Context, with caveats
ODT/RNZ reported in March 2025 that TVNZ had confirmed 48.5 full-time job cuts in November 2024, saving about $8.9 million, as part of a $30 million savings target by the end of its 2026 financial year. We did not find verified 2026 announcements from other media employers, so check each employer's latest news.
Your rights in a newsroom or production restructure
- Ask for the written proposal, selection criteria, and any collective agreement redundancy formula (for example weeks per year of service).
- Ask who owns your archive, bylines and work, and whether you can keep a portfolio copy. Do not take confidential material.
- If you are a fixed-term or project-based employee, the end of the term is not a redundancy, but the employer must have had a genuine reason and told you how it ends.
- Many 'freelancers' work full time for one outlet. If that is you, you may be an employee in law. Ask Employment NZ.
- Raise a personal grievance within 90 days if the process was unfair.
Freelancing from here
| Item | Practical tip |
|---|---|
| Tax and GST | Register with IRD and put aside tax from each invoice. Register for GST once you are over the threshold. |
| ACC | Self-employed levies apply. Choose cover that matches your income. Check acc.co.nz. |
| Pricing | Charge for the time you cannot bill: admin, pitching, holidays and sick days. |
| Contracts | Agree rates, kill fees, rights and payment terms in writing before starting. |
| Benefit | You can get Jobseeker Support while you build a freelance business, but income is abated. Ask Work and Income about self-employment support. |
Skills that transfer
- Journalists: communications, policy, research, content marketing, public relations, councils and NGOs.
- Designers and video makers: in-house design, advertising agencies, education and e-learning.
- Production crew: events, corporate video, live sound, streaming.
- Funding for artists: Creative New Zealand and NZ On Air have funds, and local councils sometimes support projects. Check current rounds.
Work and Income offers redeployment support for people facing redundancy. Its page says you can contact them before your job ends, even if no decisions have been made. Support can include a named contact who helps with your CV and cover letter, looks for jobs or training, connects you with employers and arranges financial support between jobs.
- Email RedeploymentSupport@msd.govt.nz (the address Work and Income lists for redundancy support).
- Call Work and Income on 0800 559 009 to talk about payments such as Jobseeker Support or a Transition to Work Grant.
- Book a free career conversation with the Direct Career Service on 0800 222 733.
Sources
- ODT/RNZ (March 2025): TVNZ job cuts expected to save broadcaster $8.9m (opens in a new tab)
- Employment NZ: Redundancy (opens in a new tab)
- Work and Income: Redundancy support (opens in a new tab)
General information only. Confirm with the agency for your situation. Spotted something out of date? Email help@unemployed.nz.