Television

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Like people all around the world, New Zealanders keep their eyes on the goggle box. Television entertains, informs and makes us think, with drama, comedy, documentary and news. If you're wanting to know more about TV in New Zealand, read on for your guide to television viewing in New Zealand.

Free to air television

Television New Zealand (TVNZ) is New Zealand's largest free to air television broadcaster and also operates as our national public service broadcaster. Broadcasting local and international programmes, TVNZ aims to educate, inform and entertain New Zealanders. Through three quite distinct brands, the broadcaster targets a wide range of viewers:

• TV One is targeted at a mature audience and offers a full news and current affairs service. For some lighter viewing, they provide sports coverage and programmes in the genres of documentary, drama and comedy. Their sport coverage includes the Olympic and Commonwealth Games, and the America's Cup.
• TV2 screens television programmes aimed at a younger audience, with a strong focus on entertainment for families and young people. Their programmes include long-running local drama Shortland Street and American hit shows such as Desperate Housewives, Grey’s Anatomy, the Sopranos and Lost. They also offer popular movies on a regular basis and a range of reality television shows.
• Maori Television is a bilingual channel broadcasting programmes in Maori and English. Telling the stories of New Zealanders, the channel boasts more than 90% locally made programming!

Corporate television channels also offer a range of TV viewing options. Battling it out in New Zealand television ratings are:

• TV3, a general appeal television channel aimed at the 18-49 age group, offering comprehensive news, current affairs and entertainment programming. The channel screens popular American programmes such as The Simpsons and Oprah, as well as our favourite Aussie entertainer, Rove. Movies are also a regular on TV3's listings.
• C4, a specialised youth channel pumping out music videos, but also screening a number of entertainment shows such as Punk’d, Futurama and South Park. C4 was launched in 2003, after the failure of the youth channel in its previous incarnation, TV4.
• Prime Television, whose programming comprises news, sport, entertainment, drama, documentary, comedy and lifestyle shows.

Pay television

Pay television is alive and well in New Zealand for those who want extra choice when it comes to television viewing. SKY TV is the dominant pay television provider in New Zealand, delivering over 80 channels to our screens, covering the spectrum from sport to movies, music to children's shows, and documentaries to niche programming. Whatever takes your fancy, there's a channel to suit.

Who makes television programmes in New Zealand?

State owned entity NZ On Air is responsible for funding and broadcasting programmes that are proudly Kiwi made. Through locally made television and radio content, our nation's culture and identity can be supported and encouraged to develop. We also rely on them to fund archiving services, so the broadcasts of today can be preserved for future generations. The TVNZ Archive is the largest audiovisual library in New Zealand and makes their extensive collection available to the public.

Can television be censored?

Yes! The Broadcasting Standards Authority rules on the suitability of television programming in New Zealand. They are responsible for dealing with and ruling on any complaints received.

Looking for more information? Find New Zealand television in the NZS.com directory.

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Arts images from Flickr: Television, Maori Carving and Wellington Sculpture.