APN announces Sth Island newspapers sale

Photo / APN

APN New Zealand Media today announced the sale of its Christchurch and Oamaru newspaper businesses to independent publisher Mainland Press Ltd, which operates a chain of community publications in Christchurch.

All staff at the Star, the Oamaru Mail and associated community titles will transfer to the new ownership.

APN New Zealand chief executive Martin Simons said the newspapers had proud histories and the move to sell was based on a decision to concentrate APN's operations in the North Island where most of its businesses are located.

APN is the publisher of nzherald.co.nz.