How to cancel your Stuff subscription: a new zealand reader's guide to your cancellation rights
What you need to know about Stuff subscriptions
Stuff is New Zealand's largest digital news publisher, operating regional mastheads including The Press, The Post, and Waikato Times. The platform delivers both digital and print subscription options across multiple payment channels. If you're reading this, you've decided Stuff no longer suits your needs-whether you're testing a trial, reassessing your media spending, or switching to another news service. That decision is entirely reasonable, and Yafee helps thousands of New Zealand consumers navigate cancellation cleanly and without unnecessary friction.
The subscription options Stuff offers
Stuff operates three main subscription tiers. Digital subscriptions start at introductory rates of NZ$1.99 per week for access to a single regional masthead, rising to NZ$5.00 per week on ongoing plans. Print magazine subscriptions range from single issues at NZ$43.00 to 12-month commitments at NZ$396.00. Some print products are fulfilled through third-party retailers such as Mags4Gifts, which means your cancellation route will differ depending on where you originally purchased.
Why understanding your cancellation rights matters
Under the Consumer Guarantees Act 1993 (CGA), you hold statutory protections regardless of a company's stated refund policy. The CGA protects you when goods or services fail to meet acceptable standards, fit for purpose, or match what was advertised. Understanding these rights-and knowing precisely how to execute a cancellation-keeps you in control. Yafee exists to translate those legal protections into practical steps you can action immediately.
Your legal position under new zealand consumer law
The Consumer Guarantees Act 1993 is your foundation for cancellation rights in New Zealand.
What the consumer guarantees act protects you for
The CGA guarantees that services (including subscriptions) must be rendered with due care and skill, be fit for a particular purpose when you've made that purpose clear, and be delivered within a reasonable time. If Stuff fails to deliver these guarantees-for example, if the service is persistently unavailable, content access is restricted contrary to what you paid for, or the platform malfunctions-you have grounds to cancel and claim a refund under the CGA. This protection applies regardless of the company's stated "no refund" policy; statutory rights cannot be waived by contract terms.
Your right to cancel within a reasonable period
Beyond statutory guarantees, you have a common law right to cancel a subscription within a reasonable period if you change your mind. For digital subscriptions, a reasonable period is typically 7 to 14 days from the first charge. For longer-term commitments (such as annual print subscriptions), cancellation rights vary depending on the contract terms at point of purchase. Yafee recommends you review the original confirmation email or receipt to identify any explicit cooling-off notice provided by Stuff.
Escalation: the commerce commission
If Stuff refuses to honour your cancellation or denies a refund you believe is owed under the CGA, you can lodge a complaint with the Commerce Commission, which is New Zealand's consumer protection authority. The Commission investigates breaches of the CGA and can impose remedies. You do not need a lawyer to complain; the Commission's role is to investigate on your behalf.
Choosing the right cancellation method for your subscription
Your cancellation route depends entirely on where and how you purchased your subscription.
Cancellations via the Stuff website or app (direct payment)
If you signed up directly on the Stuff website or mobile app using your email and payment card, you cancel through your account settings. Stuff processes this cancellation directly, and you'll receive immediate confirmation. This is the fastest and most transparent route.
Cancellations through apple's app store
Subscriptions purchased via Apple's App Store are managed entirely by Apple, not Stuff. You must cancel through Apple's subscription management tools-either in your device settings or via your iTunes account online. Stuff cannot process this cancellation for you, and Apple handles all refund decisions.
Cancellations through google play store
Similarly, subscriptions purchased through Google Play are managed by Google. You'll cancel via the Google Play app or your Google Play web account. Google determines refund eligibility; Stuff does not process these cancellations.
Cancellations for print magazine subscriptions
Print subscriptions ordered through Mags4Gifts (or directly with Stuff for print) require contact with the fulfillment partner or Stuff's postal address. This method typically takes 5 to 10 business days to process and requires written confirmation.
How to cancel your Stuff subscription step by step
Follow the process that matches where you purchased your subscription. Each method takes fewer than 5 minutes.
Cancel a digital subscription via the Stuff website
- Open your web browser and navigate to the Stuff website (stuff.co.nz).
- Ensure you are on the main Stuff domain, not a regional masthead subpage such as press.co.nz or post.co.nz.
- Log into your account using your registered email address and password.
- If you have forgotten your password, click "Forgot password?" and follow the reset link sent to your email.
- Locate your account settings or profile menu, typically in the top right corner of the page.
- This may appear as your name, initials, or a profile icon.
- Select "Account" or "My subscriptions" from the dropdown menu.
- You will see a list of all active subscriptions linked to your account.
- Next to your active digital subscription, select "Manage" or "Cancel subscription."
