CEO is responsible for:

The 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 to trade off financial or strategic returns by 

compromising compliance with the law, the safety of our people, 

or our reputation as a responsible corporate citizen and provider 

of news, sport and entertainment.

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

• 

The management of strategic, operational and financial risk of 

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

the Group;

and disrupted market.

•  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;

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.

• 

Implementation of risk management controls, processes and 

For additional information on financial risks, please also refer to 

policies and procedures appropriate for the Group; and

Note 4.7 of the Consolidated Financial Statements. 

•  Driving a culture of risk management throughout the Group.

The Company’s Risk Committee (a management committee) acts 
as a governance forum to assist the CEO and the Executive Team 

in fulfilling their corporate governance responsibilities.

ANNUAL REPORT 2021 41

Health and Safety

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

5.  We will actively manage risk to mental health and provide 

ensuring that the Group health and safety, environmental practices 

a work environment that is mentally healthy, supportive of 

and culture comply with legal requirements, reflect best practice 

our people and does not tolerate bullying, harassment or 

and are recognised by employees and contractors as key priorities 

unacceptable behaviour in the workplace.  

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

Mental Health Support

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 

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

Compliance Manager. The Company utilises the online safety 

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

management system “Damstra” as the framework for how safety 

objectives for the year to respond to the identified risks.

is managed within the business. Damstra is used for incident 

The Company records and monitors critical health and safety  

risks in a separate Health and Safety Risk Register. Currently that 

register is reviewed and monitored by the Risk Committee, who 

meet monthly and receive and review reporting on health and 

safety performance, trends and updates, with key matters and 

reporting, contractor management, hazard and risk management, 

management of hazardous substances, risk monitoring and 

reporting. Worker engagement and involvement is recognised 

as an important part of growing a positive workplace health and 

safety culture.

progress against the annual plan being reported to the Board.  

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

In 2021, areas of focus included continuing to manage the ongoing 

safety is included in the GuideMe performance review template as 

risks associated with the Covid-19 pandemic, continuing to engage 

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

leaders in health and safety, introducing further automation of 

review process. Health and safety training forms part of induction 

safety processes at the print site and installing GPS into a greater 

and ongoing training schedules to ensure awareness of NZME’s 

number of vehicles to promote and monitor safer driving. We also 

health and safety obligations, critical risks and the resources 

focused on managing mental health risks associated with bullying 

available to satisfy these. NZME maintains a Wellness and Safety 

and harassment, harmful comments and material and Covid-19. 

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

In 2021 there was a continued focus on ensuring our people were 

aware of how to raise issues relating to bullying, harassment or 

unacceptable behaviour in the workplace. Reporting was improved 

and Wellbeing Advocates were introduced to support our people 

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).

and provide guidance. A best practice review of health and safety 

To ensure effective worker involvement, NZME has multiple  

policies was commenced.

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

and wellbeing across the business, by following the following five 

key priorities over 2022 – 2023:

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 

1.  Our Leaders will be actively involved in supporting the health, 

business communications.

safety and wellbeing of the business.  

Proactive Safety Leadership

2.  We will have a consistent approach to managing health, safety 
and wellbeing across locations. Consistency Across Sites

Embedding a high performing health and safety culture and 

regularly reporting on our performance is a key initiative forming 

part of our Sustainability Commitment. 

3.  We will maintain safety excellence within our Print Plant.  

Lost Time Injuries have remained flat at 2 incidents year-on-year. 

Print Safety Excellence

4.  Our vehicle fleet will be managed and operated in a manner 

that significantly reduces risk to people and property.  

Proactive Vehicle Safety

Total reported incidents have increased from 21 to 33 year-on-

year (but are down on the 48 reported in 2019), with this increase 

being largely in the ‘no treatment’ category and for minor injuries 

treated solely with first aid measures.

42 NEW ZEALAND MEDIA AND ENTERTAINMENT

CORPORATE 
GOVERNANCE

CONTINUED

PRINCIPLE 7 - AUDITORS

The Board should ensure the quality and independence of the 

of fees relating to non-audit services provided during the year, 

• 

• 

• 

• 

external audit process.

Refer to note 2.2.5 of the Consolidated Financial Statements for 

fees paid to the auditors, PriceWaterhouseCoopers, for the year 

ended 31 December 2021.

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;

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 2021, 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 

The competency and reputation of the auditors;

compromised their objectivity and independence.

The projected audit fees; and

•  Review the appointment, performance and remuneration  

of external auditors.

The Audit & Risk Committee also monitors and approves any 

services provided by the auditors other than in their statutory 

role and receives confirmation from the auditors as to their 

independence from the Company. This is undertaken on a service 

by service basis and assesses whether the service is permissible 

under Professional and Ethical Standard 1 (“PES 1”) issued by 

the New Zealand Auditing and Assurance Standards Board, 

ensuring that any potential threat to independence is identified 

and appropriate safeguards to eliminate the threat or reduce the 

threat to an acceptable level are established. The Audit & Risk 

Committee receives an annual confirmation from the auditor as to 

their independence from the Group. The auditor is also required 

to provide the Audit & Risk Committee with a detailed analysis 

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 16 April 2021.

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.

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.

ANNUAL REPORT 2021 43

PRINCIPLE 8 - SHAREHOLDER RIGHTS & RELATIONS

The Board should respect the rights of shareholders and foster 

Following each results announcement, NZME holds an investor call 

constructive relationships with shareholders that encourage them 

to present the results and to allow investors to ask questions. This 

to engage with the issuer.

In addition to holding its Annual Shareholders’ Meeting, NZME 

seeks to regularly engage with shareholders to ensure they are 

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 2021, as in 2020, such post-

result meetings were held virtually. In 2021 NZME also held a virtual 

informed about our activities and our progress against our stated 

priorities. NZME engages an Investor Relations Manager to ensure 

Investor Day.

any questions or feedback from shareholders are responded to 

Shareholders are entitled to exercise their voting rights as provided 

promptly.

for under the applicable legislation and listing rules.

The NZME website has a dedicated Investor Relations section 

In order for shareholders to fully participate in shareholder 

containing NZX / ASX announcements, presentations and 

meetings, the Board will endeavour where possible, to distribute  

webcasts, financial reports, frequently asked questions and other 

a notice of shareholder meeting as soon as possible and in any 

information that might be useful to our shareholders.  

event at least 20 working days prior to any shareholder meeting. 

The share registry is maintained by Link Market Services and their 

During the financial year ended 31 December 2021, shareholders 

contact details are available under the Investor Relations section 

were given 20 working days’ notice of the annual shareholder 

of the Company’s website. Shareholders can elect to receive 

meeting of the Company held on 16 April 2021.

communications electronically.

44 NEW ZEALAND MEDIA AND ENTERTAINMENT

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 2021 are noted in italics.

Director

Barbara Chapman

Carol Campbell

Position

Chairman

Deputy Chair

Patron

Director

Director

Director

Director

Director

Director

Director

David Gibson

Director and shareholder

Company

Genesis Energy Limited

The New Zealand Initiative

New Zealand Rainbow Tick Excellence Awards

Fletcher Building Limited

Bank of New Zealand

T&G Global Limited

Asset Plus Limited

NZ Post Limited

Chubb Insurance New Zealand Limited

Kiwibank Limited

DG Advisory Limited

Director and shareholder

Sidehustle Ecommerce Limited

Director

Director

Director

Director

Shareholder

Rangatira Limited

Biostrategy Holdings Limited

Trustpower Limited

Goodman (NZ) Limited

Solve Data, Inc.

Director and shareholder

Aspire2 Group Limited

Shareholder

Pro-Chancellor

Organic Initiative Limited

Auckland University of Technology (AUT)

Guy Horrocks

Sussan Turner

Disclosures of Directors’ interests in share transactions

During 2021, no disclosures were made in the Interests Register by Directors as to the acquisition of relevant interests in Company shares 

under section 148 of the Companies Act 1993.

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 2021

73,000 

150,000 

50,000 

ANNUAL REPORT 2021 45

Use of Company information

No notices have been received by the Board under section 145 

Other than Mark O’Sullivan who received A$15,400 for his services 

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

as a director of NZME Australia Pty Limited, these directors did 

information received by the Directors in their capacities as 

not receive any fees or other benefit for their services as directors 

Directors of the Company or its subsidiary companies.

to any of these companies. Michael Boggs, David Mackrell and 

Indemnities or insurance effected for directors

Paul Maher receive remuneration as employees of the Company 

which are not related to their duties as directors of these 

In accordance with Section 162 of the Companies Act 1993 and 

companies. Peng Yin receives remuneration through his company, 

the Company’s Constitution, the Company has indemnified 

Hougarden.com Limited, which provides services to OneRoof 

and arranged insurance for all directors and executive officers 

Limited. Laura Maxwell ceased to be a Director of OneRoof 

to the extent permitted by law for liabilities arising out of the 

Limited on 15 February 2021.

performance of their normal duties as directors and officers. 

The total amount of insurance for directors and officers contract 

premiums for the period was $730,000.

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 2021, 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 2021. Michael 

Boggs, David Mackrell, Paul Maher and Peng 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 Financial Statements.

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. 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 7 January 2022 are noted below:

Shareholder 

Osmium Partners LLC

Auscap Asset Management Ltd.

Spheria Asset Management Pty Ltd

UBS Securities Australia Ltd (Collateral Account)

Number of shares held

% of shares held

 33,013,889

 18,976,962 

 17,844,175

 13,928,980

16.71%

9.61%

9.03%

7.05%

The total number of ordinary shares issued by the Company as at 31 December 2021 was 197,570,061. The Company did not have any 

other quoted voting products.

46 NEW ZEALAND MEDIA AND ENTERTAINMENT

STATUTORY 
DISCLOSURES

CONTINUED

Top 20 shareholders

As at 18 February 2022

Rank

Investor Name

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

Citicorp Nominees Pty Limited

Bnp Paribas Nominees Pty Ltd Acf Clearstream

Bnp Paribas Nominees Pty Ltd

Brispot Nominees Pty Ltd

HSBC Custody Nominees (Australia) Limited

J P Morgan Nominees Australia Pty Limited

Accident Compensation Corporation

FNZ Custodians Limited

Forsyth Barr Custodians Limited

Pax Pasha Pty Ltd

Merrill Lynch (Australia) Nominees Pty Limited

HSBC Custody Nominees (Australia) Limited

Bnp Paribas Noms Pty Ltd

Goudy Park Capital Lp

JBWERE (Nz) Nominees Limited

HSBC Nominees (New Zealand) Limited

Leh Soon Yong

Pax Pasha Pty Ltd

Michael Raymond Boggs

20

Timothy John Eakin

Total Units

% Issued Capital

 38,726,983 

 32,336,739 

 14,806,565 

 13,923,766 

 9,592,694 

 8,825,456 

 8,384,051 

 8,059,925 

 4,020,558 

 3,147,959 

 2,604,299 

 2,537,815 

 1,682,938 

 1,550,999 

 1,492,860 

 1,434,114 

 1,323,982 

 1,123,173 

 1,079,866 

 1,070,138 

 19.60 

 16.37 

 7.49 

 7.05 

 4.86 

 4.47 

 4.24 

 4.08 

 2.04 

 1.59 

 1.32 

 1.28 

 0.85 

 0.79 

 0.76 

 0.73 

 0.67 

 0.57 

 0.55 

 0.54 

Total

 157,724,880 

79.85

ANNUAL REPORT 2021 47

Holders %

Issued Capital

Issued Capital %

 67.96 

 17.44 

 5.22 

 6.47 

 1.04 

 1.87 

 848,749 

 2,087,960 

 2,004,167 

 7,497,536 

 3,654,826 

 181,476,823 

 0.43 

 1.06 

 1.01 

 3.79 

 1.85 

 91.85 

 100.00 

Spread of Quoted Security Holders

As at 18 February 2022

Range of Securities Held

1-1,000

1,001-5,000

5,001-10,000

10,001-50,000

50,001-100,000

Greater than 100,000

Total

Holders

 3,413 

 876 

 262 

 325 

 52 

 94 

 5,022 

 100.00 

 197,570,061 

OTHER INFORMATION

Waivers from NZX

During the financial year ended 31 December 2021, the Company 

was not granted any waivers from any of the NZX Listing Rules, 

nor did the Company rely on any previously granted or published 

waiver from the NZX Listing Rules.

