The Power of Magazines

Print, Pixels and the Future of Magazines In an age of scrolling, streaming and endless online content, where do magazines fit in — and what will keep readers turning the pages? This lively panel brings together three experienced editors to explore how magazine publishing is adapting to a changing media landscape. Kirsty Cameron of The New Zealand Listener, Kristy McGregor of rural lifestyle magazine Shepherdess, and Laura Williamson of 1964: Mountain Culture / Aotearoa will discuss what audiences want from magazines today, whether print still has a place alongside digital platforms, and how publishers are finding sustainable ways to reach their readers. The conversation will also look at evolving business models, the value of distinctive editorial voices and how aspiring writers and photographers can get their work published. Chaired by journalist and Queenstown Writers Festival trustee Debbie Jamieson, this discussion offers an inside look at the challenges and opportunities facing independent and established magazines - and why thoughtful storytelling continues to matter. Meet the panellists Kirsty Cameron is editor of The New Zealand Listener, Aotearoa’s long-running weekly magazine covering current affairs, culture and ideas. Her varied journalism career has included political reporting and feature writing for The Australian, breaking news for RNZ and editing the fashion and celebrity title InStyle. This breadth of experience informs her approach to a publication that spans everything from politics and science to arts and entertainment. Kristy McGregor founded Shepherdess in 2020 after recognising the isolation experienced by many women living in rural communities. What began as a way to connect people has grown into a social enterprise and multimedia platform built around storytelling, community and rural wellbeing. Alongside its quarterly print magazine, Shepherdess produces events, podcasts and screen projects, including Far From Town for RNZ and The Shepherdess Muster, a festival for rural women. Laura Williamson is a writer, editor and published poet, as well as managing editor and co-founder of 1964: Mountain Culture / Aotearoa. Formerly editor of Spoke magazine, she also contributes regularly to Kia Ora, Air New Zealand’s in-flight magazine. Her book The Bike and Beyond: Life on Two Wheels in Aotearoa New Zealand explores cycling and life on two wheels across the country. Chaired by Debbie Jamieson, a Queenstown journalist and Queenstown Writers Festival trustee, who brings her love of reading and storytelling to the discussion. Supported by Altrusa Queenstown. Part of the Queenstown Writers Festival, running 5–8 November 2026.