Allied Media

Allied Media (formerly Allied Press) is an independent New Zealand media and publishing company based in Dunedin. The company's main asset is the Otago Daily Times, New Zealand's oldest daily newspaper. Allied Press has a number of other daily and community newspapers and commercial printing operations throughout the South Island including the Canterbury–based media company Star Media. It also formerly operated Dunedin's regional television station, Channel 39. In July 2025, it began trading as Allied Media, combining both Allied Press and Star Media under one brand.

Allied Press was formed through the merger of two Dunedin newspaper companies, the Otago Daily Times (ODT) and the former Evening Star, on 13 May 1975. The merger process was completed during the rest of the year following shareholder approval and other required agreements. ODT staff subsequently shifted into the Evening Star's building. The Evening Star subsequently ceased operations on 3 November 1979 and was replaced by a weekly newspaper called The Star. Hal Masters became the company's first chairman while the ODT manager Frank Dickson and Vic Cavanagh served as joint managing directors.

In 1979, the Christchurch–based H.W. Smith and the tourism company Mount Cook Group attempted separate takeover bids of Allied Press by buying up shares. In response, the businessman Sir Julian Smith merged Allied Press with his company John M. Fraser and Co Ltd to form a new privately listed company called Otago Press and Produce Limited (OPP). OPP was active in egg and poultry distribution, fruit and producer markets, building supplies, and real estate. The new company was led by chairman T.C. (Tom) Fraser and Deputy Chair Julian Smith, the former managing director of John M. Fraser and Co. In 1986, Smith purchased Otago Press and Produce, reestablishing Allied Press Ltd as a private business. Smith became Allied Press' principal shareholder, chairman and managing director while his brother Nick became a substantial shareholder, director and business manager.

In July 2015, Allied Press acquired The Oamaru Mail.

On 12 June 2016, Julian Smith stepped down as managing director of Allied Press. Grant McKenzie, the Dunedin City Council's financial officer and the former director of the University of Otago's financial services, was appointed as the company's chief executive officer. While Smith remains the chairman of the company, McKenzie took over the running of Allied Press.

Besides the Otago Daily Times, Allied Press acquired a majority stake in the Greymouth Evening Star in 1991, which it renamed the Greymouth Star in 2006. The company also owns a range of community and farming newspapers through the South Island including North Canterbury News, the Ashburton Courier, The Timaru Courier, The Oamaru Mail, Lakes District and Central Otago News, Mountain Scene, The Star and The Ensign. In 2018, Allied Press acquired the Clutha Leader from Stuff.

In August 2018, Allied Press acquired the Canterbury media company Star Media, which owned a stable of community newspapers, magazines, and events including the Christchurch–based The Star. Star Media's chairman Nick Smith also served as Allied Press' director and had previously worked for The Star as their advertising cadet. Star Media subsequently became a subsidiary of Allied Press.

During the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic in New Zealand, Allied Press maintained the print circulation of the Otago Daily Times as well as its websites but suspended the circulation of its community and farming newspapers on 25 March 2020 to comply with lockdown restrictions. In April 2020, Allied Press launched a major project to upgrade its Dunedin printing press. By 14 May 2020, the Government had eased lockdown restrictions, allowing Allied Press' community newspapers and magazines to resume operations.