70 years and counting: Help keep Architecture NZ in print

 

The news that Bauer Media NZ has abruptly shut down its newsstand magazines, citing the COVID-19 crisis and, overnight, iconic titles including The Listener, North & South, Metro, Home NZ and the New Zealand Woman’s Weekly are gone, has come as a shock to many. Now, NZME, publisher of the New Zealand Herald, has shed 200 staff.

Sadly, they are not alone. Here at AGM, we are fighting to stay alive. We have already had to close Houses, with Urbis and Interior, at the very least, placed into deep hibernation. Our flagship title, Architecture NZ, is still standing and we are determined to keep it that way. You can read a letter from Dr Matthias Krups, chairman and founder of BCI Media, the owners of Architecture NZ, indicating the company’s support for the magazine and the industry. But we do still need your help for the magazine to remain a touchstone for the architecture, design and building communities.

For the past 33 years, AGM has published the magazine at no cost to members. Not a single cent of your NZIA membership fees has been paid to AGM for any costs associated with the magazine. Throughout that time, Architecture NZ has been the voice of architecture in Aotearoa, a magazine of cultural record with a 70-year history.

We at AGM have worked hard, with your invaluable input, to make Architecture NZ a place in which architectural discourse has been promoted, constructed work celebrated and in which the supplier industry is proud to advertise. However, like media everywhere, AGM is taking a massive hit on the advertising revenue that has supported Architecture NZ and allowed the magazine to remain free for members. We are now asking you, our readers, for some help until our advertising revenue recovers.

We are asking you to take up a paid annual subscription to Architecture NZ at a discounted rate of $50 for 6 issues. Use the promo code NZIA at the checkout – the normal rate being $68 for 6 issues. (This offer is only available from our webstore). Taking up a subscription will allow AGM to continue publishing the journal that has always supported and provoked the industry through its informative and critical discussion of the best-built works, comprehensive building studies and insightful commentary on current and historical architectural practice.

In formulating this plan for the future, we’ve begun talking to architects throughout the country who affirm that Architecture NZ has never been more vital as we face new environmental and social challenges. You can read their messages here.

We have been overwhelmed and immensely heartened by both the words and the actions of all those who support us. With your help, we can get through the disruptions brought about by the COVID-19 virus. Please subscribe today and support your magazine.