Donations

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

NZME notes that the Group made donations of $14,313 during  

the year ended 31 December 2021.

Credit rating

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

credit rating.

Exercise of NZX disciplinary powers

During the financial year ended 31 December 2021, NZX exercised 

its powers under Listing Rule 9.9.3 to refer two matters concerning 

the conduct of NZME Limited to the NZ Markets Disciplinary 

Tribunal. In particular:

(b)  NZX found that NZME had breached Listing Rules 3.1.1 and 

3.20.1 by failing to release material information and information 

about a decision to change a director to the market promptly 

and without delay in relation to the resignation on 11 June 2020 

of NZME’s former chair.

In each case, NZME entered into a settlement agreement with NZX 

and, amongst other things, agreed to pay a financial penalty for the 

listing rule breaches, and to pay costs to NZX and the NZ Markets 

Disciplinary Tribunal. Each settlement agreement was approved 

by the NZ Markets Disciplinary Tribunal and on 20 April 2021 the 

Tribunal issued a public censure for the breaches referred to above. 

Copies of the public censure documents issued by the Tribunal are 

available on the NZX website at www.nzx.com under NZME’s market 

announcements tab.

Direct director appointments under the Company’s 
Constitution

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

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

Board under certain circumstances. As at 31 December 2021, none 

(a)  NZX found that NZME breached Listing Rules 3.1.1 and 3.2.1 by 

of the Directors were appointed pursuant to Rule 2.4.1.

not disclosing material information in relation to the possible 
purchase of Stuff, omitting material information from two 

market announcements made by NZME on 11 May 2020, 

and failing to release material information to prevent the 

development or subsistence of a false market that had been 

materially influenced by misleading information emanating 
from NZME in the 11 May 2020 market announcements.

48 NEW ZEALAND MEDIA AND ENTERTAINMENT

NZME LIMITED

CONSOLIDATED 
FINANCIAL 
STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 
31 DECEMBER 2021

ANNUAL REPORT 2021 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*

1.0 Basis of Preparation

2.0 Group Performance

3.0 Operating Assets and Liabilities

4.0 Capital Management

5.0 Taxation

6.0 Group Structure and Investments in Other Entities

7.0 Related Parties

8.0 Commitments and Contingent Liabilities

9.0 Subsequent Events

Independent Auditor's Report

51

52

53

54

55

56

57

62

70

81

94

97

102

103

103

104

*  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 pages 57 to 61.

ANNUAL REPORT 2021 51

DIRECTORS’ STATEMENT

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 2021, 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 2021 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 103 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: 22 February 2022 

Carol Campbell   
Director   

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
52 NEW ZEALAND MEDIA AND ENTERTAINMENT

CONSOLIDATED INCOME 
STATEMENT

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2021

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 assetsB

Finance costs

Share of joint ventures and associates net loss after tax

Impairment of assets

Profit before income tax expense 

Income tax expense

Net profit after tax

Profit for the year is attributable to:

Owners of the Company

Non-controlling interests

A Refer to note 1.2.3 for details of the restatement. 
B This is a non-GAAP measure refer to note 1.2. 

Note

2.1

2.1

2.1

2.2.1

2.2.2

2.2.3

6.2.2

2.2.4

5.1

2021 
$’000

2020 
RestatedA 
$’000

348,559

322,139

17,075

13,061

365,634

335,200

(286,854)

(275,301)

(26,319)

(28,548)

52,461

(7,282)

(450)

(2,477)

42,252

(7,818)

34,434

34,645

(211)

34,434

31,351

(8,253)

(417)

(3,470)

19,211

(4,729)

14,482

14,787

(305)

14,482

Earnings per share attributable to the ordinary shareholders of the Company

Basic earnings per share

Diluted earnings per share

Cents

Cents

2.3

2.3

 17.54 

 16.93 

 7.48 

 7.29 

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

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF 
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2021

ANNUAL REPORT 2021 53

Net profit after tax

Other comprehensive income

Items that may be reclassified to profit or loss

Effective gain / (loss) on hedging instruments

Hedging reclassification to profit or loss

Tax impact of hedging transactions

Net gain / (loss) 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

2021 
$’000

2020 
Restated A
$’000

34,434

14,482

4.2

4.2

4.2

4.2

4.2

396

168

-

564

(17)

-

547

(656)

82

70

(504)

(21)

1,271

746

34,981

15,228

35,192

(211)

34,981

15,533

(305)

15,228

A Refer to note 1.2.3 for details of the restatement.

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 2021

2021 
$’000

31 December 2020 
Restated A 
$’000

1 January 2020 
Restated A 
$’000

Current assets

Cash and cash equivalents

Trade and other receivables

Inventories

Derivative financial instruments

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

Deferred tax asset

Total non-current assets

Total assets

Current liabilities

Trade and other payables

Current lease liabilities

Derivative financial instruments

Current tax provision

Note

4.6

3.5

3.6

3.9

6.3.1

3.1

3.2

3.3

3.4

6.2.2

3.5

3.9

5.2

3.7

4.5.2

3.9

13,538

45,176

1,909

25

60,648

-

60,648

138,195

26,976

67,513

4,006

815

3,623

6,879

228

3,485

251,720

312,368

53,780

11,340

-

4,689

69,809

Liabilities directly associated with assets classified  
as held for sale

6.3.1

-

Total current liabilities

Non-current liabilities

Non-current lease liabilities

Interest bearing liabilities

Derivative financial instruments

Total non-current liabilities

Total liabilities

Net assets

EQUITY

Share capital

Reserves

Retained earnings

Total Company interest

Non-controlling interests

Total equity

4.5.2

4.5.1

3.9

4.1

4.2

69,809

85,445

-

-

85,445

155,254

157,114

361,758

4,920

(209,478)

157,200

(86)

157,114

A Refer to note 1.2.3 for details of the restatement. 

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

11,560

43,882

1,480

-

56,922

2,165

59,087

142,773

34,978

85,382

2,220

815

4,162

1,079

-

1,913

273,322

332,409

43,838

10,931

16

1,575

56,360

7,338

63,698

96,521

45,379

310

142,210

205,908

126,501

361,758

3,485

(238,867)

126,376

125

126,501

14,416

52,449

1,943

-

68,808

-

68,808

146,029

39,902

75,538

9,774

815

3,308

1,329

248

1,661

278,604

347,412

51,483

11,076

-

254

62,813

-

62,813

84,807

89,149

-

173,956

236,769

110,643

360,768

2,984

(253,539)

110,213

430

110,643

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT  
OF CHANGES IN EQUITY

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2021

ANNUAL REPORT 2021 55

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 2020

360,768

2,984

(247,712)

116,040

430

116,470 

Change in accounting policy

1.2.2

(5,827)

(5,827)

-

(5,827)

Restated balance at 1 January 2020

360,768

2,984

(253,539)

110,213

430

110,643

Net profit / (loss) after tax

Other comprehensive income 

Total comprehensive income

Deferred tax on share based payments

Share based payments expense

4.2

-

-

-

-

-

-

14,787

14,787

(305)

14,482 

746

746

-

1,095

-

746

-

746 

14,787

15,533

(305)

15,228

(115)

(115)

-

-

1,095

(350)

-

-

-

(115)

1,095

(350)

2017 TIP settlement

990

(1,340)

Balance at 31 December 2020

361,758

3,485

(238,867)

126,376

125

126,501

Balance at 1 January 2021

361,758

3,485

(238,867)

126,376

125 

126,501

Net profit / (loss) after tax

Other comprehensive income 

Total comprehensive income

Dividends paid

Supplementary dividends paid

Tax credit on supplementary dividends 

paid

Transfer from revaluation reserve

Share based payments expense

4.4.2

4.4.2

4.2

4.2

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

34,645

34,645

(211)

34,434

547

547

-

-

-

(671)

1,559

-

547

- 

547

34,645

35,192

(211)

34,981

(5,927)

(5,927)

(678)

(678)

678

671

-

678

-

1,559

-

-

-

-

-

(5,927)

(678)

678

-

1,559

Balance at 31 December 2021

361,758

4,920

(209,478)

157,200

(86)

157,114

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 2021

Cash flows from operating activities

Receipts from customers

Payments to suppliers and employees

Government grants

Dividends received

Interest received on bank facilities

Interest received on leases

Interest paid on bank facilities

Interest paid on leases

Income taxes paid

Net cash inflows from operating activities

Cash flows from investing activities

Note

2021
$’000

2020 
Restated A
$’000

346,859

324,146

(281,074)

(267,857)

328

89

43

102

(2,100)

3.5.4

4.5.2

(5,097)

(7,308)

51,842

4.6

9,900

2

67

-

(3,175)

(4,833)

(2,674)

55,576

Payments for property, plant and equipment and intangible assets (including work 

in progress)

(6,505)

(4,997)

Proceeds from sale of GrabOne Limited’s assets and certain liabilities

6.3.1

17,500

Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment

1,853

-

30

Net cash inflows / (outflows) from investing activities

12,848

(4,967)

Cash flows from financing activities

Proceeds from borrowings

Repayments of borrowings

Payments for borrowing cost

Dividends paid to Company's shareholders

Payments for lease liability principal

Net cash outflows from financing activities

Net increase / (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of the year

4.5.1

4.5.1

4.5.1

4.4.2

4.5.2

Cash and cash equivalents at end of the year

4.6

37,000

10,000

(83,000)

(53,500)

-

(5,927)

(490)

-

(10,785)

(9,475)

(62,712)

(53,465)

1,978

(2,856)

11,560

13,538

14,416

11,560

A Refer to note 1.2.3 for details of the restatement. 

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

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED 
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

ANNUAL REPORT 2021 57

1.0  BASIS OF PREPARATION

1.2.2  Change in accounting policy

1.1 

REPORTING ENTITY AND  
STATUTORY BASE

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

limited by ordinary shares which are publicly traded on the NZX 

Main Board and the Australian Securities Exchange as a Foreign 

Exempt Listing. NZME Limited is incorporated and domiciled in 

New Zealand. It is registered under the Companies Act 1993 and 

is a FMC reporting entity under Part 7 of the Financial Markets 

Conduct Act 2013. The entity’s registered office is 2 Graham 

Street, Auckland, 1010, New Zealand.

NZME Limited (the “Company” or “Parent”) and its subsidiaries’ 

In March 2021 the IFRS Interpretations Committee (IFRIC), which is 

responsible for interpreting the application of IFRS, published an 

agenda decision on Configuration or Customisation Costs in a Cloud 

Computing Arrangement (ratified by the International Accounting 

Standards Board (IASB) in April 2021). The ratified decision is that 

costs are to be expensed, as incurred, unless they relate to activities 

that create an intangible asset that the Group controls, and the 

intangible asset meets the recognition criteria. Costs to be expensed 

that are paid to the suppliers (or contractors of the supplier) of the 

cloud-based supplier can, under certain circumstances, be recorded 

as prepayments for services and amortised over the expected terms 

of the cloud computing arrangement.

