Hannah Kidd and Simon Farrell-Green, the founders of architecture magazine Here, have acquired Auckland’s Metro magazine from Still Group. The acquisition marks a strategic pivot for the publication, which is moving away from regular print production to focus on digital content, newsletters, and events due to the tightening economics of the print industry.
Why is Metro moving away from print?
The decision to reduce print frequency stems from the financial instability of traditional publishing. According to a notice sent to subscribers in March, the current print model is no longer sustainable. The publication stated that while significant effort goes into every issue, the economics of print continue to tighten.
As a result, Metro has paused regular print production to prioritize its digital presence. The new owners intend to develop the magazine’s digital platforms, newsletters, and event offerings to ensure its continued relevance in Auckland.
Metro magazine has been a significant cultural fixture in New Zealand since its launch in 1981. It has survived multiple ownership changes and industry shifts over the last four decades.
Who are the new owners and what is the new team?
Kidd and Farrell-Green are the driving force behind the magazine’s new direction. They previously founded the home architecture title Here in April 2020, following the closure of Bauer Media’s New Zealand operations. They have expressed a commitment to maintaining the “heart” and values that Metro has historically represented.
The new team includes art director Shannon Gibson, who joins the publication after a 17-year tenure at the FT Weekend Magazine in London. This appointment brings international editorial experience to the Auckland-based title.
The transition follows a period of significant staff changes. Former editor Henry Oliver, along with food editor Charlotte Muru-Lanning, art director Sam Wieck, and commercial director Lucy Janisch-Fitzgerald, all departed the magazine during a recent restructuring of its business model.
How has Metro’s ownership evolved?
The magazine’s history is marked by several major shifts in ownership and business models. This pattern reflects the broader volatility of the New Zealand media landscape.
| Era/Year | Owner/Key Figure | Context |
|---|---|---|
| 1981 – 2020 | Bauer Media | Original long-term publisher. |
| 2020 – 2023 | Simon Chesterman | Rescued title after Bauer’s sudden exit. |
| 2023 – Present | Still Group (Hideaki Fukutake) | Managed the transition to the current owners. |
| Current | Kidd & Farrell-Green | Shifting focus to digital and events. |
This ownership trajectory shows a transition from large-scale international media conglomerates to independent, local publishers. According to Still Group’s projects director Sam Johnson, the group’s role was to support the title’s transition to ensure the business could grow within the Auckland market.
What is the journalistic legacy of Metro?
The magazine has a history of high-impact investigative journalism. One of its most notable contributions occurred in June 1987, when journalists Sandra Coney and Phillida Bunkle published “An Unfortunate Experiment.”
According to Metro records, that investigation exposed medical practices at a leading New Zealand women’s hospital. The report led to a Commission of Inquiry headed by Dame Silvia Cartwright, which eventually helped establish a national cervical screening programme and strengthened patient rights.
However, the publication’s history also includes legal challenges. In 1994, the magazine was sued by columnist Toni McRae regarding a reference in a “Felicity Ferret” column. The court initially awarded damages of $375,000, though this was later reduced to $100,000.
When a legacy publication shifts to a digital-first model, look for “foundational” content—long-form investigative pieces and archives—to understand the brand’s editorial DNA before the format changes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will Metro magazine still be available in print?
Regular print production is currently paused. The publication is shifting its focus toward digital content, newsletters, and events.
Who owns Metro magazine now?
The magazine is owned by Hannah Kidd and Simon Farrell-Green, the founders of the architecture magazine Here.
Why did the ownership change?
The acquisition by Kidd and Farrell-Green follows a period of restructuring under the Still Group, aimed at finding a sustainable model for the publication in a changing economy.
Where can I find Metro’s content?
Readers should look to Metro’s digital platforms and newsletters for upcoming content and updates.
What do you think about the shift from print to digital for iconic city magazines? Let us know in the comments below, or subscribe to our newsletter for more media industry updates.
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