After 103 years of publication, The Wairoa Star has printed its last paper.
In 1877, the first edition of the Wairoa Free Press hit the streets, before turning into The Wairoa Star years later.
Around 1200 copies of the paper were made per week for Tuesday and Thursday publications. But the financial pressure of a $74,000 loss in 2023 and a changing media landscape proved too much for the local paper.
The closure of the East Coast newspaper has left the community reeling.
"I was really quite shocked," one local said.
"That's all I've ever known, for our local newspaper," another added.
The final edition of The Wairoa Star. (Source: 1News)
The Wairoa Star manager Sam Jackman told 1News advertising has dried up and the impact of Cyclone Gabrielle has continued to linger.
"We lost half the town. That affected advertisers, our readership base, and a whole lot of other factors including our retail business as well," Jackman said.
The Wairoa Star employed 11 people who must now find work elsewhere.
"There are so many people in this town [who], somewhere along the line, have worked for the Wairoa Star," Jackman said.
"The guy who delivers our newspaper, Graham, has only had one job. One of our staff members has been with us for 40 years."
The Wairoa Star on the printing press in 1969. (Source: TVNZ)
Wairoa Mayor Craig Little called the closure of the news stalwart "really sad".
"It really brings it home when you see it."
It's hoped someone may yet save the day.
"Might have an idea about that business, how they can possibly take over. Maybe a part of the business, both parts, the shop as well as the paper but please, if you've got an idea, I can see you in front of the board," Little said.
Jackman added: "Out of the ashes a phoenix may fly."
- Additional reporting by Henry McMullan
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