 October 2025: Issue 187 |  AUGUST 2025_Issue 186 |  June 2025_Issue 185 |
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 April 25 Issue 184 |  February 25 Issue 183 |  December 24 Issue 182 |
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The History of The Prattler Newspaper
Mike Whiteman
Editor of The Prattler Newspaper
1953
The Putāruru Prattler began as a special publication of the Queen Carnival fundraiser for the District Memorial appeal at Glenshea Park in early 1953, and ran for 8 editions. It was created to promote this community event and was not a regular newspaper.
1994
In 1994, The Putaruru Prattler Newsletter published by the Progressive Putaruru Association began with Issue 1.
It was a backed A4 page. You can see it in full below.
1995-2006
Issue 3 (June 1995) - Issue 68 (August 2006), saw a gradual increase in page numbers (A4 with 4 sides) to (A4 with 6/8 sides) that were coordinated by PiP members including Ali Van der Heyden, and Mel Embling.
Megan Ranger was Prattler coordinator 2003 – 2006. Some photos began to be included, sometime in colour and sometimes in various colour tones.
Other editors have included Annie Waterworth and Bex Sanson.
2009
In April, 2009 a new newspaper format style began and in November 2011, Prattler issue 100 was published.
2012
In August 2012, the current Prattler editor Mike Whiteman began, working from his home studio. It was produced with Word and had 28 pages using Calibri size 14 font with 14 leading. Word however becomes bogged down as images and page numbers rise so a decision was made to use the Adobe suite of programs for Prattler production.
2014
This involved a switch to InDesign from the February 2014 issue onwards, with Photoshop for image work and Premier for video.
InDesign has the advantage of being able to send files to the printer, Beacon Print, Whakatane, by File Transfer Protocol (FTP), which are completely colour ready for newspaper production.
2016
By December 2016 The Prattler was averaging 32 pages an issue with Calibri size 11 font and 12 leading. This represented an increase of about 60% of text being presented when compared with August 2012. School contributions were adjusted to half a page each and recently, early education groups have a dedicated section.
Any local clubs, groups, or individuals are always encouraged to provide news about what they are doing and planning.
The SWDC Mayor, Putāruru and Tirau Ward Members, Taupo and Te Tai Hauāuru MPs also have a section, which give readers a wide range of political viewpoints.
The Prattler is not only a print newspaper but also a media playing on-line version, that are provided free to the community.
Another Prattler feature is the WORLD VIEW: Looking Beyond the South Waikato column, which considers topical items that impact on our lives.
A regular magazine section with all original content includes a crossword, a theme based quiz and a spot the local picture changes.
The Prattler is fortunate to have a number of businesses that support our community newspaper. Their copy is either supplied by the business or created by The Prattler. Local voice is an important aspect of our lives and The Prattler is proud to provide that.
PIP TV
All Videos
Putaruru Hire - PiP TV
Putaruru Hire - PiP TV
Primary Inter-Schools Swimming Sports - Putāruru 2024
AJ's Tyres Sales and Service - PiP TV
SWDC Putāruru Mayoral and Ward Candidates.
Advertising costs
$475.00 excl GST
Full page A3 265mm wide x 362mm high
$240.00 excl GST
Half Page A4 265mm wide x 180mm high
Quarter page A5 130mm wide x 180mm high
$120.00 excl GST
Post card 130mm wide x 90mm high
$65.00 excl GST
$45.00 excl GST
Business Card 90mm wide x 55mm high
Banner 265mm wide x 70mm high
$435.00 excl GST
Front and back pages of the Prattler are reserved for community pieces.
Please fill in the form below if you want us to cover a story about something happening in the community. Costs will be determined (if there are any).
Want to advertise or advise us of a story to publish in The Prattler?
To contact our Prattler editor directly, please email theprattler@prideinputaruru.co.nz