Overview

Tui Motu’s mandate is to be an inclusive, independent Catholic magazine seeking to promote the spirit of the Second Vatican Council, through informed, thoughtful comment and discussion on a range of topics including theology, spirituality, history, politics, ecological and social justice. During 2024 we formalised our commitment to honouring and fostering relationships arising from Te Tiriti o Waitangi by including this in our mandate. This year was a testament to how much our organisation’s mandate actively resonates with a growing number of people.

Achievements

We are delighted to highlight some of Tui Motu magazine’s achievements during the past year:

Financial Improvement Despite turbulence in traditional media which saw many organisations shut up shop, Tui Motu improved its financial situation, coming closer to breaking even.

Increased Subscriber Numbers Contributing to the above was an increase in the number of paid subscribers. This is a huge credit to the quality of Tui Motu and the efforts of our staff.

Multiple Media Platforms As well as the printed magazine, our primary medium, we also publish digitally on our website, Facebook and emailed newsletters which serve to reach different audiences. In future we are also exploring podcasts.

Challenges & Opportunities

Although we are currently doing well, an ongoing challenge is the increasing cost of postage and printing. We also note that our subscriber base is aging. There are many Millennials and Gen Zers who are committed to various aspects of our Tui Motu mandate. We see an opportunity to connect with this age group.

Other wider issues affecting both Aotearoa New Zealand and the whole planet: disregard for “the common good” and the inherent worth of human life, socio-economic disparities, and the universal yearning for world peace, motivate Tui Motu to continue to put the microscope on these.

Acknowledgments

The achievements of Tui Motu are only possible through the expertise, dedication and hard work of a large number of people. We give thanks to our:

Shareholders The Dominican Sisters, the Dominican Friars and the Sisters Of St Joseph for their ongoing support. In particular we acknowledge the latter for their gift of our Editor Ann Gilroy rsj.

Directors We note in particular Neil Darragh who completed his term during the year, and Rita Cahill rsj and Shane Gallagher who stepped down at the end of 2023. Our replacement strategy includes inviting a Millennial/Gen Zer to join the Board.

Staff & Volunteers Editor and Assistant Editor, Ann Gilroy and Ann Hassan, those who write and volunteers who together produce, distribute and sell Tui Motu each month.

Partner The Tui Motu Foundation for attending to the long term financial stability of Tui Motu.

Donors Who provide much needed financial support.

Subscribers & Readers Who motivate us each month to produce a quality magazine.

Vision for the Future

Looking ahead, our vision for Tui Motu is to:

Continue to embrace actively our mandate — in particular with regard to Te Tiriti.

Connect with people outside our "normal" readership age-group — Millennials and Gen Zers — both as contributors and readers.

Challenge what seems to be the "status quo" in journalism  — moving to digital media only — and instead increase subscriptions to our print magazine.

In closing, to all Tui Motu stakeholders, we are inspired by and very grateful for your unwavering support and trust.

Judith McGinley OP, Louise Shanly

Co-Chairs, Board of The Independent Catholic Magazine Ltd