- Stuff may ask you to confirm your reason for cancellation; this is optional feedback and does not affect your cancellation.
- Confirm the cancellation when prompted.
- Stuff will display a confirmation message and send a confirmation email within minutes. Your subscription will cease at the end of your current billing period.
Cancel an iOS subscription through apple's app store
- On your iPhone or iPad, open the Settings app.
- Tap your name at the top of the settings menu.
- Select "Subscriptions" (or "Media & Purchases" on older iOS versions).
- You will see all active subscriptions managed by Apple.
- Find the Stuff subscription in the list.
- Tap it to view the subscription details.
- Tap "Cancel Subscription" at the bottom of the subscription details screen.
- Apple will ask you to confirm; select "Confirm Cancellation."
- Check your email for Apple's cancellation confirmation.
- Your subscription will end at the close of your current billing period. You may retain access until that date.
Alternatively, log into your iTunes account online and navigate to "Account" > "Subscriptions" to cancel from a web browser.
Cancel an android subscription through google play
- Open the Google Play app on your Android device.
- Tap your profile icon in the top right corner.
- Select "Payments and subscriptions" and then "Subscriptions."
- You will see a list of all subscriptions managed by Google Play.
- Find and tap the Stuff subscription.
- The subscription details page will open.
- Tap "Cancel subscription" or "Unsubscribe."
- Google may offer you a discount to retain the subscription; you can ignore this and proceed to cancel.
- Confirm the cancellation when prompted.
- Google will send a cancellation confirmation email. Your subscription will end at the next billing date.
Cancel a print magazine subscription by post
- Gather your subscription details from your original confirmation email or invoice.
- You will need your subscription number, the email address associated with your account, and the postal address on the subscription.
- Write a cancellation letter or email clearly stating your intention to cancel.
- Include the phrase "I wish to cancel my Stuff print subscription effective immediately" or similar language.
- Provide your subscription number, name, and email address.
- Send the letter by post to Stuff's cancellation address (see section below).
- Use registered mail or a tracked courier service to confirm delivery.
- Retain a copy of your letter and the courier receipt.
- This creates a clear audit trail if disputes arise later.
- Email a copy to Stuff's customer service email address if available on their website.
- This creates a digital record alongside your postal request.
What happens after you cancel
Cancellation is rarely the end of the story; knowing what to expect next helps you avoid confusion or unnecessary worry.
Confirmation and access timelines
When you cancel a Stuff digital subscription via the website, your access typically ceases at the end of your current billing cycle. If you cancel mid-cycle-for example, on day 5 of a 7-day subscription-you will retain access until day 7. Stuff will send a confirmation email within minutes of your cancellation request. For subscriptions purchased through Apple or Google, those platforms control the cancellation date; access usually ends on your next renewal date.
Refunds and credit balances
Refund eligibility depends on when you cancel and which platform you used. For direct Stuff subscriptions cancelled within 7 days of the first charge, you typically qualify for a full refund under common law (cooling-off period). If you cancel after 7 days, Stuff's policy is usually "no refund for used services," but the Consumer Guarantees Act may override this if the service failed to meet promised standards. For Apple and Google subscriptions, refund eligibility is determined by those platforms' policies, not Stuff's. Yafee recommends you check the original confirmation email for the refund policy stated at point of purchase.
Unsubscribe from marketing emails
Cancelling your subscription does not automatically remove your email from Stuff's marketing list. After cancellation, you may receive promotional emails encouraging you to resubscribe. To opt out of marketing communications, scroll to the bottom of any Stuff email and click "Unsubscribe" or update your email preferences in your account settings (if you retain access) before your account is deactivated.
Pricing and subscription terms at a glance
| Subscription type |
Cost (NZD) |
Billing period |
Cancellation ease |
| Digital (single masthead) - introductory |
$1.99 per week |
Weekly |
Highest |
| Digital (single masthead) - ongoing |
$5.00 per week |
Weekly |
Highest |
| Print magazine (single issue) |
$43.00 |
One-off |
Moderate |
| Print magazine (12-month plan) |
$396.00 |
Annual |
Moderate |
| iOS (Apple App Store) |
Varies by plan |
Weekly or monthly |
Highest (Apple manages) |
| Android (Google Play) |
Varies by plan |
Weekly or monthly |
Highest (Google manages) |
Common cancellation mistakes and how to avoid them
Cancellation is straightforward, but small oversights can delay the process or leave you vulnerable to unexpected charges. You are not alone if you've made these mistakes; Yafee guides readers through these pitfalls daily.