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

Prior to the agenda decision the Group capitalised costs incurred 

the operation of an integrated media and entertainment business.

in configuring or customising certain suppliers’ application 

1.2  GENERAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES

These consolidated financial statements have been prepared in 

accordance with New Zealand Generally Accepted Accounting 

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

to International Financial Reporting Standards (“NZ IFRS”) and 

other applicable Financial Reporting Standards, as appropriate 

for for-profit entities. The consolidated financial statements also 

comply with International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”). 

software in cloud computing arrangements as intangible assets 

as the Group considered that it would benefit from those costs 

over the expected terms of the arrangements. Prior to a project’s 

completion, costs to be capitalised were held in capital work in 

progress. Following the publication of the agenda decision the 

Group has reconsidered its accounting treatment, adopted the 

principles set out in the IFRIC agenda decision and has changed 

its accounting policy in relation to Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) 

arrangements, see note 3.1.

The consolidated financial statements have also been prepared in 

As a result of this change in accounting policy, the Group has 

accordance with Part 7 of the Financial Markets Conduct Act 2013 

determined that certain intangible assets should be de-recognised 

and the NZX Listing Rules.

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

in accordance with New Zealand International Financial Reporting 

Standards (NZ IFRS) in relation to the following:

•  profit before finance costs, income tax and impairment  

of assets (income statement);

• 

total segment adjusted EBITDA (note 2.4.2); 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. 

Non-GAAP financial measures may not be comparable to similarly 

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 22 February 2022.

1.2.1 

Basis of measurement 

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.

as the costs did not create separate intangible assets controlled 

by the Group. The change in accounting policy has been applied 

retrospectively by restating the opening equity position (as at  

1 January 2020) and the comparative financial statements. To 

determine the level of restatement required, the Group identified 

all SaaS arrangements for which configuration and customisation 

costs had been capitalised, but not fully amortised at 1 January 

2020, to determine which no longer met the requirements for 

capitalisation under the Group’s revised accounting policy. The 

Group has presented a balance sheet as at 1 January 2020 as the 

retrospective application had a material impact on the opening 

balance sheet of the preceding period. The impact of this change in 

accounting policy is presented below. 

1.2.3  Comparatives

The change in the accounting policy for software has resulted  

in the restatement of the consolidated balance sheet as at  

31 December 2020, the opening consolidated balance sheet at 

1 January 2020, the consolidated income statement for the year 

ended 31 December 2020 and the consolidated statement of  
cash flows for the year ended 31 December 2020. The restatement 

adjustments are detailed in the following tables.

 
58 NEW ZEALAND MEDIA AND ENTERTAINMENT

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED 
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

CONTINUED

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET

As at 31 December 2020

Intangible assets

Capital work in progress

Deferred tax asset

Deferred tax liability

Net assets

Retained earnings

Total equity

As at 1 January 2020

Intangible assets

Capital work in progress

Deferred tax asset

Deferred tax liability

Net assets

Retained earnings

Total equity

SaaS 

Previously 

reported 

$’000

adjustment 

Reclassification 

(note 1.2.2) 

of deferred tax 

$’000

$’000

Restated 

$’000

150,478 

(7,705)

2,275 

- 

260 

132,088 

(233,280)

132,088 

150,263 

13,633 

- 

605 

116,470 

(247,712)

116,470 

(55)

2,173 

- 

(5,587)

(5,587)

(5,587)

(4,234)

(3,859)

2,266 

- 

(5,827)

(5,827)

(5,827)

- 

- 

(260)

(260)

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

(605)

(605)

- 

- 

- 

142,773 

2,220 

1,913 

- 

126,501 

(238,867)

126,501 

146,029 

9,774 

1,661 

- 

110,643 

(253,539)

110,643 

ANNUAL REPORT 2021 59

CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENT AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME FOR THE YEAR ENDED 
31 DECEMBER 2020

Expenses from operations before finance costs,  

depreciation, amortisation

SaaS 

Previously 

reported 

$’000

adjustment 

Reclassification 

(note 1.2.2) 

of impairment

$’000

$’000

Restated 

$’000

(274,279)

(1,343)

321 

(275,301)

Depreciation and amortisation

(30,224)

1,676 

- 

(28,548)

Profit before finance cost, income tax  

and impairment of assets

Impairment of assets

Profit before income tax expense 

Income tax expense

Net profit after tax

30,697 

(3,149)

18,878 

(4,636)

14,242 

333

- 

333

(93) 

240

321 

31,351

(321)

(3,470)

- 

- 

- 

19,211

(4,729)

14,482 

Earnings per share attributable to the ordinary shareholders  

of the Company

Basic earnings per share

Diluted earnings per share

Previously 

reported 

Cents

SaaS 

adjustment 

(note 1.2.2) 

Cents

Restated 

Cents

7.36 

7.17 

0.12

0.12

7.48 

7.29 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020

Previously 

reported 

$’000

SaaS 

adjustment 

(note 1.2.2) 

$’000

Restated 

$’000

Payments to suppliers and employees

(266,514)

(1,343)

(267,857)

Net cash inflows from operating activities

56,919 

(1,343)

55,576 

Payments for property, plant and equipment and intangible assets  

(including work in progress)

(6,340)

1,343 

(4,997)

Net cash outflows from investing activities

(6,310)

1,343 

(4,967)

60 NEW ZEALAND MEDIA AND ENTERTAINMENT

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED 
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

CONTINUED

In addition to the restatement of comparatives required as  

a result of the change in the software accounting policy some  

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:

1.3 

SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING  
ESTIMATES AND JUDGEMENTS

The preparation of the consolidated financial statements requires 

the use of certain significant judgements, accounting estimates and 

assumptions, including judgements, estimates and assumptions 

concerning the future. The estimates and assumptions are based on 

• 

The Income statement has been amended so that “impairment 

historical experiences and other factors that are considered to be 

of software” is now “Impairment of assets”, the 2020 

relevant. The resulting accounting estimates will by definition, seldom 

comparative now includes $321,375 of impairment to right-of-

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

use assets that was in the “Expenses from operations before 

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

finance costs, depreciation, amortisation” in 2020.

reference to the notes containing further information is provided below:

• 

• 

In note 2.1 $5,301,952 of digital advertising revenue has been 

reclassified to other revenue.

The Impairment of right-of-use-assets has been moved from 

Areas of significant accounting estimates  
or judgements

Note

Determination of the number of reportable segments

2.4.1

note 2.2.2 and included in the impairment of assets grouping 

Intangible assets with indefinite useful lives

in note 2.2.4.

• 

Other lease adjustments in note 4.5.2 have been included with 

“Changes in scope or lease terms and other adjustments”.

1.2.4  Foreign currency translation

Functional and presentation currency 

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

entities are measured using the currency of the primary economic 

environment in which the entity operates (functional currency). 

The consolidated financial statements are presented in New 

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

presentation currency, and rounded to the nearest thousand, except 

where otherwise stated.

1.2.5  Goods and Services Tax (‘GST’)

The income statement has been prepared so that all components are 

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

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

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

and payments to suppliers are shown exclusive of GST.

3.1

3.1

3.1.1

Identification of intangible assets in relation to the 

integration and customisation of SaaS arrangements

Assumptions used in testing for impairment  
of indefinite life intangible assets

Right-of-use assets; discount rates and lease terms

3.3

1.4  NEW STANDARDS AND INTERPRETATIONS 

As detailed in note 1.2.2 the Group changed its accounting policy 

for software intangible assets to ensure compliance with the IFRIC 

decisions for configuration and customisation costs incurred in 

relation to the implementation of SaaS arrangements. There have 

been no other changes to accounting policies and no other new 

standards adopted during the period.

Certain new accounting standards, amendments to accounting 

standards and interpretations have been published that are not 

mandatory for 31 December 2021 reporting periods and have not 

been early adopted by the Group. These standards, amendments 

or interpretations are not expected to have a material impact on the 

entity in the current or future reporting periods and on foreseeable 

future transactions.

 
 
ANNUAL REPORT 2021 61

1.5 

COVID-19

The global pandemic that was declared by the World Health 

Organisation on 11 March 2020 continues to impact the world while 

New Zealand remains relatively isolated with closed borders. In the 

first half of the year New Zealand experienced three short regional 

lockdowns with little impact on the Group’s results while the extensive 

lockdown in Auckland, and to a lesser degree various regional 

lockdowns, during the period from 18 August 2021 to 3 December 

2021 has had a larger impact although the impact was significantly  

less than in 2020.

• 

Rent concessions of $1,800,708 are included in finance and 

other income in the income statement of which $1,377,300 

is in respect of transmission tower rental savings under the 

Government’s Media Relief package. The gain recognised in 

the income statement resulted from the Group’s adoption of 

the practical expedient to NZ IFRS 16 where the reduction in 

lease liabilities from rent concessions could be recognised as a 

gain in the income statement.

There remains a heightened level of uncertainty given the continued 

presence of COVID-19. 

No Government assistance has been received in 2021. The 2020 

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

comparatives include the following amounts in relation to Government 

limited to):

assistance received by NZME in response to the pandemic:

• 

Government wage subsidy: $9,899,738 which is included in 

the income statement in finance and other income. Note 2.4.2 

(footnote B) provides a further detail of the treatment of the 

total amount received.

• 

• 

the impact of wider economic pressures in New Zealand  

and globally; and

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

closure may significantly affect operations.

62 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 2021

Advertising

78,271

104,593

65,631

248,495

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

Revenue from shared services centre

Events

Total revenue from external customers

Government grants

Rental income from owned and sub-leased property

Loss on disposal of property, plant and equipment

Lease rent concessions

Other lease adjustments

Gain on sale of transmission site

Gain on sale of GrabOne Limited's assets  

and certain liabilities

Other income

Finance income

Total finance and other income

Total revenue and other income 

70,323

4,655

2,407

-

-

779

11,598

-

7,245

81,921

4,655

10,431

155,656

105,372

84,474

345,502

1,156

1,901

348,559

328

317

(23)

361

115

465

15,367

16,930

145

17,075

365,634

 
ANNUAL REPORT 2021 63

Print 

$’000

Radio 

$’000

Digital & 

e-Commerce 

$’000

Total 

$’000

75,451

72,710

4,994

2,628

94,037

50,612

220,100

-

-

873

6,621

-

9,414

79,331

4,994

12,915

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

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 owned and sub-leased property

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.

Accounting policies

The Group applies the following accounting policies in relation 

street performances etc. These activities are highly integrated 

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. 

64 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 period 

variable consideration. Customers are required to report unsold 

between transferring the promised goods or services from 

publications using an online system on a weekly basis. The 

contracts with customers and when the customer pays for those 

Group therefore includes in the transaction price an estimate of 

goods and services to be more than one year. The Group applies 

the unsold publications using the most likely amount method 

the practical expedient in NZ IFRS 15 to not adjust the promised 

based on the weekly reporting from customers to the extent 

amount of consideration it expects to receive for those goods or 

that it is highly probable that a significant reversal in the 

services for the effects of a significant financing component.

amount of cumulative revenue recognised will not occur when 

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 

as commission) when incurred if the amortisation period is one 

The Group enters into contracts with customers to print their 

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

publications and, in certain cases, distribute those publications 

any incremental cost of obtaining a contract with a customer  

on their behalf; including maintaining a distribution network. 

if the Group expects to recover those costs and the amortisation 

The printing, delivery and maintenance of a distribution 

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

network are distinct performance obligations. The performance 

be amortised on a systematic basis that is consistent with the 

obligation to print a publication is satisfied when those 

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

publications are printed. Similarly, the performance obligation 

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

Costs to fulfil a contract

performance obligation to maintain a distribution network is 

If the costs incurred in fulfilling a contract with a customer 

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

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

satisfied, and revenue recognised, in equal increments over the 

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

billing period.

e-Commerce (GrabOne)

The Group acts as an agent for merchants selling their products 

following criteria are met:

• 

• 

the costs relate directly to the contract;

the costs generate or enhance resources that the Group  

or services to the public using the GrabOne platform. The Group 

will use to satisfy the performance obligations in that 

does not control the product or service before it is transferred to 

contract; and

the purchaser. Revenue is recognised in the amount of any fees 

or commissions the Group expects to be entitled to in exchange 

• 

the costs are expected to be recovered.

for arranging for the product or service to be promoted on the 

Those costs will be amortised on a systematic basis that is 

GrabOne platform.

