At last week’s News Publishers’ Association AGM held in Wellington on May 12, 2022, Michael Muir OBE was honoured with life membership in recognition of his service to the association and the newspaper industry.
This honour was celebrated along with his family, members of the NPA, and industry associates over a formal dinner in the Billiards Room at the QT Hotel.
Michael served as President of the NPA from 2007 to 2016 and continues to make huge contributions to the industry, having been actively involved in various boards and committees since 1969.
Michael Muir became involved in the newspaper industry thanks to his great-great grandfather, James Muir, who was one of three men who printed New Zealand’s first newspaper in 1840. Michael’s great grandfather took full ownership of the Poverty Bay Herald in 1887 (which later became the Gisborne Herald in 1939). His grandfather, father and uncle were also involved in the industry, with Michael Muir being the fifth generation to follow in the family footsteps. To this day, Michael is the Managing Director of The Gisborne Herald, one of only four independently owned daily newspapers in New Zealand, marking 55 years with the publication.
Michael Muir’s contributions to business management and the community – in particular, for his extensive services to organisations in Gisborne and the East Coast – were recognised in 1993 with the awarding of an OBE.
NPA General Manager Brook Cameron said “Michael is wonderful to work with and provides regular insight and context to all areas the association operates in and I value this immensely.”
NPA President, Michael Boggs, was delighted to bestow this honour on Michael Muir.
Sir Julian Smith, chairman of Allied Press, an NPA Board member and fellow life member of the News Publishers’ Association, says “Michael’s been a stalwart of the industry for many, many years. He’s been a tireless worker…and has been a great member of the international organisations associated with the newspaper industry.”
The News Publishers’ Association board and members join together in thanking Michael for his service and commitment to the newspaper industry.
For further information:
Please contact Brook Cameron, General Manager, News Publishers’ Association on brook.cameron@npa.co.nz