What is Stuff
Overview
Stuff is a New Zealand news publisher that offers digital news subscriptions and a print magazine under the Stuff brand and regional mastheads.
Digital subscriptions provide access to regional mastheads (The Press, The Post, Waikato Times) and other online content behind subscription controls.
Offerings
Stuff offers both digital subscription plans (weekly introductory and ongoing rates) and a print magazine sold through subscription services.
Print magazine orders may be fulfilled through third parties (for example, Mags4Gifts for Stuff Limited magazine products).
How to cancel Stuff
On the web (Stuff account)
- Log into your Stuff account on the Stuff website.
- Go to "Digital subscriptions" in your account settings.
- Select the subscription you want to cancel and choose "Cancel subscription".
- Note: cancellation is immediate but you keep access until the end of the current term.
On mobile (App Store and Google Play)
- iOS (App Store): Cancellations are handled by Apple. Cancel via your Apple ID by checking your Purchase History and using Report a Problem or manage subscriptions in your Apple ID settings. See Apple account/subscription support for exact steps.
- Google Play: Stuff does not provide explicit Google Play steps. Use Google Play's subscription cancellation process in your Google account or the Play Store app to cancel subscriptions purchased through Google.
What happens when you cancel
Access and timing
Cancellation from Stuff's web account is processed immediately, but you retain access until the end of the current billing period.
For cancellations via Apple or Google Play, access usually continues until the end of the paid term unless the store indicates otherwise.
Renewals and data
Cancelled subscriptions will not renew at the next billing date. You should verify that auto‑renew is disabled in the platform where you purchased.
Account data, preferences and billing history typically remain on your Stuff account unless you request deletion; check Stuff's privacy settings for data removal options.
Will I get a refund?
Stuff's stated refund policy
- Stuff's policy: No refunds for the unused portion of a current digital subscription term; you keep access until the term ends.
- Magazine subscriptions sold via Mags4Gifts list non‑refundable terms, with limited exceptions handled case‑by‑case.
Exceptions and Consumer Guarantees Act (CGA)
Under New Zealand law (the CGA) you may be entitled to a remedy, including a refund, if the service is faulty, not fit for purpose or unreasonably poor.
Sellers cannot contract out of CGA rights by saying "no refunds" - such clauses do not remove your legal rights. For CGA guidance see consumer.org.nz.
Stuff plans and pricing
Plan | Price | Period | Features
Stuff magazine - 6‑month print subscription | NZ$224.00 | 6 issues (~6 months) | Print magazine, per issue access
Stuff magazine - 12‑month print subscription | NZ$396.00 | 12 issues (~12 months) | Print magazine, per issue access
Stuff magazine - Single issue | NZ$43.00 | per issue | Single print edition
Digital - Single masthead (introductory rate) | NZ$1.99 | per week (first 16 weeks) | Digital access to one regional masthead (The Press, The Post, or Waikato Times)
Digital - All three mastheads (introductory rate) | NZ$2.99 | per week (first 16 weeks) | Digital access to all three mastheads
Digital - Single masthead (ongoing rate) | NZ$5.00 | per week (after 16 weeks) | Digital access to one regional masthead
Digital - All three mastheads (ongoing rate) | NZ$7.50 | per week (after 16 weeks) | Digital access to all three mastheads
Your consumer rights in New Zealand
Consumer Guarantees Act (CGA) basics
The CGA treats digital subscriptions and online services as "services" and requires they be of acceptable quality, fit for purpose and match their description.
If a service fails to meet guarantees you may be entitled to repair, replacement, or refund depending on the seriousness of the failure. See consumer.org.nz.
How to rely on CGA for subscriptions
- Document the problem (dates, screenshots, error messages) so you can show the service was faulty or unusable.
- Contact Stuff support first. If not resolved, you can request a remedy citing the CGA and, if necessary, escalate to consumer protection resources.
- For guidance on refunds, replacements and repairs see consumerprotection.govt.nz.
Customer experiences
Common complaints
Public reviews and discussion threads report issues such as app crashes, slow loading, frequent sign‑outs and login trouble.
Additional complaints include perceived poor content quality or bias and management of comments and moderation.
Context and balance
Not every subscriber reports problems; experiences vary by device, app version and individual expectations.
If you experience issues, record specifics and try basic troubleshooting (app update, reinstall, clear cache) before seeking a refund or CGA remedy.
Documentation checklist
Required details
- Account email and full name associated with the subscription.
- Order number, receipt or subscription reference (web, Apple or Google receipt).
- Date you cancelled and the method used (web, Apple ID, Google Play).
Optional supporting items
- Screenshots of billing, error messages, failed login, or app behaviour.
- Device details (iOS/Android version, app version) and any troubleshooting steps already tried.
- Correspondence with Stuff support and any case or ticket numbers.
Common mistakes
Cancelling in the wrong place
Many users try to cancel a purchase through Stuff's website when the subscription was billed through Apple or Google Play.
If you bought via the App Store or Google Play, cancel in the store account where the purchase occurred to stop future billing.
No proof or late escalation
Failing to keep receipts or screenshots makes it harder to claim a refund or CGA remedy. Always save receipts from Apple/Google emails or your Stuff account.
Delaying contact with support can reduce remedy options; report issues promptly and escalate if not resolved.
Comparative recap
Method | Where to cancel | Refund policy | Access after cancel | Notes
Web (Stuff account) | Stuff account > Digital subscriptions | No refund for unused portion (subject to CGA) | Access continues until end of current term | See Stuff help: Stuff customer care
iOS (App Store) | Apple ID / App Store subscriptions | Handled by Apple; refund requests go through Apple processes | Generally access until term end | Cancel via Apple ID > Purchase History > Report a Problem (per vendor guidance)
Google Play | Google Play subscriptions | Not explicitly detailed by Stuff; use Google Play refund/subscription process | Generally access until term end | Stuff suggests Google Play purchasers follow Google's process (no direct Stuff source found)
Print magazine (Mags4Gifts) | Mags4Gifts contact for subscriptions | Mags4Gifts lists subscriptions as non‑refundable; exceptions under CGA case‑by‑case | Delivery stops after fulfilment or next issue depending on contract | See Mags4Gifts terms: Mags4Gifts terms
After cancelling
What to watch for
Check your bank or card statement to confirm no further charges after the current term ends.
Keep confirmation emails or screenshots of the cancellation as proof in case of future disputes.
Helpful links and escalation
Address
Mailing address for cancellations
Stuff Ltd, Subscriptions, PO Box 3740, Wellington 6140, New Zealand.
Use this address if you need to send postal cancellation notices or supporting documentation.
Other contact notes
The Auckland PO Box sometimes listed for Stuff Limited is a general address and not specific to subscription cancellations.
If you purchased through Apple or Google Play, use the respective store support channels for billing and refund queries.