The Howick & Eastern Post is committed to fair, accurate and independent journalism.
We follow the New Zealand Media Council’s Statement of Principles — the standards that govern responsible print and digital news media in New Zealand. This code sets out how we apply those principles and what our readers can expect of us. Readers who believe we have not met these standards can raise it with us through our complaints process.
Accuracy, fairness and balance
We take care to report facts accurately. Where an issue is contentious, we make a genuine effort to present significant points of view, either in the same article or in a reasonable period. We clearly distinguish between news reporting and comment or opinion.
Corrections
When we get something wrong, we correct it promptly and with due prominence, and where warranted we apologise.
Privacy
We respect individuals’ privacy, while recognising there is a balance between privacy and the public interest. We take particular care with people who are grieving or in distress.
Children and young people
We take special care when reporting on children and young people, and consider their welfare in our coverage.
Discrimination and diversity
We do not place gratuitous emphasis on gender, religion, minority groups, sexual orientation, age, race, colour or physical or mental disability. Genuine expressions of opinion are not restricted by this.
Sources and confidentiality
We honour undertakings of confidentiality given to sources. We identify sources of information where possible, and are transparent about material we cannot independently verify.
Subterfuge
We obtain information openly and honestly. We use subterfuge, misrepresentation or hidden recording only where there is an overriding public interest and the material cannot be obtained any other way.
Conflicts of interest and independence
Our editorial decisions are made independently. Advertising is clearly distinguishable from editorial content and marked as advertising. Advertisers have no influence over our news coverage.
Comment, headlines and captions
Headlines, captions and social posts fairly reflect the substance of the article they refer to. Opinion and advocacy are clearly identified as such.
Letters
We welcome readers’ letters and select a representative range for publication. We may edit letters for length, clarity, accuracy and legal reasons.
