KEY POINTS:
The Herald on Sunday has enjoyed the biggest readership and sales increases of any New Zealand newspaper in the past 12 months.
The number of people reading New Zealand's Newspaper of the Year soared 11 per cent to 382,000 (age 15+) in 2008 and circulation rose to 93,751. The Herald on Sunday was the only Sunday newspaper to increase sales.
In its main distribution area, the top half of the North Island, the Herald on Sunday now has 354,000 readers - 64,000 more readers than the Sunday Star-Times and 150,000 more than the Sunday News.
In Auckland, Herald on Sunday readership increased 18 per cent to 241,000 readers - 53,000 more than the Sunday Star-Times and 120,000 more than the Sunday News. The Herald on Sunday's readership is now the highest since it began in October 2004.
Editor Shayne Currie said the readership and sales increases were hugely encouraging, and reflected the success of the paper's new content and refreshed magazines. The paper was planning even better things in the next two months.
"While our two opposition papers are sharing a number of their news stories, we're offering unique content - a mix of exclusive news and sport breaks and more enjoyable, relevant reads including the best columnists and strong background features."
Sources: Nielsen Readership Survey, Jan-Dec 2008 and Audit Bureau of Circulation July-Dec 2008.
