RNZ remains New Zealand’s most trusted news brand, survey reveals

“We appreciate that, while trust in media is increasing, there is always more to be done,” Thompson said.

“We agree with the report findings that transparency, high journalistic standards and editorial independence remain key aspects to building trust.”

Online news sites and apps are the main sources of news for 38 percent of New Zealanders. One in five (20 percent) said television is their main news source, while just slightly less (19 percent) said their main source of news is social media.

About 60 percent of New Zealanders are uncomfortable with news produced mainly by AI, but with some human oversight – a figure which is unchanged from 2025. However, the number who said they are comfortable with AI-produced news has increased from 8 percent in 2025 to 11 percent in 2026.

The report was conducted in collaboration with the Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism, meaning New Zealand’s results could be compared internationally.

General trust in news in Aotearoa is at 37 percent, compared to the 2025 Reuters Digital News Report‘s international average (of 48 countries) of 40 percent. Trust was highest in Finland (67 percent), and lowest in Greece and Hungary (both at 22 percent).

“The findings are recognition of the work we do day in and day out, living and breathing our editorial standards and training our people to provide reliable and independent news and information.” – Paul Thompson, CEO and Editor-in-Chief, RNZ 

Social media is a less important news source for New Zealanders than it is in Brazil, the US and the UK, but a more important source than in Japan and Denmark.

New Zealanders are more uncomfortable with AI-produced news (60 percent), with 53 percent of Americans and 46 percent of Europeans feeling uncomfortable with this mode of news production.

The report found New Zealanders who trust the news do so because they trust journalists for their professionalism.

“They also trust journalists to verify information and base their reporting on evidence and facts. Furthermore, many New Zealanders acknolwedge a lack of credibility in social-media content, and indicate that the rise of influencers and AI content makes them trust news media,” it said.

“Age is often perceived as a likely determinant of news trust. Those who were more likely to trust news were 75+ years olds (45 percent), 35-44 year olds (44 percent) and 25-34 years olds (43 percent). Those who were most likely to mistrust news were over 55 years old, with 54 percent of those 55-64 year olds disagreeing that news can be trusted.”

The report also found 78 percent of New Zealanders are actively avoiding the news to some degree.

“This is a significant increase from 73 percent in 2025. When asked why New Zealanders were actively avoiding the news … 53 percent of respondents said they avoid the news because it negatively affects their mood, and 34 percent said they are worn out by the news.”

– RNZ