Seeby Woodhouse’s retweet of an unacceptable post led to the abrupt termination of Voyager’s sponsorship of the New Zealand Media Awards just weeks before the event. The awards ceremony is scheduled for May 22, 2026, in New Zealand.
Woodhouse, the founder and CEO of Voyager, retweeted content that the News Publishers Association (NPA) deemed inconsistent with its values and standards. The NPA notified Voyager about the termination of sponsorship two weeks prior to the awards.
In response, Woodhouse apologized for his actions, stating he shared the post without fully reading it. He acknowledged his mistake, saying, “That was a mistake, and I take responsibility for it.”
The NPA remarked that while Woodhouse’s profile notes that reposting does not imply agreement with the content, they still found the repost irreconcilable with their standards.
Currently, Voyager will not continue as a naming rights sponsor beyond this year. The company issued a statement indicating that what Woodhouse unintentionally shared does not reflect their position as an organization.
This incident highlights tensions in social media interactions and their potential impact on corporate sponsorships. As a prominent figure in New Zealand journalism, Woodhouse has expressed strong views and does not shy away from debate.
The situation raises questions about accountability in social media. Woodhouse has previously sold internet provider Orcon for 25 million dollars before founding Voyager. He is also known for his photography at events like Coachella and Burning Man.
The absence of sponsorship may affect the awards’ visibility and funding. The NPA continues to uphold its standards in promoting responsible journalism.
