Independent local journalism is coming to the Waikato

A new independent voice for the Waikato community is on its way. The Waikato Advocate is preparing to launch, bringing a new platform for independent grass roots local journalism, community stories and engaging news coverage to the people of the Waikato.

Launching soon, The Waikato Advocate will focus on the stories that matter to our communities — from the people and organisations making a difference locally, to the issues, events and conversations shaping life across the Waikato. Our aim is simple: to provide independent, engaging and locally relevant journalism that reflects the communities we serve.

Local stories, told by people on the ground

The Waikato is a diverse region, with communities ranging from Hamilton and Cambridge to Morrinsville, Te Awamutu, Matamata, Huntly, Ngāruawāhia and communities throughout the wider region. There are countless stories happening across the Waikato every day. Some will make headlines. Others may never receive the attention they deserve. We want to help change that.

Through a growing network of independent contributors on the ground in the Waikato, The Waikato Advocate will seek to bring readers closer to the people, businesses, community groups, events and stories that make our region what it is. That means local voices, local perspectives and local stories — alongside coverage of the wider issues affecting our communities.

A strong partnership with The Ngāmotu Advocate

The Waikato Advocate will also launch with the support of a strong partnership with The Ngāmotu Advocate, an independent publication based in Taranaki. That partnership will allow The Waikato Advocate to combine the strength of genuinely local reporting with engaging national and wider Aotearoa content.

Readers can therefore expect a mix of exclusive Waikato coverage alongside selected content from The Ngāmotu Advocate, giving our audience access to stories from beyond the region while keeping our focus firmly on the Waikato. The partnership is an important part of what we are building — creating a publication that can be locally focused while still connecting Waikato readers with the wider conversations taking place around Aotearoa.

More than just news

The Waikato Advocate isn't intended to be simply another place to read the headlines. We want to create a community around the publication. Alongside news and current affairs, readers can expect community features, local interest stories, profiles, events and other content designed to showcase the people and places that make the Waikato unique.

And importantly, we want to hear from you. If there is a story happening in your community, a local person doing something remarkable, an organisation making a difference, or an issue you think deserves greater attention, we want to know about it. Email news@waikatoadvocate.co.nz and we'll get the team on the case!

The road to launch

Before the official launch of The Waikato Advocate, we will be using our Facebook page to introduce the publication, share some of what is coming and begin building our community of readers. There will also be planned giveaways and promotions in the lead-up to launch, giving our early supporters the opportunity to get involved from the beginning.

Our Facebook page will also feature a mixture of content from The Ngāmotu Advocate and exclusive Waikato-focused content, giving readers an early taste of what The Waikato Advocate will offer.

Coming soon to the Waikato

The Waikato Advocate is being built with one goal in mind: to create a platform where local stories have a place, independent contributors have a voice, and Waikato communities can see themselves reflected in the news they read. This is only the beginning.

The Waikato Advocate is coming soon. Follow our Facebook page, keep an eye out for our launch announcements, and join us as we begin building a new independent voice for the Waikato. The Waikato Advocate — grassroots independent local news, inspired by and in partnership with The Ngāmotu Advocate. Coming to the Waikato soon.