Bay of Plenty Times
| Company type | Daily newspaper |
|---|---|
| Industry | Newspaper publishing |
| Founded | September 4, 1872 |
| Founder | WB Langbridge |
| Headquarters | Tauranga , New Zealand |
Area served | Bay of Plenty region |
| Products | Daily newspaper, free weekly newspapers (Coastal News, Waihi Leader, Katikati Advertiser, Te Puke Times) |
| Owner | NZME |
The Bay of Plenty Times functions as the daily regional newspaper catering to the Bay of Plenty region, encompassing Tauranga on New Zealand's North Island.
History
Launched on 4 September 1872 as a twice-weekly publication, the Bay of Plenty Times initially featured four tabloid-sized pages, priced at three pence per copy. Its founder and editor, WB Langbridge, navigated the newspaper through numerous ownership transitions over forty years, including periods of mortgagee sales. Despite these obstacles, the paper produced a significant Christmas supplement in 1897 that included some of the earliest photographic prints in New Zealand journalism. From 1913 onward, the Gifford and Cross families brought stability until the paper was sold in 1992 to Wilson and Horton. Later, in 1996, Independent Newspapers PC based in Dublin acquired a majority interest in Wilson and Horton.
A fire in 1976 destroyed the newspaper’s archive of back issues; however, microfilm versions are maintained at the Alexander Turnbull Library. The publication’s expansion from the early 1950s mirrored the Bay of Plenty’s economic growth, especially associated with Mt Maunganui’s development as an export hub. Nevertheless, since the early 2000s, both circulation figures and advertising income have declined. To address this, the Saturday edition was renamed Bay Of Plenty Times Weekend in 2011, and on 4 March 2013, weekday issues transitioned from broadsheet to tabloid format with morning distribution.
Currently under the ownership of NZME, the Bay of Plenty Times holds the position of ninth out of New Zealand’s 19 daily newspapers by circulation, with numbers just below 11,000.
Other publications
In addition to its daily edition, the Bay of Plenty Times produces several free weekly newspapers aimed at specific local markets:
Coastal News
This publication is delivered each Thursday to communities including Whangamatā, Whiritoa, Onemana, Pauanui, Tairua, and areas along the eastern coastline up to Whitianga.
Waihi Leader
Distributed every Thursday to residences in Waihi, Waihi Beach, Athenree, Katikati, Waikino, MacKay Town, Karangahake, Paeroa, and neighboring districts.
Katikati Advertiser
Circulated each Thursday throughout both urban and rural parts of Katikati as well as Ōmokoroa.
Bay News
Previously issued every Thursday across Papamoa, Te Puke, Mount Maunganui, Welcome Bay, Tauranga, Bethlehem, Pyes Pa, Te Puna, Katikati, Ōmokoroa, Waihi Beach, Waihi, and Whangamatā. This title ceased publication in 2018.
Te Puke Times
Delivered weekly on Thursdays to Te Puke and surrounding areas including Paengaroa, Maketu, Pukehina, Pongakawa along with both urban and rural sectors of Welcome Bay.