Manage Herald

How to cancel your herald subscription and stop paying for news

What is herald and why you might want to cancel

The New Zealand Herald is the country's largest news publisher, offering free articles alongside premium digital subscriptions that unlock ad-free reading, exclusive newsletters and deeper investigative content. If you've signed up for Herald Premium, you're paying monthly or annually to NZME, the parent company that operates the Herald brand across New Zealand.

You might be cancelling because your reading habits have changed, the cost no longer fits your budget, or you've found another news source that suits you better. Whatever your reason, you deserve a clear pathway to cancel without friction. That's where Stopee comes in-we help you navigate subscription cancellations with confidence and speed.

How herald subscriptions work

Herald subscriptions remove the paywall from premium articles and give you access to curated newsletters and ad-free browsing. You can subscribe directly through the Herald website or via the iOS and Android mobile apps. The important distinction: if you subscribed through an app store (Apple App Store or Google Play Store), your subscription is technically managed by that platform, not by Herald directly. This affects where and how you cancel.

Pricing overview

Herald frequently adjusts pricing and runs promotional offers, so exact costs vary. Always check your latest invoice or subscription dashboard for your current rate.

Your consumer rights in new zealand

What the consumer guarantees act means for you

New Zealand's Consumer Guarantees Act 1993 protects you as a digital services consumer. If you purchased a Herald subscription based on false claims or if the service was not delivered as promised, you have rights to dispute the charge or request a refund. This applies whether you paid directly or through an app store.

Key protections include the right to receive goods or services that are of acceptable quality, fit for purpose, and delivered within a reasonable timeframe. If Herald fails to deliver access as promised-for example, if the paywall removal doesn't work or newsletters never arrive-you can escalate this to the Commerce Commission, New Zealand's consumer watchdog.

Refund rights and timeframes

Herald does not publish a standard 14-day money-back guarantee in its Help Center or Terms of Service. This means refund decisions are made case-by-case. However, you have leverage: if you subscribed within the last 90 days and the service failed to meet reasonable expectations, you can request a refund under consumer protection law.

Pro tip: Keep all confirmation emails, receipts and order numbers. If Herald refuses a refund, you can escalate to the Commerce Commission with documentation. Having a clear paper trail strengthens your case significantly.

How to cancel herald on the website

Step-by-step cancellation via herald.co.nz

Cancelling directly through the Herald website is the fastest and most transparent method. You'll have immediate confirmation and can see your access end date clearly displayed.

1. Visit Herald.co.nz and sign in with your email and password
   • If you've forgotten your password, use the "Forgot password?" link on the login screen
   • Ensure you're logging into the account linked to your subscription
2. Click on your name or profile icon at the top right of the page
   • This opens a dropdown menu with account options
3. Select "My subscriptions" from the menu
   • You'll see all active subscriptions and their renewal dates
4. Find the Herald Premium subscription you want to cancel and click the "Cancel subscription" button
   • Do not click "Manage" - click "Cancel" specifically
5. Select your reason for cancellation from the dropdown menu
   • Common options include "Too expensive", "Don't read enough" or "Found alternative"
   • This feedback helps Herald improve - your input is valued
6. Confirm the cancellation by clicking the final confirmation button
   • You'll receive an on-screen message saying "Subscription cancelled" or similar
   • Check your email immediately for a cancellation confirmation - if it doesn't arrive within 5 minutes, contact Herald customer service
7. Verify your access end date
   • Your subscription will remain active until the end of the current billing period
   • After that date, you lose access to premium content

Warning: Do not close your browser immediately after cancellation. Wait 10 seconds to ensure the page processes your request fully.

What to do if the website cancellation fails

Occasionally the website cancellation process stalls or shows an error. If you click "Cancel subscription" and nothing happens, or if you see an error message, refresh the page and try again. If the problem persists after two attempts, move directly to telephone cancellation (see below). Do not assume your subscription is still active-it may be pending cancellation in the system.

How to cancel herald via your app store

Cancelling an iOS subscription through apple

If you signed up for Herald through the Apple App Store on your iPhone or iPad, you must cancel through Apple's subscription management system, not through Herald directly. Herald cannot process app store cancellations on your behalf.

1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad
   • Look for the grey gear icon on your home screen
2. Tap your name at the top of the Settings menu
   • This opens your Apple ID profile
3. Select "Subscriptions"
   • You'll see a list of all active app subscriptions
4. Find and tap "Herald" or "New Zealand Herald" in the list
   • If you have multiple Herald subscriptions, select the correct one
5. Tap "Cancel subscription" or "Edit subscription"
   • Apple's interface varies slightly by iOS version, but this button is always visible
6. Confirm the cancellation by following Apple's on-screen prompts
   • Your subscription will end at the next billing date
   • You'll receive a cancellation confirmation from Apple via email

Pro tip: Apple stores cancellation confirmations in your email. Search for "subscription" or "Apple" in your inbox to find the exact cancellation date. This date is your proof of cancellation if you later dispute a charge.

