Media Monitors Index

The Christchurch earthquake continues to dominate New Zealand media coverage, topping the second biggest issue by 20,529 mentions. The flow on effect the natural disaster has had both locally in Canterbury, as well as across the nation, is something that has been documented in all media outlets – from fundraising events to the effect on the economy. The devastating earthquake and tsunami in Japan comes in at second place, with coverage of Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) teams heading from Christchurch to Japan, and stories of Kiwis living in the affected region.

Super Rugby slips into third place, as the competition had it first full month of action. The Rugby World Cup, NRL, cricket (Cricket World Cup contributing to this coverage) and netball are also in the top ten – meaning sport makes up half of the table. If sport is taken out of the top ten, the next five issues (in order) were Pike River; Prince William visiting NZ; the Marine and Coastal Areas Bill; armed police vs. armed public; and Hone Harawira.

Libya is the only other world news item to make the top ten, although the ramifications of turmoil in an oil producing nation contributed to a domestic issue here – petrol prices increasing. As petrol prices increased for motorists across the country, there was also an announcement that Air New Zealand would be increasing fares due to the extra fuel costs.

The final issue in the top ten is the saga of Darren Hughes, now former Labour MP, who became embroiled in salacious media coverage following the announcement that charges had been laid against him after a late night incident at his house involving an 18 year old male. This also caused media to speculate on the leadership of Phil Goff, and what impact the Darren Hughes scandal would have on his relationship within his caucus.


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