Auckland Council has announced that its next issue of the OurAuckland magazine, due out in January next year, will be its last. However, content featured in the magazine, and more, will continue to be available online through the OurAuckland website, as the council shifts to a focus on growing its reach through digital channels.
The magazine, which has been produced in partnership with content marketing agency Medium Rare since July last year, has been a regular feature in the letterboxes of Aucklanders since it was launched in March 2011.
Given the challenging financial environment the council is currently operating in, and increased print and distribution costs, the decision has been made to no longer produce and publish a print edition of OurAuckland.
“The team at Auckland Council is proud of what we’ve been able to achieve with the magazine over the past 10 years. The content has helped to build pride in Auckland and connect people to the services and events provided by the council whānau. We’ve also been able to deliver value for money for ratepayers by part-funding the magazine through advertising revenue,” says Dan Lambert, Auckland Council’s General Manager Communications and Marketing.
“We are, however, committed to responding to the financial challenges ahead and contributing to reducing our costs, so the time is right to make the January-February edition of the magazine our last and focus on connecting with Aucklanders through other, more cost-effective channels.”
Discontinuing the magazine is anticipated to save the council around $500,000 per year.
Auckland Council and Medium Rare will continue to work in partnership on content that engages Aucklanders and provides them with relevant, accurate and timely information about the council and its services.
“The Medium Rare team is passionate about Tāmaki Makaurau and telling stories that help Aucklanders make the most of their wonderful region,” says Medium Rare Managing Director Nick Smith.
“We’re looking forward to continuing our work with the council to keep telling those stories and connecting with Aucklanders in other ways.”
Aucklanders wanting to keep up to date with council-related news and events can continue to visit ourauckland.nz or connect with us on social media.