Shared services centre

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.

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.

2.2 

EXPENSES 

2.2.1  Expenses from operations before finance costs,  

depreciation, amortisation

Employee benefits expense B

Production and distribution expense

Selling and marketing expense

Rental and occupancy expense

Costs in relation to one-off projects

Redundancies and associated costs

Repairs and maintenance costs

Travel and entertainment costs

Other

Total expenses from operations before finance costs, depreciation, amortisation

A   Refer to note 1.2.3 for details of the restatement.

ANNUAL REPORT 2021 65

2021
$’000

2020
Restated A
$’000

141,565

60,427

48,040

6,497

1,673

2,023

8,103

1,625

16,901

286,854

137,126

55,194

38,637

5,607

519

9,609

8,361

1,339

18,909

275,301

B   The 2021 expense includes $1.7m of expenses relating to configuration and customisation costs of SaaS arrangements that would have been capitalised 
under the prior software accounting policy. The 2020 number has been restated to reflect costs incurred for the configuration and customisation of 
SaaS arrangements that are now classed as operating expenses as opposed to being capitalised. (see note 1.2.3 for details).

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 interest rate swaps

Interest expense on leases 

Fair value adjustment on interest rate swaps

Borrowing cost amortisation

Total finance costs

2.2.4 

Impairment of assets

Impairment of right-of-use assets A

Impairment of property, plant and equipment B

Impairment of software C

Total impairment of assets

8,323

11,443

6,553

26,319

1,776

175

5,097

(15)

249

7,282

1,126

1,351

- 

2,477 

8,352

12,515

7,681

28,548

2,919

82

5,032

-

220

8,253

321 

- 

3,149 

3,470 

A   The impairment of right-of-use assets relates to the Graham Street and Whangarei offices with adjustments resulting from the sub-lease of office space 
in both buildings. The 2020 cost is in relation to the Whangarei office where business changes resulted in a floor being vacated with the available space 
being marketed for rent.

B   The impairment to property, plant and equipment is for the portion of Graham Street building fitout costs that relate to the area of the head lease that 

has been sub-leased. 

C   2020 costs relate to the impairment of the WideOrbit radio scheduling system.

 
66 NEW ZEALAND MEDIA AND ENTERTAINMENT

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED 
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

CONTINUED

2.2.5  Fees paid to auditors

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

Audit or review of financial statements A

485

405

2021
$’000

2020
$’000

Other services

Other assurance services B

Tax services C

Other services D

Total other services

Total fees paid to auditors

7 

8 

18 

33 

518 

-

-

17

17

422

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

B  Compliance engagement of NZME Publishing Limited with the Rules and Circulation Audit Guidelines established by the Audit Bureau of Circulations Incorporated for the year 

ended 31 March 2021.

C  Taxation services provided on the franked dividend declared to NZME’s shareholders.

D  Agreed upon procedures performed for monthly market revenue benchmarking and the 2020 Broadcasting Standards Authority return.

2.3 

EARNINGS PER SHARE

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

Profit attributable to owners of the parent entity

Profit attributable to owners of the parent entity used in calculating EPS

A  Refer to note 1.2.3 for details of the restatement.

2021
$’000

34,645

34,645

2020 
Restated A
$’000

14,787

14,787

2021
Number

2020
Number

Weighted average number of shares

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

197,570,061 

 197,570,061 

Adjusted for calculation of diluted EPS

7,126,686 

 5,235,314 

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

204,696,747 

202,805,375 

Basic / diluted earnings per share

Basic earnings per share 

Diluted earnings per share

2021
Cents

17.54 

16.93 

2020
Cents

 7.48 

7.29 

ANNUAL REPORT 2021 67

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 account:

the weighted average number of ordinary shares 

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 principal 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.

68 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 2021 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

2021
$’000

2020
Restated A 
$’000

155,656

105,372

84,474

345,502

1,156

1,901

155,783

94,910

66,647

317,340

3,409

1,390

Total revenue from external customers

348,559

322,139

Dividend income

Government grants B

Rental income from owned and sub-leased property C

(Loss) / gain on disposal of property, plant and equipment

Expenses from operations before finance costs, depreciation, amortisation  

and exceptional items

Total segment adjusted EBITDA D

Depreciation and amortisation on owned assets

Depreciation on right-of-use assets

Total depreciation and amortisation

Interest income

Finance costs

Impairment of assets

Share of joint ventures and associates net loss after tax

Gain on sale of transmission site

Gain on sale of GrabOne Limited's assets and certain liabilities

Other lease adjustments E

Exceptional items 

Compensation for franking credits F

Redundancies and associated costs G

Costs in relation to one-off projects H

Net profit before income tax expense

-

328

317

(23)

2

8,554

455

22

(283,158)

(265,173)

66,023

(14,876)

(11,443)

(26,319)

145

(7,282)

(2,477)

(450)

465

15,367

476

-

(2,023)

(1,673)

42,252

65,999

(16,033)

(12,515)

(28,548)

67

(8,253)

(3,470)

(417)

-

-

1,835

780

(8,263)

(519)

19,211

ANNUAL REPORT 2021 69

A  Refer to note 1.2.3 for details of the restatement.

B  Government grants in 2021 relate to amounts received from the Ministry of Culture 

and New Zealand On Air for the production of content, journalism training & creating 
greater cultural awareness. In 2020 the Government grants relate to the wage subsidy 
received from the Government in response to the effect of COVID-19 on businesses. 
The total received was $9,899,738 which is included in finance and other income 
in the consolidated income statement. 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.

C  Rental income of $254,952 was received from the sub-lease of right-of-use assets 

(2020: $310,213)

D  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. 

E  The Group 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 $360,863 in 2021 (2020: $1,800,680), a corresponding amount recognised within 
other income in the income statement with other adjustments and changes to leases 
contributing $114,875 (2020: $34,103).

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

to the 2016 demerger agreement.

G  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 
employees who were given an extended notice period.

H  2021 costs include building costs for the Graham Street sub-lease, onerous contract 
costs and costs incurred in relation to the acquisition of BusinessDesk (see note 9). 
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. 

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.

70 NEW ZEALAND MEDIA AND ENTERTAINMENT

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED 
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

CONTINUED

3.0  OPERATING 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. The Directors have also determined that where the Group 

control identifiable assets in relation to the configuration and customisation costs of SaaS arrangements these costs will be capitalised 

and amortised over the life of the arrangement. Control exists where the Group determines that the asset could be transfered to an 

alternative supplier without incurring substantial additional costs.

As at 1 January 2020

Cost

Goodwill 
$’000

Software A 
$’000

Masthead 
brands 
$’000

Radio 
licences 
$’000

Brands 
$’000

Total
$’000

166,397

67,762

146,976

77,547

59,079

517,761

Accumulated amortisation and impairment

(166,397)

(56,860)

(74,336)

(44,258)

(29,881)

(371,732)

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

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

10,902

72,640

33,289

29,198

146,029

10,902

72,640

33,289

29,198

146,029

(4,686)

(3,149)

(939)

7,610

-

-

-

-

(2,995)

-

-

932

-

-

(29)

-

(7,681)

(3,149)

(968)

8,542

9,738

72,640

31,226

29,169

142,773

Cost

166,397

66,437

146,976

78,479

59,019

517,308

Accumulated amortisation and impairment

(166,397)

(56,699)

(74,336)

(47,253)

(29,850)

(374,535)

Net book value

For the year ended 31 December 2021

Opening net book amount

Additions

Disposals

Amortisation

Other transfers and adjustments

Transfers from capital work in progress

Net book value

As at 31 December 2021

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

9,738

72,640

31,226

29,169

142,773

9,738

72,640

31,226

29,169

142,773

(55)

(7)

(3,497)

(82)

1,539

-

-

-

-

-

396

-

(3,056)

-

184

-

-

-

-

-

341

(7)

(6,553)

(82)

1,723

7,636

72,640

28,750

29,169

138,195

Cost

166,397

53,909

146,976

79,059

59,019

505,360

Accumulated amortisation and impairment

(166,397)

(46,273)

(74,336)

(50,309)

(29,850)

(367,165)

Net book value

-

7,636

72,640

28,750

29,169

138,195

A  The prior year numbers have been restated due to the change in accounting policy for software intangible assets (see note 1.2.3 for details).

ANNUAL REPORT 2021 71

Accounting policies

Goodwill

Masthead brands

Goodwill represents the excess of the cost of an acquisition 

Masthead brands, being the titles, logo’s and similar items 

over the fair value of the Group’s share of the net identifiable 

of the integrated media assets of the Group are accounted 

assets of the acquired business at the date of the acquisition. 

for as identifiable assets and are initially recognised at cost 

Goodwill is not amortised but rather is subject to periodic 

and subsequently measured at cost less any accumulated 

impairment testing (refer to note 3.1.1 below) with all goodwill 

impairment losses. The Directors believe the masthead brands 

now fully impaired.

Software 

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 

Costs incurred in developing systems, acquiring software 

tested for impairment each year (refer to note 3.1.1 below).

and licences are capitalised to software where the activities 

create an intangible asset that the Group controls and 

Radio licences

the intangible asset meets the recognition criteria. Costs 

Commercial radio licences are accounted for as identifiable 

capitalised include materials, services, payroll and payroll 

assets and are initially recognised at cost. The current New 

related costs of employees involved in development. Costs 

Zealand radio licences expire on 31 March 2031 and are being 

incurred in acquiring software or licences and configuration 

amortised on a straight line basis to that date.

and customisation of Software-as-a-Service systems that are 

not capitalised, are expensed as incurred unless they are paid 

Brands

to the suppliers (or subcontractors of the supplier) of the 

Brands are accounted for as identifiable assets and are initially 

cloud-based software. In the latter case, the costs paid upfront 

recognised at cost and subsequently measured at cost less 

are recorded as prepayments for services and expensed over 

any accumulated impairment losses. The Directors have 

the expected terms of the cloud computing arrangements. 

considered the geographic location, legal, technical and other 

Amortisation of software assets is calculated on a straight-line 

commercial factors likely to impact the assets’ useful lives and 

basis over the useful life of the asset (typically 2 to 10 years).

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 Directors 

should assess, at each reporting date, whether there is any indication that an impairment loss for an asset, other than goodwill, either 

no longer exists or has decreased. The Directors have determined that, while there is improvement in the headroom since the last 

impairment was recognised, no reversal of the previous impairment to masthead brands and brands is required.

The recoverable amount of the CGU is determined based on 

in the income statement (2020: $nil). The impairment review used 

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

a set of assumptions which are considered the most appropriate 

calculations using management forecasts. The recoverable 

for impairment testing but are more conservative than the Group’s 

amount of the CGU is compared against the carrying value of 

medium term plans.

