Media firms say dispute over proposed merger is between "hard data" and "wishful thinking"

The New Zealand Herald's readership has risen year on year and the Herald on Sunday is now the country's highest-selling Sunday newspaper.

COMMENT: Much of what is happening to media is coming from outside this country and is beyond our control.

Hauraki District Mayor John Tregidga is optimistic about the future of his region - but wants government agencies bought back to the district. Made with funding from NZ On Air.

Whanganui Mayor Hamish McDouall has rejected a report by the Maxim Institute suggesting many regions like his will drop or stagnate within three decades. Made with funding from NZ On Air

Plumber Dan has done it again, with a raft race down the Wanganui river to raise money for Plunket. Made with funding from NZ On Air.

Fran O'Sullivan argues it is time for a uniquely Kiwi solution to stabilize NZME's share registry and keep private equity's hands off a prime NZ media asset.

The last-surviving member of the trio of women who created the Tino Rangatiratanga flag speaks about that important time in New Zealand's history. Made with funding from NZ On Air.

NZME's share price has risen 7c on the back of its stable earnings result pushing the value of the company over $137 million.

Trans-Tasman Resources is proposing to mine 50 million tonnes of iron ore per year off the coast of Patea in south Taranaki. Made with funding from NZ On Air.

King Country residents are worried a proposed deal between the local power trust and Trustpower could drain community funds. Made with funding from NZ On Air.

11 year old Renee Eagar is about to undergo brain surgery in the US state of Texas, which surgeons hope will allieviate seizures and fits of rage caused by a rare tumour. Made with funding from NZ On Air.

A Broadlands Forest resident blames fluctuating river levels on the Waikato River - caused by practices at the dam upstream - for destroying the natural habitat. Made with funding from NZ On Air.

Should Waitomo businesses be allowed to open on Easter Sunday? It’s a question currently being considered by the council Made with funding from NZ On Air.

A rare 1945 Douglas DC3, owned by Air Chathams, and touched down at Whanganui Airport. Made with funding from NZ On Air

Neighbours of Whitianga residents who lost their homes in this week's bushfires have been rallying around - donating food, clothing and time to support the recovery effort. Made with funding from NZ On Air.

At least six properties were destroyed - but there was no loss of life during the Whitianga bushfire. And locals say they know it could have been much worse. Made with funding from NZ On Air

Coromandel MP Scott Simpson reflects on the damage caused by a devastating fire, which destroyed at least six homes. The Wilderland Sustainable Community was hit hard - with buildings, equipment and crops destroyed. Made with funding from NZ On Air

Watch NZH Local Focus: Getting young Taumarunui people driving. To get your driver's licence as a youth in Taumarunui used to cost up to $1000 with lessons. But - thanks to a Government initiative - more people are getting licenced for free. Made with funding from NZ On Air.

Almost 100 young people will get free restricted licences in Taumarunui, getting them off the street and into employment. Made with funding from NZ On Air.

The town of Ashhurst, northeast of Palmerston North, is using its own currency as a way of stimulating discussion about the local economy. Made with funding from NZ On Air.

A new mascot for Waitomo has been unveiled. Sam the Moa sits on the side of State Highway 37 in Hangatiki. Made with funding from NZ On Air.

Redundancies are an economic reality facing both businesses, the companies told the Commerce Commission.

Michael Moran has held the position in the interim since June.

Around 100 athletic Whanganui Santas have staged a fun run in support of charity Kidscan. Made with funding from NZ On Air.

New Zealand's media landscape is "massively changing", the Commerce Commission's public conference into the proposed merger of NZME and Fairfax has heard.

This year's annual Tough Kids competition was the biggest yet, attracting schools from around the region. Made with funding from NZ On Air.

Havelock North artist David Trubridge is appalled at council for urging residents to conserve water while permitting commercial bottling and export of local water supplies. Made with funding from NZ On Air.

The Commerce Commission has received a raft of new submissions on its preliminary decision to reject the merger between NZME and Fairfax.

Media plurality would suffer if the status quo were to remain, NZME and Fairfax said in a submission to the Commerce Commission.