This month marks a significant milestone for Tauranga and the Bay of Plenty region: the Weekend Sun newspaper celebrates 25 years since its first edition hit letterboxes on August 25, 2000.
From its early days as a bold local voice in the media landscape to becoming a trusted household name, the Weekend Sun has spent the past quarter-century documenting the stories that matter most to our community – big and small, joyful and difficult, historic and everyday.
When the Weekend Sun was launched in the year 2000 by Sun Media’s Brian and Claire Rogers, it filled a gap in the local media market with a simple mission: to provide free, accessible, and truly local journalism to the people of Tauranga and surrounding areas.
“We would like to take this opportunity to thank our loyal readers and our loyal advertisers who have continued to support us over the last 25 years,” said editor Merle Cave.
“This publication was started by the Rogers family as a bold, feisty, grassroots community newspaper that aimed to unashamedly serve its community – and I believe it continues to do so today.
“I congratulate our team of staff for the hard work behind the scenes to get the Weekend Sun to print each week – and I thank our community for their unwavering support.”
For 25 years, the newspaper has been delivered free every Friday to homes and businesses across the region – now reaching more than 50,000 readers every week.
Over the years, the Weekend Sun became known not just for covering council meetings, local sports, and community events, but for digging deeper into the issues affecting residents.
The paper has told thousands of local stories, championed good causes and celebrated local people doing extraordinary things. It has also provided a platform for local columnists, community leaders, and residents to share their views.
Cave said the Weekend Sun has consistently focused on what makes Tauranga and the wider Western Bay of Plenty tick. “Here’s to the next chapter – and many more weekends of stories worth telling!”
Key milestones across 25 years
- 2000 – The Weekend Sun publishes its first edition, offering a new, free voice for Tauranga.
- 2005 – Launch of SunLive.co.nz, a pioneering move into digital news.
- 2010s – Coverage expands with more in-depth reporting on regional development, environment, and politics.
- 2020 – Throughout the Covid-19 pandemic, the Weekend Sun played a vital role in keeping the region’s communities informed, connected, and supported.
- March 2024 – The Weekend Sun was acquired by New Zealand Media and Entertainment (NZME) as part of its acquisition of SunMedia from the Rogers family.
- August 2025 – The Weekend Sun turns 25, with a strong legacy and continued relevance in a changing media landscape.