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 

A comprehensive impairment review was conducted at  

the weighted average growth rate used to extrapolate cash flows 

31 December 2021. The recoverable amount of the CGU has been 

beyond the forecast period. This assessment is required to be  

determined based on VIU. Based on the assumptions below no 

made based on events and knowledge as at 31 December 2021. 

impairment of indefinite life intangible assets has been recognised 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
72 NEW ZEALAND MEDIA AND ENTERTAINMENT

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED 
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

CONTINUED

Key estimates and assumptions used for the value-in-use (VIU) of the cash generating unit 
(CGU) are as follows:

Discount Rate

A post tax discount rate used of 9.0% (2020: 9.0%). 

The discount rate represents the current market 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 -1.2% (2020: -1.5%).

Forecasts prepared over the forecast period (2022-2026)

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 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 for compound annual growth rates used were:

Print revenue

Radio revenue

Digital advertising revenue

Digital classifieds revenue

Digital subscriptions revenue

Operating expenses

2021

-4.92%

1.55%

4.47%

31.57%

12.28%

0.77%

2020

-6.50%

3.70%

1.30%

26.00%

28.00%

1.80%

ANNUAL REPORT 2021 73

Short term volatility may be experienced due to the impact  

The Group compares the carrying amount of net assets with the 

of external environmental and economic conditions.

market capitalisation value at each balance date. The share price 

The Directors have reviewed the potential changes to the 

recoverable amount that could arise from changes in key 

assumptions and concluded that, at this time, there are no 

reasonably possible adverse changes in the key assumptions 

that would result in material impairment. The Directors 

determined that the increase in the headroom, since the 

impairment recognised as at 31 December 2019, 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.

at 31 December 2021 was $1.43 equating to a market capitalisation 

of $282.6 million. This market value excludes any control premium 

and may not reflect the value of 100% of NZME’s net assets. The 

carrying amount of NZME’s net assets at 31 December 2021 was  

$157.1 million ($0.80 per share).

Accounting policy

Goodwill and intangible assets that have an indefinite 

the lowest levels for which there are separately identifiable 

useful life are not subject to amortisation and are tested 

cash inflows which are largely independent of the cash 

annually for impairment and at the end of each reporting 

inflows from other assets or groups of assets (cash-

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

generating units). Currently, the Group has only one CGU, 

An impairment charge is recognised for the amount by 

being Integrated Media and Entertainment. Intangible 

which the asset’s carrying amount exceeds its recoverable 

assets, other than goodwill, that suffer impairment are 

amount. The recoverable amount is the higher of an 

reviewed for possible reversal of the impairment at each 

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

reporting date.

purposes of assessing impairment, assets are grouped at 

74 NEW ZEALAND MEDIA AND ENTERTAINMENT

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED 
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

CONTINUED

3.2 

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT

Freehold 
land A
$’000

Buildings A 
$’000

Leasehold 
improvements 
$’000

Plant and 
equipment 
$’000

Total
$’000

As at 1 January 2020

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

Year ended 31 December 2021

Opening net book amount

Additions

Disposals

Depreciation

Impairment

Other adjustments

Transfers from capital work in progress

Net book amount

As at 31 December 2021

Cost or fair value

Accumulated depreciation and impairment

Net book amount

1,165

-

1,165

1,165

-

-

-

(900)

-

265

265

-

265

265

-

-

-

-

-

-

157

(42)

115

115

-

-

(4)

(39)

(12)

60

67

(7)

60

60

-

-

(7)

-

-

-

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

6,082

28,571

34,978

-

(8)

(1,005)

(1,076)

(1)

140

25

(309)

(7,311)

(275)

61

1,764

25

(317)

(8,323)

(1,351)

60

1,904

265

53

4,132

22,526

26,976

265

-

265

67

(14)

53

14,854

264,070

279,256

(10,722)

(241,544)

(252,280)

4,132

22,526

26,976

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 (2020: $214,000) and the net book value of buildings would have been $23,286 (2020: $24,989). The last revaluation was performed for the year ended 
31 December 2015. 

ANNUAL REPORT 2021 75

Accounting policies

Land is not depreciated. Depreciation on other assets is 

revaluation reserves in equity. To the extent that the increase 

calculated using the straight line method to allocate their cost 

reverses a decrease previously recognised in the income 

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

statement, the increase is first recognised in the income 

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 valuations by external 

independent valuers, less subsequent depreciation for 

buildings. Independent valuations are performed on a 

periodic basis, as the Directors deem necessary, to ensure 

that the carrying value of assets is materially consistent 

statement. Decreases that reverse previous increases of the 

same asset are first charged against the revaluation reserves 

directly in equity to the extent of the remaining reserve 

attributable to the asset. All other decreases are charged to 

the income statement.

Plant and equipment, furniture and fittings and motor 

vehicles are stated at historical cost less depreciation. 

Historical cost includes expenditure that is directly 

attributable to the acquisition of the items. Subsequent 

costs are included in the assets carrying amount or 

recognised as a separate asset, as appropriate, only when 

it is probable that future economic benefits associated with 

the item will flow to the Group and the cost of the item can 

be reliably measured. All other repairs and maintenance are 

charged to the income statement during the financial period 

in which they are incurred.

Impairment of assets

An asset’s carrying amount is written down immediately 

to its recoverable amount if the asset’s carrying amount is 

with their fair value. At the end of each reporting period, the 

greater than its estimated recoverable amount. Assets that are 

Directors update their assessment of the fair value of each 

property, taking into account the most recent independent 

valuations. 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 

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, Bloomberg corporate bond spreads and yields and New Zealand swap 

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.

76 NEW ZEALAND MEDIA AND ENTERTAINMENT

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED 
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

CONTINUED

As at 31 December 2020

Net book amount

58,399

25,985

994

4

85,382

Buildings
$’000

Transmission
$’000

Vehicles
$’000

Other
$’000

Total
$’000

Year ended 31 December 2021

Additions

Depreciation

Impairment of right-of-use assets

Transfer to lease receivables

175

638

(7,411)

(3,359)

(1,126)

(5,898)

-

-

Changes in scope or lease terms

(653)

(224)

Net book amount

43,486

23,040

730

(667)

-

-

(70)

987

-

(6)

-

-

2

-

1,543

(11,443)

(1,126)

(5,898)

(945)

67,513

 Accounting policies

The Group leases various offices, transmission towers, vehicles 

Assets and liabilities arising from a lease are initially measured 

and other equipment which are all classified as operating 

on a present value basis. Lease liabilities include the net 

leases. 

present value of the following lease payments:

Leases are recognised as a right-of-use asset and a 

corresponding lease liability. Each lease payment is allocated 

between the lease principal and finance costs. Finance costs 

are charged to profit or loss over the lease period and the 

right-of-use asset is depreciated over the shorter of the asset’s 

useful life and the lease term on a straight-line basis.

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

fixed payments (including in-substance fixed payments), 

less any lease incentives receivable:

variable lease payments that are based on an index  

or a rate;

amounts expected to be payable by the lessee under 

residual value guarantees;

the exercise price of a purchase option if the lessee is 

reasonably certain to exercise that option; and

payments of penalties for terminating the lease, if the 

lease term reflects the lessee exercising that option.

3.4  CAPITAL WORK IN PROGRESS

As at 1 January

Additions

Disposals

Transfers to intangible assets

Transfers to property, plant and equipment

As at 31 December

A  Refer to note 1.2.3 for details of the restatement.

2021
$’000

2,220

5,482

(69)

(1,723)

(1,904)

4,006

2020
Restated A 
$’000

9,774

5,252

-

(8,542)

(4,264)

2,220

Capital work in progress 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 2021 77

Note

7.2

3.5.4

3.5.4

2021
$’000

38,813

(634)

38,179

9

356 

6,632

45,176

717

51

(134)

634

1,101

5,778 

6,879

2020
$’000

38,241

(717)

37,524

37

-

6,321

43,882

632

721

(636)

717

1,079

-

1,079

3.5 

TRADE AND OTHER RECEIVABLES

Trade receivables

Provision for impairment

Amounts due from related companies

Finance lease receivables

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

Finance lease receivables

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. 

78 NEW ZEALAND MEDIA AND ENTERTAINMENT

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED 
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

CONTINUED

3.5.4  Finance lease receivables

Finance lease receivables relate to the sub-leases of parts of the Auckland and Whangarei right-of-use assets sub-let during the year.

As at 1 January

Transfer from right-of-use assets

Other direct costs

Total additions for the year

Interest on lease receivables

Total lease receivables before cash payments

Interest received

Principal received

Net investment in lease receivables at 31 December A

Current assets

Non-current assets

Net investment in lease receivables at 31 December 

A  Make good provisions are included in material sub-leases to ensure the Group’s exposure to risk is minimised.

The table below details the Group’s contractual undiscounted cash flows for the finance lease receivable assets to maturity.

Less than 1 year

1 to 2 years

2 to 3 years

3 to 4 years

4 to 5 years

Greater than 5 years

Total lease payments receivable

Unearned finance income

Net investment in lease receivables at 31 December 

2021
$’000

- 

5,898 

338 

6,236 

102 

6,338 

(102)

(102)

6,134 

356 

5,778 

6,134 

2021
$’000

655

684

682

771

1,000

3,980

7,772

(1,638)

6,134

ANNUAL REPORT 2021 79

Accounting policies

When the Group acts as a lessor in sub-leasing its right-of-use 

assets, it determines, at lease commencement date, whether 

each lease is a finance lease or an operating lease by assessing 

whether the lease transfers to the lessee substantially all 

the risks and rewards of ownership incidental to ownership 

of the underlying asset. If this is the case then the lease is a 

finance lease; if not then it is an operating lease. As part of this 

assessment the Group considers certain indicators such as 

whether the lease is for the major part of the economic life  

of the asset.

For the purposes of classifying the sub-lease, reference is  

to the right-of-use asset arising from the head lease, not  

with reference to the underlying asset.

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

initial direct costs incurred in acquiring the sub-lease;

fixed payments (including in-substance fixed payments), 

less any lease incentives payable:

variable lease payments that are based on an index  

or a rate;

amounts expected to be receivable 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.

The discount rate applied to calculate the present value of the 

lease receivable asset is the rate that was applied in calculating 

Assets arising from a sub-lease are initially measured  

the right-of-use asset for the head lease to which the sub-lease 

on a present value basis and include the following:

relates.

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 2021 inventories totalling $9,934,471 were expensed (2020: $10,002,578).

Accounting policy

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

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

Employee entitlements

Deferred revenue

Trade payables and accruals 

Total current trade and other payables

Note

7.2

2021
$’000

24

5,664

16,882

31,210

53,780

2020
$’000

64

4,605

13,400

25,769

43,838

 
 
 
 
80 NEW ZEALAND MEDIA AND ENTERTAINMENT

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED 
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

CONTINUED

Accounting policies

Trade and other payables

Short-term incentive plans 

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 

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.

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

Deferred tax asset

Intangible assets

Total liabilities

Net tangible assets

Number of shares issued (in thousands) 

Net tangible assets per share (in $)

A  Refer to note 1.2.3 for details of the restatement.

2021
$’000

2020
Restated A
$’000

312,368

332,409

(3,485)

(1,913)

(138,195)

(142,773)

(155,254)

(205,908)

15,434

197,570

0.08 

(18,185)

197,570

(0.09)

 
 
 
 
ANNUAL REPORT 2021 81

3.9  DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

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.

