On Thursday, Fairfax Media NZ staff were briefed about a restructure that will mean a large number of roles are "disestablished".

Sources said there had been conference calls with different groups of employees depending on how they would be affected by the changes.

It is understood 166 positions will be vacated, however, about 180 new roles will be created. Employees will need to apply for the new roles.

"The proposal announced today by Fairfax Media NZ is a restructure - it's not about reducing headcount," a Fairfax spokesman said.

"We are not proposing to cut jobs. We're actually proposing to boost the number of reporters across the country through the new structure, and there is no headcount reduction overall.

"As part of the reorganisation, roles are being redesigned and new roles will be created if the proposal is agreed and proceeds."

Fairfax Media New Zealand executive editor Sinead Boucher said the proposal would "change the structure within our editorial teams, creating a modern newsroom".

The restructure was about streamlining Fairfax's print-focused production process and increasing focus on digital, Ms Boucher said.

"We are boosting our reporting capability in small and large communities, and by streamlining our print-focused production processes, increasing the ratio of content creators from just over half to almost two-thirds."

It is understood that all senior editorial roles and news desk position are being examined and new positions may be created.

The proposal will also affect subeditors working on NZ publications.

Community newsrooms and magazines are not part of the proposal.

A two-week consultation period for editorial staff has begun and will finish on June 10. The company will then come to a decision over the restructure by June 16.

Fairfax's NZ publications include The Press, the Sunday Star Times, the Waikato Times and The Dominion Post.