The Gisborne Herald will become a morning newspaper from Tuesday next week.
This change means the end of an era for newspaper runners — a traditional first job for many local youths, including several generations in some families.
“We acknowledge the tremendous contribution to the newspaper and the community ofall our delivery boys and girls over the years,” said editor Jeremy Muir.
“We have been one of the final newspapers in the country to continue urban deliveries by mostly young people on bike or on foot, because others became morning papers years ago.
“In some ways this is as sad as the decision we had to make earlier this year to cease printing the paper in Gisborne, but we are excited about the change to being a morning newspaper and the benefits this will bring for readers who prefer getting the day’s news in the morning.”
Subscribers in the urban area will have their newspaper delivered by 7am Tuesday to Saturday, and The Gisborne Herald will be available in retail outlets from first thing in the morning.
“The Gisborne Herald’s production cycle will remain the same, so becoming a morning paper just means the most up-to-date information is available to readers earlier in the day,” said Mr Muir.
“We understand this change may take a bit of getting used to, but we hope subscribers will enjoy the chance to start their day with the latest local news, sports and opinion.