The Group has invested $25 million (2020: $30 million) in four (2020: five) different interest rate swaps with maturity dates from  

February 2022 to August 2023 (2020: August 2021 to August 2023) to minimise the Group’s interest rate risk. As at 31 December 2021  

the Group had a current asset of $25,054 (2020: $16,400 current liability) and a non-current asset of $228,242 (2020: $309,692 non-

current liability) and has recycled interest expense of $168,113 (2020: $82,121) through other comprehensive income. The hedges 

became ineffective in November 2021 resulting in $15,789 of fair value adjustment being recognised directly in finance costs on the 

income statement.

4.0  CAPITAL MANAGEMENT

4.1 

SHARE CAPITAL

2021
’000

2020
’000

2021
$’000

2020
$’000

Authorised, issued and paid up share capital

Balance at the beginning of the year

197,570

196,556

361,758

360,768

Shares issued during the year

-

1,014

-

990

Balance at the end of the year

197,570

197,570

361,758

361,758

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.

On 17 December 2021 the Group announced that a share buyback programme is to commence in February 2022. The buyback programme 

will be for up to 21,428,571 shares, approximately 11% of NZME’s issued share capital on 17 December 2021 for an aggregate purchase price 

of $30.0 million. A further announcement will be made ahead of the on-market share buyback to confirm the commencement.

82 NEW ZEALAND MEDIA AND ENTERTAINMENT

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED 
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

CONTINUED

4.2  RESERVES

Share based payments reserve

Balance at the beginning of the year

Share based payment expense

2017 TIP settlement

Balance at end of the year

Cash flow hedge reserve

Balance at the beginning of the year

Effective gain / (loss) 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

Transfer to retained earnings

Balance at end of the year

Equity investments revaluation reserve

Balance at beginning of the year

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

Note

7.1

2021 
$’000

1,501

1,559

-

3,060

(326)

396

168

-

238

722

(671)

51

1,271

-

1,271

317

(17)

300

2020
$’000

1,746

1,095

(1,340)

1,501

178

(656)

82

70

(326)

722

-

722

- 

1,271

1,271

338

(21)

317

4,920

3,485

ANNUAL REPORT 2021 83

4.2.1 

 Nature and purpose of reserves

Share based payments reserve

in note 3.2. In the event of the sale of an asset, the revaluation 

The share based payments reserve is used to recognise the fair 

value of the performance rights issued but not yet vested as 

surplus is transferred to retained earnings.

Equity investments revaluation reserve

described in note 4.3.

Cash flow hedge reserve

The cash flow reserve is used to record unrealised gains or losses 

on hedging instruments that are recognised directly in equity. The 

modified fair value method has now been applied to the interest 

rate swaps and therefore no tax adjustments are required.

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 

retained earnings.

Foreign currency translation reserve

Asset revaluation reserve

The asset revaluation reserve is used to record increments and 

Exchange differences arising on translation of any foreign 

controlled entities are taken to the foreign currency translation 

decrements on the revaluation of non-current assets as described 

reserve, as described in the basis of preparation.

4.3  SHARE BASED PAYMENTS

As at 1 January

Granted (2019 TIP) A

Granted (2020 TIP) B

Granted (2021 TIP) c

Surrendered D

Issued E

As at 31 December

Average price  
per right ($)

 0.41 

 0.95 

 0.95 

 0.72 

- 

- 

2021
Number  
of rights

 5,235,314 

 89,916 

 36,173 

 1,765,283 

 - 

 - 

 0.52 

7,126,686

Average price  
per right ($)

 0.72 

 - 

 0.36 

 - 

 0.89 

 0.89 

 0.41 

2020
Number  
of rights

 3,024,181 

 - 

 3,724,664 

 - 

 (499,468)

 (1,014,063)

 5,235,314 

A  In 2021 the Board approved that under the 2019 TIP, participants will be entitled 

compared to the estimated number reported at 31 December 2020. 

to additional shares when the rights are exercised (on 31 December 2022) for any 
dividends foregone during the period 1 January 2020 to 31 December 2021. For 
dividends declared during the period 1 January 2021 to 31 December 2021, this 
resulted in an additional 89,916 shares being issued to participants.

B  The number of performance rights granted in 2021 in respect of the 2020 TIP. The 
total of 36,173 comprises 263,537 rights issued in relation to dividends foregone in 
2021 less an adjustment of 227,363 for rights actually awarded in 2021 for the 2020 TIP 

C  The number of performance rights expected to be granted in 2022 in respect of the 

2021 TIP. 

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

in lieu of PAYE owing on the issue of shares.

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.

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

Grant price  
per right ($)

2021
Number  
of rights

2020
Number  
of rights

Grant date

29 March 2019

5 March 2020

4 December 2020

10 December 2020

5 November 2021

As at 31 December

Vesting date

Exercise date

31 Dec 2020

31 Dec 2022

31 Dec 2021

31 Dec 2023

31 Dec 2022

31 Dec 2024

31 Dec 2022

31 Dec 2024

31 Dec 2022

31 Dec 2024

 0.55 

 0.36 

 0.71 

 0.66 

 1.25 

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

1,600,566 

1,510,650 

3,760,837 

3,724,664 

1,131,675 

553,845 

79,763 

- 

- 

- 

7,126,686 

5,235,314 

2021

2020

24 months

33 months

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
84 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   2021, 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:

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 

% of target opportunity awarded

leaves during the service period, the rights that will vest will be 

% of BU Goal 
achieved

< 95%

25%

> 95% to 100%

Pro-rata vesting between  

25% and 100%

> 100% to 110%

Pro-rata vesting between  

100% and 150%

determined on a pro-rata basis based on when they leave during 

the service period. If a participant leaves during the deferral 

period, no rights will be forfeited, but rights will still only convert 

into ordinary shares at the end of the deferral period.

The fair value of the rights at grant date was estimated based on 

the NZME share price at that date, being the date after the Board 

approved the TIP and the terms were communicated to the 

eligible participants. The number of rights awarded are based on 

the Volume Weighted Average Price (VWAP) of the Company’s 

shares for the first 5 trading days of each Performance Period.

ANNUAL REPORT 2021 85

Model inputs

The following is a summary of the key inputs in calculating the share-based payment expense under the 2021 TIP:

• Performance period

• Service period

1 January 2021 to 31 December 2021

1 January 2022 to 31 December 2022

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

1 January 2021 to 31 December 2022

• Deferral period

1 January 2023 to 31 December 2024

• Share price at grant date 4 December 2020

• Share price at grant date 10 December 2020

• Share price at grant date 5 November 2021

• VWAP

71 cents

66 cents

$1.25

73.7 cents

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

No TIP was offered for the 2018 Financial Year.

86 NEW ZEALAND MEDIA AND ENTERTAINMENT

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED 
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

CONTINUED

4.3.4   Total Incentive Plan (TIP) for 2022

In February 2022 the Board approved an updated framework for the 

the same time and deferred for an additional year before they vest, 

Company’s Total Incentive Plan (TIP). The TIP is designed to align 

subject to continued employment over that extended period.

reward outcomes with individual performance and the performance 

of the Company and value creation for shareholders over both the 

short and long term.

In addition, a new long-term incentive component has been added 

in the TIP framework, which is based on a three-year performance 

period commencing that would commence on 1 January 2022 

The updated TIP framework includes a short-term component that 

with awards subject to both earnings per share (EPS) and total 

will be based on the performance of the Company for the financial 

shareholder return (TSR) performance hurdles. The long-term 

year ending 31 December 2022 measured in terms of earnings and 

component comprises an issue of share rights that may vest at 

the achievement of various specific targets set for each individual 

the end of three years, subject to achievement of the EPS and TSR 

participant that align with the Company’s strategic goals. The short-

performance hurdles and continued employment by the Company. 

term component includes both a cash bonus element and a share 

rights element. The cash payment would be payable following the 

end of the 2022 financial year period, with share rights issued at 

Offers will be made to eligible executives in due course with further 

details provided in the 2022 financial statements. 

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 5 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.

4.4  DIVIDENDS

4.4.1  Dividend policy

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

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

capital requirements, operating performance and financial 

of 0.00529412 cents per share to those shareholders who are  

not tax residents and who hold less than 10% of the shares in  

the Company. The total of the supplementary dividend paid,  

on 22 September 2021, was $677,911.

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

On 21 February 2022, the Board of Directors declared a fully 

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

imputed and franked final dividend of 5.0 cents per share for the 

12 month trading EBITDA.

4.4.2 

 Dividends paid and declared

On 23 June 2021 an inter-company dividend was paid by NZME 

Investments Limited, with A$9,163,691 of franking credits 

attached, to NZME Limited. 

2021 financial year. The dividend is to be paid on 23 March 2022  

to registered shareholders as at 11 March 2022.

The dividends declared on 23 August 2021 and 21 February 2022 

were approved by the Board to be paid out of profits from NZME 

Limited, as a standalone legal entity, which had been specifically 

earmarked as being available for the declaration of the dividends 

On 22 September 2021 a fully imputed and franked dividend of  

and had not been appropriated or earmarked for other purposes.

3.0 cents per share was paid to registered shareholders as at  
10 September 2021, the total amount paid was $5,927,102. The 

Board also approved the payment of a supplementary dividend  

ANNUAL REPORT 2021 87

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

2021
$’000

2020
$’000

NZ$ 25,047

NZ$ 18,061

A$ 6,700 A

A$ 0 A

A  Franking credits of A$6,699,711 are available for use by the Company following the payment of the inter-company dividend in June 2021 (see note 4.4.2). At 31 December 2020  
the Company did not have any franking credits available for use although other entities within the Group had A$9,163,691 available that Directors expected to be available to  
the Company in future periods. 

.

4.5 

INTEREST BEARING LIABILITIES

The following table details the Group’s combined net debt at 31 December 2021.

The movements in these balances during the year are provided in notes 4.5.1 Secured bank loans and note 4.5.2 Lease liabilities.

Bank loans

Cash and cash equivalents

Net (cash) / bank debt

Lease liabilities

Net debt at 31 December

4.5.1 

 Secured bank loans

Bank loans

As at 1 January

Net cash flows

Capitalised borrowing costs

Amortisation of borrowing costs

Reclassification of unamortised borrowing costs to prepayments

As at 31 December

Cash and cash equivalents

As at 1 January

Cash flows

As at 31 December

Net (cash) / bank debt

2021
$’000

-

(13,538)

(13,538)

96,785

83,247

2020
$’000

45,379

(11,560)

33,819

107,452

141,271

2021
$’000

2020
$’000

45,379

89,149

(46,000)

(43,500)

-

249

372

-

(490)

220

-

45,379

(11,560)

(14,416)

(1,978)

2,856

(13,538)

(11,560)

(13,538)

33,819

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
88 NEW ZEALAND MEDIA AND ENTERTAINMENT

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED 
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

CONTINUED

Capitalised borrowing costs of $372,671 at 31 December 2021 

and by a further $5.0 million from 1 January 2023. This facility expires on 

have been reclassified as current prepayments ($248,507) and 

1 July 2023.

non-current prepayments ($124,254) as there were nil drawings 

on the loan facilities at this date. No change has been made to the 

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

comparative amounts with $621,268 of borrowing costs included in 

The NZME bilateral facilities contain undertakings which are 

the secured bank loans balance at 31 December 2020. Capitalised 

customary for facilities of this nature including, but not limited 

borrowing costs are the costs incurred on acquiring the loan less 

to, provision of information, negative pledge and restrictions on 

accumulated amortisation to 31 December 2021 with the costs 

priority indebtedness and disposals of assets. The assets of the 

being amortised over the period of the loan facility.

Group are collateral for the interest bearing liability.

