A new 1News survey shows NZ news trust has inched higher, but the New Zealand media survey also reports persistent news avoidance NZ, with almost four in five people steering clear of coverage. The latest snapshot highlights a tension between rising confidence and shrinking audience engagement in New Zealand.

Trust nudges higher

The survey says “trust in NZ news edges up,” suggesting a modest lift in confidence. That shift matters for media credibility and for public institutions that rely on accurate reporting to inform debate, even if the increase is incremental.

Avoidance dominates

Despite the trust gains, nearly four in five respondents still “avoid the news,” a figure that outweighs the positive movement. Such a high level of avoidance can dilute the impact of journalism and makes it harder for outlets to reach audiences with verified information.

The combined pattern points to a fragile trust recovery and a larger challenge of relevance. The survey underscores that improving NZ news trust is only part of the task; reducing avoidance will shape how well news can fulfil its public role in New Zealand.