Cancelling an android subscription through google play

Android users follow a similar process but through Google's subscription system instead. Your Herald app subscription is managed by Google Play, not by Herald's servers.

1. Open the Google Play Store app on your Android device
   • Look for the coloured "Play Store" icon in your apps
2. Tap the profile icon in the top right corner
   • This is usually your Google account avatar or initials
3. Select "Manage subscriptions" or "Subscriptions"
   • Google's terminology varies slightly by device
4. Find "Herald" or "New Zealand Herald" in the subscription list
   • If you don't see it immediately, scroll down
5. Tap on the Herald subscription to open its details page
   • You'll see your billing date, amount and subscription status
6. Tap "Cancel subscription"
   • Google may ask you why you're cancelling - this is optional feedback
7. Confirm cancellation when prompted
   • Your subscription ends on your next scheduled billing date
   • Google sends a confirmation email to your account email address

Warning: If you uninstall the Herald app without cancelling the subscription first, your subscription continues to renew. Always cancel the subscription before deleting the app.

How to cancel herald by telephone

Calling the herald customer contact centre

If you prefer speaking to a human or if the website and app methods don't work, Herald's customer service team can cancel your subscription over the phone. This method also generates a verbal confirmation and a reference number for your records.

1. Prepare your account details
   • Have your email address, phone number and subscription start date ready
   • Locate your most recent invoice or confirmation email for your account reference
2. Call the Herald customer contact centre on 0800 100 888
   • For some premium subscription types, use 0800 111 500 instead
   • If unsure which number applies to you, try 0800 100 888 first
3. Choose the option for "Subscriptions" or "Account management"
   • Herald's phone menu may vary, but you're looking for the billing/subscriptions department
4. Speak with the customer service representative
   • Say: "I want to cancel my Herald Premium subscription"
   • Provide your email address and account details when asked
5. Listen carefully as the representative explains your access end date
   • Ask them to repeat the exact date to confirm
   • Confirm whether you're entitled to any refund
6. Request a cancellation reference number or confirmation number
   • Write this down immediately - it's your proof of cancellation
   • Ask them to send a confirmation email as well
7. End the call once you have your reference number
   • Check your email within 10 minutes for written confirmation

Pro tip: Phone lines are busiest between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. on weekdays. Call early morning or late afternoon for shorter wait times. Weekends and public holidays have limited availability.

Contact details for herald customer service

For postal correspondence about your subscription, you can write to the NZME office (Herald's parent company). Keep letters brief and include your account email and subscription start date:

NZME Customer Services
Private Bag 92198
Auckland 1142
New Zealand

Allow 10-14 business days for postal responses. For urgent cancellations, always use the website or telephone methods instead.

What happens after you cancel

Your access and billing timeline

Cancelling your Herald subscription doesn't cut off your access immediately. Instead, you retain full premium access until the end of your current billing period. If you cancelled mid-cycle, you don't lose access-you simply don't pay again.

For example, if your subscription renews on the 15th of each month and you cancel on the 1st, you have access through to the 14th at 11:59 p.m. On the 15th, your subscription expires and the paywall returns.

Your account and data

Cancelling does not delete your account or reading history. Your profile, saved articles and newsletter preferences remain in the Herald system unless you specifically request account deletion. This means you can resubscribe at any time and pick up where you left off.

If you want to delete your account entirely (a separate action from cancellation), contact Herald customer service and request "account deletion under GDPR" or "data removal". Herald must respond within 30 days under New Zealand's Privacy Act.

Will you get a refund?

Herald's refund policy explained

Herald does not publicly commit to a standard refund window or automatic money-back guarantee. Refunds are handled on a case-by-case basis, which means outcomes can vary depending on your circumstances and how you subscribed.

If you paid directly through Herald's website, refund requests go to Herald's customer service team. If you paid through Apple or Google, refunds are processed by those platforms independently, often with faster turnaround and clearer eligibility.

When you might qualify for a refund

You have a stronger case for a refund if any of these apply:

• You subscribed fewer than 30 days ago and haven't used the service meaningfully
• Herald's paywall didn't work or premium features were unavailable for extended periods
• A promotional offer promised features that weren't delivered
• You were charged twice for the same billing period
• You subscribed under a 7-day free trial but were charged before the trial ended

In each case, contact Herald customer service immediately with documentation: screenshots of the problem, your transaction ID, and the dates affected.