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

In addition, the Group must comply with financial covenants (a net 

and NZ$50.0 million bilateral bank loan facilities, which NZME 
refinanced on 21 November 2018 and 22 July 2020, of which  
$nil million (2020: $46.0 million) is drawn and $50.0 million  

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 

(2020: $74.0 million) is undrawn as at 31 December 2021. The 

throughout the reporting period.

facility limit will step down by a further $10.0 million from 1 July 2022 

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

Changes in scope, lease terms and other adjustments

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

2021
$’000

10,931

96,521

107,452

5,097

1,538

(361)

(1,059)

112,667

(5,097)

(10,785)

(15,882)

96,785

11,340

85,445

96,785

2020
$’000

11,076

84,807

95,883

5,032

157

(1,801)

22,489

121,760

(4,833)

(9,475)

(14,308)

107,452

10,931

96,521

107,452

ANNUAL REPORT 2021 89

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

13,538

11,560

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

2021
$’000

2020
Restated A 
$’000

Profit for the year

Depreciation and amortisation expense

Borrowing cost amortisation

Fair value movement on over hedged swaps

Change in current / deferred tax payable

Gain on sale of non-current assets

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

Lease rent concessions and other lease adjustments

Interest accrual on leases

Impairment of property, plant and equipment 

Impairment of software

Impairment of right-of-use 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

A  Refer to note 1.2.3 for details of the restatement.

34,434

26,319

249

(15)

510

(15,809)

539

(476)

-

1,351

-

1,126

1,559

(503)

(429)

182

2,805

51,842

14,482

28,548

220

-

2,056

(22)

417

(1,835)

199

-

3,149

321

1,095

7,718

464

503

(1,739)

55,576

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. 

90 NEW ZEALAND MEDIA AND ENTERTAINMENT

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED 
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

CONTINUED

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.

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.

In order to maintain or adjust the capital structure, the Group may 

adjust the amount of dividends paid to shareholders, return capital 

to shareholders, issue new shares or sell assets to reduce debt.

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

access to as well as the net debt calculation that is used by the 

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 

group to manage capital requirements.

on a semi-annual basis.

The Group’s activities expose it to a variety of financial risks:

The Company had no debt at 31 December 2021 and therefore 

•  market risk, including interest rate risk and price risk; 

• 

• 

credit risk; and 

liquidity risk. 

no sensitivity analysis on changes in interest rates has been 

performed. 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 have impacted  

post-tax profit and equity by $0.2 million lower / higher.

The Group’s overall risk management programme focuses on 

the unpredictability of financial markets and seeks to minimise 

Price risk

potential adverse effects on the financial performance of the 

The Group is not exposed to significant price risk.  

Group. The Group uses different methods to measure different 

There is some risk associated with other financial assets  

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

however this is not deemed to be significant.

sensitivity analysis in the case of interest rate and ageing analysis 

for credit risk.

4.7.3  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. 

ANNUAL REPORT 2021 91

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

2021

Expected loss rate

Trade receivables

Impaired receivables

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

0.3%

29,464

(103)

29,361

1.4%

5,828

(81)

5,747

7.2%

1,516

(109)

1,407

25.9%

13.4%

580

(150)

430

1,425

(191)

1,234

38,813

(634)

38,179

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 $82,326 of receivables in relation to GrabOne Limited that are classified as assets held for sale.

Trade receivables are generally settled within 30 to 45 days. 

The maximum exposure to credit risk at 31 December 2021 is equal 

The Directors consider the carrying amount of trade receivables 

to the carrying amount of cash and cash equivalents and trade and 

approximates to their net fair value. Trade receivables are 

other receivables. The Group is not exposed to any concentrations 

monitored on an individual basis and the company considers the 

of credit risk within cash and cash equivalents or trade and other 

probability of default upon initial recognition of the trade receivable 

receivables.

and throughout the period and provides for trade receivables 

considered to be impaired.

As of 31 December 2021, trade receivables of $3,071,000 (2020: 

$2,230,000) were past due but not impaired.

Credit risk further arises in relation to financial guarantees given to 

certain parties from time to time.

92 NEW ZEALAND MEDIA AND ENTERTAINMENT

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED 
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

CONTINUED

4.7.4  Liquidity risk

Prudent liquidity risk management implies maintaining sufficient 

The tables below analyse the Group’s financial liabilities including 

cash and marketable securities, the availability of funding through 

interest to maturity into relevant maturity groupings based on the 

an adequate amount of committed credit facilities and the 

remaining period at the reporting date to the contractual maturity 

ability to close out market positions. Due to the dynamic nature 

date. The amounts disclosed in the tables are the contractual 

of the underlying business, Group Treasury aims at maintaining 

undiscounted cash flows.

flexibility in funding by keeping committed credit lines available. 

Management monitors rolling forecasts of the Group’s liquidity 

reserve on the basis of expected cash flows.

31 December 2021

Trade payables and accruals

Lease liabilities

Bank loans 

Gross liability

(Less): interest

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

31,210 

15,954 

- 

- 

- 

- 

31,210 

15,006 

40,845 

46,733 

118,538 

- 

- 

- 

- 

47,164 

15,006 

40,845 

46,733 

149,748 

-

-

-

-

-

Total financial liabilities

47,164

15,006

40,845

46,733

149,748

31 December 2020

Trade payables and accruals A

Lease liabilities

Bank loans 

Gross liability

(Less): interest

31,688

16,241

3,001

50,930 

(3,001)

-

15,829

3,001

18,830 

(3,001)

Total financial liabilities

47,929 

15,829 

-

42,411

49,001

91,412 

(3,001)

88,411 

-

31,688

59,511

133,992

 - 

55,003

59,511 

220,683 

- 

(9,003)

59,511 

211,680 

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).

ANNUAL REPORT 2021 93

4.8.2  Recognised fair value measurements

Recurring fair value measurements

Financial assets (Level 2)

Derivative financial instruments: current assets / (current liabilities)

Derivative financial instruments: non-current assets / (non-current liabilities)

Financial assets (Level 3)

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

(2020: $815,000) are measured at amortised cost and therefore have been  

excluded from this table.

Total financial assets

Non-financial assets (Level 3)

Freehold land

Buildings (excluding leasehold improvements)

Total non-financial assets

Note

2021
$’000

2020
$’000

3.9

3.9

3.2

3.2

25

228

(16)

(310)

253

(326)

265

53

318

265

60

325

All fair value measurements referred to above are in either level 2 

4.8.4  Valuation techniques used to derive  

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

at level 2 and 3 fair values

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

fair value hierarchy levels as at the end of the reporting period.

Recurring fair value measurements

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 

The Group also has a number of assets and liabilities which are not 

valuation techniques maximise the use of observable market 

measured at fair value but for which fair values are disclosed in 

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

these notes.

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

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

The carrying amounts of current trade receivables and payables  

are assumed to approximate their fair values due to their  

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

short-term nature. 

market data, the instrument is included in level 3.

The fair value of the non-current trade receivables are assumed 

The Group obtains independent valuations for its freehold land and 

to approximate their carrying values as the balances comprise 

buildings less subsequent depreciation for buildings, to ensure that 

of prepayments, in relation to cash already received by the 

the carrying value of the assets is materially consistent with their fair 

Group, and lease receivables where the carrying value has been 

value. The land and buildings owned by the Group are transmission 

calculated based on net present values of future cash inflows.

sites and associated buildings, and as such are specialised and have 

The fair value of interest bearing liabilities disclosed in note 4.5 is 

estimated by discounting the future contractual cash flows at the 

current market interest rates that are available to the Group for 

similar financial instruments. For the year ended 31 December 2021, 

the borrowing rates were determined to be between 3.0% and 

3.6% (2020: between 2.5% and 4.0%), 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).

limited saleability. The best evidence of fair value is current prices in 

an active market for similar properties; however, these are not readily 
available for such specialised sites in such locations. The Directors 

believe that the current carrying value of the assets equates to their 

fair value given the nature and location of the assets. All resulting fair 

value estimates for properties are included as level 3.

 
 
 
94 NEW ZEALAND MEDIA AND ENTERTAINMENT

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED 
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

CONTINUED

5.0  TAXATION

5.1 

INCOME TAX EXPENSE

Reported income tax expense comprises: 

Current tax expense

Deferred tax benefit

Over provision in prior years 

Income tax expense

Income tax is attributable to:

Taxable profit from continuing operations

Total income tax expense

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

Profit 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 expenses

Differences in international tax rates 

Re-instatement of tax depreciation on buildings

Over provision in prior years 

Income tax expense

A  Refer to note 1.2.3 for details of the restatement.

2021
$’000

9,416

(1,573)

(25)

7,818

7,818

7,818

42,252

11,831 

(4,446)

-

126

332

-

-

(25)

7,818

2020 
Restated A
$’000

5,789

(326)

(734)

4,729

4,729

4,729

19,211

5,379

(2)

(218)

117

220

(15)

(18)

(734)

4,729

ANNUAL REPORT 2021 95

5.2  DEFERRED TAX

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are attributable to:

Opening 
Balance 
$’000

Recognised  
in income 
$’000

Recognised  
in equity 
$’000

Other 
movements 
$’000

Closing 
Balance 
$’000

2020

Employee entitlements

1,485

(742)

Provision for impairment

Accruals / restructuring

Intangible assets 

Property, plant and equipment A

Leases

Share schemes

Other

2021

Employee entitlements

Provision for impairment

Accruals / restructuring

Intangible assets 

Property, plant and equipment

Leases

Share schemes

177

119

(418)

173

(331)

526

(70)

1,661

729 

201 

168 

(381)

348 

427 

421 

24

49

37

190

758

10

-

326

293 

(23)

184 

37 

156 

490 

436 

1,913 

1,573 

-

-

-

-

-

-

(115)

-

(115)

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

(14)

-

-

-

(15)

-

-

70

41

(2)

- 

1 

- 

- 

- 

- 

729 

201 

168 

(381)

348 

427 

421 

- 

1,913 

1,020 

178 

353 

(344)

504 

917 

857 

(1)

3,485 

A The opening deferred tax balance and the movement during the year have been restated. Refer to note 1.2.3 for details. 

There are unrecognised tax losses of $1,852,045 (A$1,744,812) (2020: $1,859,348 (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 2020 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).

96 NEW ZEALAND MEDIA AND ENTERTAINMENT

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED 
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

CONTINUED

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. 

ANNUAL REPORT 2021 97

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 years ended 31 December 2020 and 2021.

Name of entity

NZME Advisory Limited (previously 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

2021 
Ownership 
interest

2020 
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%

A  GrabOne Limited’s name was changed to NZME Advisory Limited on 29 October 2021 following the sale of GrabOne Limited’s assets and certain liabilities (see note 6.3.1).

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. 

98 NEW ZEALAND MEDIA AND ENTERTAINMENT

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED 
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

CONTINUED

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:

2021 
Ownership 
Interest

2020  
Ownership 
Interest

40%

40%

38.82%

38.82%

38%

21%

49%

38%

21%

49%

40.41%

40.41%

50%

50%

Name of entity

Eveve New Zealand Limited A

New Zealand Press Association Limited A

Restaurant Hub Limited A

The Beacon Printing & Publishing Company Limited A

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

The Wairoa Star Limited A

The Radio Bureau B

The Newspaper Publishers Association of New Zealand Incorporated C

Online Media Association C

New Zealand Media Council C

Radio Broadcasters Association Incorporated C

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

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

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

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

 
 
ANNUAL REPORT 2021 99

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 

are initially recognised at cost and adjusted thereafter to 

associates are accounted for in the consolidated financial 

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

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

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

being 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 operating losses

Dividends received

Asset revaluation (Gisborne Herald)

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.