Confusing the masthead with the main Stuff domain
Stuff operates multiple regional websites (press.co.nz, post.co.nz, waikatotimes.co.nz). If you log into a masthead domain instead of the main Stuff domain, you may not find your subscription in account settings. Always navigate to stuff.co.nz first, then log in. Only then can you access your unified subscription dashboard.
Forgetting to cancel apple or google subscriptions separately
If you cancel your Stuff account but forget to cancel the corresponding Apple App Store or Google Play subscription, Apple or Google will continue to charge you on your next renewal date. You must cancel through each platform independently. Stuff does not automatically cancel third-party platform subscriptions when you cancel your account.
Cancelling without saving your confirmation email
Always save or screenshot the cancellation confirmation Stuff sends you. If a charge appears after cancellation, this email proves you cancelled and shields you from disputes. Without it, you must rely on your bank's statement to demonstrate cancellation.
Assuming "pause" is the same as "cancel"
Some subscription platforms offer a "pause" option separate from "cancel." Pausing temporarily stops charges but keeps the subscription active; you will be charged again when the pause period expires. If you intend to end the subscription permanently, always select "cancel" or "end subscription," not "pause."
| Platform |
Cancellation time |
Refund likelihood (within 7 days) |
Confirmation method |
| Stuff website (direct) |
<2 minutes |
High |
Instant email |
| Apple App Store |
<2 minutes |
Moderate |
Email from Apple |
| Google Play |
<2 minutes |
Moderate |
Email from Google |
| Print (postal address) |
5-10 business days |
Low without CGA breach claim |
Postmark on return receipt |
| Mags4Gifts |
7-14 business days |
Low |
Email confirmation |
| Third-party retailer (other) |
7-14 business days |
Low |
Varies by retailer |
How yafee helps you cancel with confidence
Yafee (yafee.com) is a New Zealand-based cancellation advisory service designed to remove confusion from the cancellation process. Our contract law specialists review your subscription agreement, identify your statutory rights, and guide you through each cancellation step. If Stuff refuses to cancel or denies a refund, Yafee provides escalation templates and helps you prepare a complaint to the Commerce Commission. We've helped thousands of New Zealand consumers cancel Stuff subscriptions without delays, unexpected charges, or unresolved disputes. Your subscription agreement may be complex, but your cancellation does not have to be.
Contacting Stuff to cancel by post
For print subscriptions or if you prefer written cancellation, send your request to Stuff's Wellington postal address. This is the primary address for subscription cancellations.
Stuff limited cancellation address
PO Box 3740, Wellington 6140, New Zealand
Include your subscription number, full name, email address, and a clear statement that you wish to cancel effective immediately. Use registered mail or a tracked courier service to confirm delivery.
What to include in your cancellation letter
- Your full name as it appears on the subscription
- Your subscription number (from your confirmation email or invoice)
- The email address associated with your account
- Today's date
- A clear statement: "I hereby cancel my Stuff subscription effective immediately."
- Your signature (for formal postal correspondence)
Retain a photograph of your letter and the courier tracking number. This evidence protects you if Stuff later claims no cancellation request was received.
Your final checklist before cancelling
Before you submit your cancellation, confirm each point below to avoid delays or disputes.
- You have logged into the correct platform (stuff.co.nz, Apple, Google, or Mags4Gifts) where you originally subscribed.
- You have located your active subscription in account settings or subscription management.
- You understand whether you are within a 7-day cooling-off period (full refund likely) or beyond it (refund depends on CGA or platform policy).
- You have noted your subscription number and the email confirmation address for records.
- You have saved or screenshotted the cancellation confirmation Stuff or the platform provides.
- If cancelling a third-party subscription (Apple, Google), you have confirmed that Stuff's account does not have a separate active subscription that also needs cancellation.
- You understand your next billing date and confirm that cancellation will take effect then (or immediately, depending on platform).
- You have decided whether to unsubscribe from Stuff's marketing emails after cancellation ends.
Summary and next steps
Cancelling your Stuff subscription is a straightforward process when you follow the method that matches your purchase platform. Digital subscriptions cancel instantly via the Stuff website; Apple and Google subscriptions require cancellation through those platforms; print subscriptions require postal contact. Your legal position is protected by the Consumer Guarantees Act 1993, which guarantees service quality and gives you grounds to cancel and claim refunds if Stuff fails to meet promised standards. If you encounter resistance or unexpected charges after cancellation, escalate to the Commerce Commission, which investigates consumer disputes at no cost to you. Yafee has guided thousands of New Zealand consumers through Stuff cancellations, providing clarity on rights, deadlines, and escalation paths. Visit yafee.com to explore your subscription agreement in detail or to prepare a refund claim if Stuff refuses your cancellation. Your decision to cancel is valid; make it count by following the correct steps and keeping clear records.