Escalation path if herald denies your refund

If Herald refuses a refund and you believe you have legitimate grounds, escalate to the Commerce Commission (New Zealand's consumer watchdog). The Commerce Commission can investigate whether Herald breached the Consumer Guarantees Act or Fair Trading Act.

File a complaint at www.consumerprotection.govt.nz or call 0800 943 600. Include your cancellation confirmation, payment receipts and explanation of why the refund was justified. Stopee supports many consumers through this escalation process-you're not alone if you need to challenge a subscription company's decision.

Common mistakes to avoid when cancelling

Why these mistakes cost you time and money

Cancelling a subscription sounds simple, but small missteps can leave you paying for weeks longer than intended or locked in dispute loops. We've seen it countless times, and we want to help you avoid these pitfalls.

• Not cancelling app store subscriptions through the app store itself. Many people cancel through the Herald website but forget that app store subscriptions are separate. You'll keep paying Apple or Google even though your Herald account says "cancelled". Always cancel both if you subscribed via an app.
• Assuming your subscription is cancelled without written confirmation. If you didn't receive a confirmation email within 10 minutes of cancelling, it may not have processed. Check your account again and contact Herald if in doubt. Don't wait until your next billing date to discover the cancellation failed.
• Deleting the app before cancelling the subscription. Uninstalling the Herald app doesn't cancel your subscription-it just removes your access to view it. Your subscription continues renewing invisibly. Always cancel the subscription first through Settings, then delete the app.
• Not saving your cancellation reference number. If Herald later charges you after cancellation, you'll need proof that you cancelled. Screenshot your confirmation email or write down the reference number the customer service rep gives you.
• Cancelling at the last minute before a renewal date. System delays sometimes mean cancellations process 24-48 hours after you request them. If you're cancelling to avoid a charge tomorrow, call by phone instead-you'll have immediate verbal confirmation.
• Ignoring refund eligibility within the first 30 days. Many subscription companies refund new subscribers without hassle if you ask quickly. Wait 60 days and refund requests become harder. Act fast if you want your money back.

Should you keep herald, or cancel?

Quick questions to guide your decision

Before you cancel, ask yourself honestly: Do I read Herald Premium content at least once per week? Is the monthly cost less than 2% of my entertainment budget? Am I using features like ad-free reading and exclusive newsletters? If you answered "no" to two or more, cancelling makes financial sense. Stopee has helped thousands of consumers recognise when a subscription no longer serves them.

Tracking your cancellation and staying refund-eligible

Checklist before you cancel

Use this checklist to ensure you cancel properly and document everything:

• [ ] Write down your subscription email address and current plan type (monthly or annual)
• [ ] Screenshot your current subscription dashboard showing your renewal date
• [ ] Note the date and time you initiate cancellation
• [ ] Complete cancellation through your preferred method (website, app, or phone)
• [ ] Save any confirmation number, reference code, or email receipt
• [ ] Forward the confirmation email to yourself or a separate folder for safekeeping
• [ ] If you subscribed via app store, cancel that subscription separately and save that confirmation too
• [ ] Set a calendar reminder for 1 day after your billing period ends to verify no further charges appear
• [ ] Check your bank statement 5-7 days after cancellation to confirm no additional Herald charges

What to do if you're charged after cancellation

If you see a Herald charge on your bank statement after your cancellation access end date has passed, act within 7 days. Contact your bank or credit card company and dispute the charge as "unauthorised"-you cancelled your subscription. Most banks will refund unauthorized charges within 10 business days. Simultaneously, email Herald customer service with your cancellation confirmation and the unwanted charge, requesting an immediate refund.

Stopee advises all consumers to monitor their statements closely for 30 days after cancellation. Subscription billing errors happen, and you have consumer protections in New Zealand that support your dispute.

Summary and next steps

Your cancellation path forward

You now have three clear paths to cancel Herald: the website (fastest), your app store (if applicable), or by telephone (if you need support). Each method works, and each generates confirmation. Choose the one that feels most straightforward for you.

Remember: cancellation doesn't happen instantly, but your access continues through your current billing period. Take 5 minutes today to cancel-then monitor your account for 30 days to ensure no rogue charges appear.

If Herald refuses a refund and you believe you're entitled to one, the Commerce Commission is your escalation path. New Zealand law protects you as a consumer, and Stopee stands behind your right to fair treatment when cancelling any subscription.

Cancelling shouldn't feel stressful. Stopee has helped thousands of consumers cancel Herald and hundreds of other subscriptions with confidence. Follow this guide, save your confirmations, and you'll be free of your Herald subscription-with clarity and proof-within one billing cycle.

Need support with another subscription? Visit Stopee.com to explore more cancellation guides, template emails, and consumer rights resources across New Zealand and beyond.