2021 
$’000

4,162 

(450)

(89)

- 

3,623 

2020 
$’000

3,308

(417)

-

1,271

4,162

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 2020 revaluation of land owned by the Gisborne Herald was processed through the equity investments revaluation reserve  

(see note 4.2).

100 NEW ZEALAND MEDIA AND ENTERTAINMENT

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED 
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

CONTINUED

6.3  ASSETS HELD FOR SALE

On 29 October 2021 the Group sold the assets and certain liabilities of GrabOne Limited and renamed the company as  

NZME Advisory Limited, (see note 6.3.1 for further details), and the Mt Victoria transmission site was sold on 30 April 2021.  

At 31 December 2020 the Group had net liabilities held for sale of $5.2 million in respect of these assets.

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 is 

as deferred tax assets, assets arising from employee benefits, 

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 on 

value and contractual rights under insurance contracts, which 

the face of the income statement.

are specifically exempt from this requirement.

6.3.1  Sale of assets previously classed as held for sale

The sale of assets and certain liabilities by GrabOne Limited to Global Market Place was for $17.5 million resulting in a gain on sale  

of $15.4 million. GrabOne Limited was not considered to be a significant component of the Group, or separate major line of business, 

and is therefore not a discontinued operation. The Group is responsible for settling the outstanding merchant liabilities as at  

29 October 2021 which were $3.9 million and at balance date these outstanding merchant liabilities were $1.1 million and are 

included in trade and other payables on the balance sheet.

For information purposes additional disclosures in respect of GrabOne Limited’s performance are shown in note 6.3.2 and 6.3.3.

The Mt Victoria transmission site was sold on 30 April 2021 with a gain on sale of $0.5 million.

6.3.2  

Income statement for GrabOne Limited

Revenue

Other incomeB

2021A
$’000

2020
$’000

7,030

8,952

15,367

-

Expenses from operations before finance costs, depreciation and amortisation

(3,396)

(4,574)

Depreciation and amortisation

Profit before income tax expense

Income tax expense

Profit after tax

A  For the period ended 29 October 2021.

B  Gain on sale of GrabOne Limited's assets and certain liabilities (see note 6.3.1)

-

19,001

(682)

3,696

(1,173)

(1,039)

17,828

2,657

ANNUAL REPORT 2021 101

2021A
$’000

2020
$’000

(15)

4,187

17,828

-

1,173

(15,367)

42

147

(3,838)

(15)

2,657

682

(140)

-

75

(112)

1,025

4,187

6.3.3  Cash flows from GrabOne Limited

Net cash (outflows) / inflows from operating activities

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

for the year:

Profit for the year

Depreciation and amortisation expense

Change in current / deferred tax payable

Gain on sale of GrabOne Limited's assets and certain liabilities

Changes in assets and liabilities net of effect of acquisitions:

Trade and other receivables

Prepayments

Trade and other payables and employee entitlements

Net cash (outflows) / inflows from operating activities

A  For the period ended 29 October 2021.

 
 
 
102 NEW ZEALAND MEDIA AND ENTERTAINMENT

NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED 
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

CONTINUED

7.0  RELATED PARTIES

7.1 

KEY MANAGEMENT COMPENSATION

Note

2021
$’000

2020
$’000

Total remuneration for Directors and other key management personnel:

Short term benefits

Termination benefits

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

Share-based payments

4.2

6,598

5,583

306

56

1,559

8,519

-

-

1,095

6,678

The table above includes remuneration of the Board of Directors and the Executive Team, including amounts paid to members of the 

Executive Team who left during the year. Where a staff member was acting in a position on the Executive Team, that portion of their 

remuneration has been included in the table above.

7.2  OTHER TRANSACTIONS WITH RELATED PARTIES

The Beacon Printing & Publishing Company Limited purchased advertising from the Group during the year ended 31 December 2021 

totalling $666 (2020: $559) and reimbursed $1,493 for paper used in 2021 (2020: $62,077).

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 (2020: $27,992) and Restaurant Hub Limited, valued at $12,008 (2020: $12,008). 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 $9,322 (2020: $8,288). The Wairoa Star 

Limited also purchased other services totalling $1,176 (2020: $1,177) from the Group. The Group purchased services from The Wairoa Star 

Limited totalling $1,386 (2020: $1,583) during the year.

The Group’s transactions with the New Zealand Press Association Limited during the year were $nil (2020: $nil). 

Balances with related party 

Restaurant Hub Limited

Total related party receivables and payables

2021 
Receivables 
$’000

2020 
Receivables 
$’000

2021  
Payables 
$’000

2020 
Payables 
$’000

9

9

37

37

24

24

64

64

ANNUAL REPORT 2021 103

8.0  COMMITMENTS AND    

CONTINGENT LIABILITIES

In 2021 the Group entered into an agreement to lease office  

space in Christchurch. The agreement is for an initial period of  

10 years with two 5 year renewal periods. The lease commences in 

September 2022 and includes fixed rent increases of 1.5% on the 

9.0  SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

On 17 January 2022 the Group acquired BusinessDesk from 

Content Limited for the price of $3.4 million. In addition to the 

purchase price a maximum earn-out of $1.5 million is payable on 

31 December 2023 with the exact amount payable on that date 

to be determined in accordance with the terms of the sale and 

anniversary of the commencement date. A market rent review will 

purchase agreement.

take place at each renewal date. The total amount payable over 

the initial 10 years is $3.5 million.

In relation to net assets of the Group at 31 December 2021 the 

acquisition of BusinessDesk is not considered to be a material 

The Group is subject to litigation incidental to the business, none 

purchase for the Group.

of which is expected to be material. No provision has been made 

in the consolidated financial statements in relation to its current 

litigation and the directors believe that such litigation will not have 

a significant effect on the Group's financial position, results of 

operations or cash flows.

The Group also acquired Radio Wanaka on 1 February 2022 and the 

financial impact from acquiring this radio station is not considered 

material to the Group.

The Directors are not aware of any other material events 

subsequent to the balance sheet date.

 
 
104 NEW ZEALAND MEDIA AND ENTERTAINMENT

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 2021, 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 2021;
● 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 taxation services, non-audit 
assurance in respect of the compliance with the Rules and Circulation Audit Guidelines established by 
the Audit Bureau of Circulations Incorporated, agreed upon procedures relating to the benchmarking 
of market revenue data, and agreed upon procedures relating to the Group’s return to the 
Broadcasting Standards Authority. In addition, certain partners and employees of our firm may 
subscribe to NZME services on normal terms within the ordinary course of the trading activities of the 
Group. These relationships and provision of other services have not impaired our independence as 
auditor of the Group. 

PricewaterhouseCoopers, PwC Tower, 15 Customs Street West, Private Bag 92162, Auckland 1142 New Zealand 
T: +64 9 355 8000, www.pwc.co.nz 

ANNUAL REPORT 2021 105

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. 

Description of the key audit matter 

How our audit addressed the key audit matter 

Intangible assets impairment assessment 
As at 31 December 2021 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 forecast 
print industry decline.  
The recoverable amount of the CGU was 
determined to be greater than the carrying value 
of the CGU and that no reasonable adverse 
change in key assumptions will lead to further 
impairment. 
It was determined that the increase in the 
recoverable amount (and therefore headroom 
over carrying value) since the previous 
impairment assessment is not as a result of a 
change in the estimates used to calculate the 
recoverable amount at that time. As a result an 
impairment reversal has not been recognised.  
Key judgements and estimates included in the 
impairment assessment are: 
● the assessment that the NZME business

continues to constitute one CGU;

● expected future trading results and cash

flows of the CGU which include estimates

We performed the following audit procedures in 
relation to the impairment assessment and key 
management 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;
● compared the forecast cash flows used for 
2022 to the Board approved budget; and
● performed lookback procedures, comparing 
actual results achieved against forecasts 
and industry performance and considered 
the impact on our assessment of forecast 
cash flows.

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

model;

● assessed and challenged the

reasonableness of key assumptions,
including revenue and operating costs
growth rates, with reference to historical
performance and external market evidence;

● reperformed management’s sensitivity

assessment;

● engaged our auditor’s valuation expert to
assist us to assess and challenge the
reasonableness of the discount rate and
terminal growth rate; and

PwC 

2 

106 NEW ZEALAND MEDIA AND ENTERTAINMENT

Description of the key audit matter 

and assumptions around print, radio and 
digital revenue forecasts, the continued 
sustainability of operating expense 
restructuring measures undertaken in the 
prior year and the reasonableness of a 
maintainable gross margin;   
● the discount rate of 9%; and
● the application of a negative long-term

growth rate of 1.2%.

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

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 revenue from 
integrated media and entertainment activities 
totalling $348.6 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 is 
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; and

● determining the transaction price in respect

of contracts with non-standard
consideration.

How our audit addressed the key audit matter 
● assessed and challenged the

reasonableness of not recognising an
impairment reversal.

We also considered the appropriateness of 
disclosures made. 
As a result of our procedures, we have no 
matters to report. 

Our audit approach for revenue is largely 
substantive. We performed the following 
procedures in responding to the management 
judgments involved in determining whether the 
revenue has been recognised in accordance 
with the relevant accounting standards: 
● updated our understanding of the systems,
processes and controls in place over the
recognition of revenue;

● performed disaggregated risk assessment

analytics over all revenue streams;
● examined invoices and contracts with

customers and ensured revenue recognition
was appropriate based on the terms of the
arrangements;

● validated that the payment and pricing

arrangements supporting the recognition of
revenue;

● tested the cut-off around the year end to

check if revenue was recognised in the
correct accounting period;

● tested 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;

● tested the classification of revenue into the 
disaggregation analysis presented in notes 
2.1 and 2.4.2;

PwC 

3 

ANNUAL REPORT 2021 107

Description of the key audit matter 

How our audit addressed the key audit matter 

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

● performed analytical procedures over

revenue recognised through the Group’s
joint operation;

● recalculated commission earned from

merchant advertising; and

● tested accounts receivables by reconciling
cash payments received after year end
against these receivables.

As a result of our procedures, we have no 
matters to report. 

Our audit approach

Overview 

Overall Group materiality: $1,742,500, which represents 
approximately 0.5% of total revenues. 
We chose total revenues as the benchmark because, in our view, it 
is a key metric used in assessing the performance of the Group and 
is a generally accepted benchmark. In our judgement, revenue 
provides a more stable measure for establishing our materiality 
benchmark and best reflects 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 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.  

PwC 

4 

108 NEW ZEALAND MEDIA AND ENTERTAINMENT

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. 

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.  

PwC 

5 

ANNUAL REPORT 2021 109

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

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

For and on behalf of:  

Chartered Accountants 
22 February 2022 

Auckland 

PwC 

6 

110 NEW ZEALAND MEDIA AND ENTERTAINMENT

Registred Office Contact Details  
Postal Address:  Private Bag 92198  

Victoria St West  
Auckland 1142  
New Zealand

+64 9 379 5050

www.nzme.co.nz

Investor_Relations@nzme.co.nz

Auditors  
PricewaterhouseCoopers

Email: 

Phone:  

Website:  

NZME Limited 
2 Graham St  
Auckland 1010 
New Zealand

Y Registered Address 
R
O
T
C
E
R
I
D

Principal Solicitors  
Bell Gully

Principal Bankers  
Westpac

Share Registry 
Link Market Services

Website:  

Phone:  

Email: 

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

Street Address:  Level 30 PwC Tower 

15 Customs Street West 
Auckland

+64 9 375 5998

www.linkmarketservices.co.nz

enquiries@linkmarketservices.co.nz

 
 
 
 
 
 
ANNUAL REPORT 2021 111

TUKUTUKU KŌREROEducation Gazette NEW ZEALAND