Pitch and assign
Story ideas are pitched or commissioned and accepted when they serve the interests of NZ readers and meet the standards in this code.
About this code
Cryptocurrency NZ News is Aotearoa's dedicated crypto journalism operation. Our mandate is to cover crypto the way it deserves - with the rigour, independence and accountability that the industry rarely receives and New Zealand readers are owed. This code explains how we maintain editorial independence, how we handle sources, how we use technology in our reporting, and how we correct the record when we get something wrong. It applies to all contributors and editorial staff.
Core principles
1. Independence and integrity
Editorial decisions are made independently from sponsors, advertisers and CNZ project leadership. Contributors do not accept compensation, gifts or tokens in exchange for coverage.
CNZ editorial staff do not hold positions in New Zealand-based digital asset projects. Where a contributor holds a position in any asset covered in a story, this is disclosed clearly within that article. Financial or professional relationships with a project are disclosed at the point of publication, not buried.
2. Evidence and transparency
Facts are grounded in documents, data, on-the-record statements and other verifiable sources. We make clear distinctions between news reporting, analysis and opinion so readers always know what they are reading.
AI tools may assist with research, transcription or initial drafting, but all published content is verified, edited and signed off by a human journalist. Final editorial responsibility sits with the bylined author and the editor. We do not publish AI-generated content as journalism.
3. Anonymous sources
We rely on anonymous sources only when the information is clearly in the public interest and cannot be obtained on the record by any reasonable means. All anonymous source use is approved by the editor before publication. We treat information from confidential sources seriously and in good faith. Our job is to verify and report it responsibly - not to judge whether you should have come forward. If you bring us something, we will work with you carefully to corroborate it before publication, protecting your identity throughout that process. We are not a vehicle for personal vendettas, but we will follow credible information wherever it leads.
4. Accuracy and fairness
Key claims are verified against more than one source where practical. People and projects that are the subject of significant criticism are given a genuine opportunity to respond before publication. Material errors are corrected openly, with a clear correction note on the published piece.
5. Range of perspectives
Coverage includes builders, users, critics, regulators and investors where they are relevant. We do not exist to promote the crypto industry. We report on risks, failures and bad behaviour with the same rigour we apply to success stories. Our obligation is to NZ readers, not to the projects they read about.
Our editorial process
Report and verify
Journalists gather documents, data and on-the-record comment, checking key facts against multiple sources where possible.
Edit and review
The editor reviews for clarity, fairness, evidence quality and alignment with this code, including defamation and harm considerations.
Publish, disclose and correct
Stories are published with clear bylines and disclosures. If significant new information or errors emerge, we update or correct the piece and note that we have done so.
Corrections and complaints
If you believe a story is inaccurate, unfair or missing important context, contact us and request a correction or right of reply. Send concerns to Harry@cryptocurrency.org.nz with links and supporting information. We review serious complaints in good faith and correct coverage where it is warranted.
Right of reply
When a story contains significant allegations or criticism of a named individual or organisation, we contact them before publication and give them a genuine opportunity to respond. We set a reasonable deadline based on the nature and urgency of the story. Their response, or their decision not to respond, is noted in the published piece.
A right of reply is not a veto. We publish in the public interest regardless of whether a response is received.
Whistleblowers and sources
Some stories rely on people who take genuine risks to share information in the public interest. We treat confidential sources with care and do not reveal identities that were granted in confidence.
If you are considering sharing sensitive information, contact Harry directly at Harry@cryptocurrency.org.nz using a burner email. Include any constraints around how you can be contacted or quoted. Where possible we will agree on the safest communication method before you share material.
Commitment to readers
Cryptocurrency NZ News exists to serve people in Aotearoa New Zealand. In a market where hype, conflict of interest and outright fraud are common, accurate and independent reporting matters. We hold ourselves to these standards so our readers can trust what they are reading - not just what projects want them to see.