Following news in July that New Zealand Media Entertainment (NZME) would not be renewing its deal to publish New Idea, Girlfriend and that’s life! in NZ, Pacific Magazines has confirmed it is pulling the New Zealand editions of New Idea and Girlfriend.
The New Zealand licenses for New Idea, Girlfriend and that’s life! will be returning to Pacific Magazines from NZME on September 30. A local version of that’s life! will continue to be published, with the Australian editions of New Idea and Girlfriend replacing the Kiwi versions on shelves in New Zealand from October.
“that’s life! remains market leader in its category and we’re pleased that it, along with our Australian editions of Girlfriend and New Idea, will maintain their presence in the New Zealand market,” says Pacific Magazines chief executive Peter Zavecz.
“The team at NZME has shown dedication and commitment to the brands, as have the exceptional staff who have worked on the titles directly, and we thank them for having been a great partner. We are happy that Pacific Magazines will continue to play a part in the vibrant NZ media industry.”
Pacific Magazines has revealed it will not have any staff in New Zealand at this stage, with a NZME spokesperson confirming 22 people have been notified that their job contract is being terminated.
