Locally made audio/visual content is used in nearly all schools in Aotearoa, according to new research commissioned by NZ On Air and the Digital Media Trust.

The research, which was conducted earlier in 2021 by Associate Professor Geoff Lealand at Waikato University, updates a similar 2016 study.

Teachers surveyed said local content resonates strongly with New Zealand students, especially when it’s short, uses humour and reflects Aotearoa’s cultural diversity.

Ease of access, relevance and reliability was important for teachers seeking resources: 75% of respondents used New Zealand content showcase site NZ On Screen frequently or sometimes. Local media websites, like stuff.co.nz, nzherald.co.nz, radionz.co.nz and thespinoff.co.nz, emerged as important and useful content sources.

Teachers sought more content to support Māori and Pasifika students, and resources that dealt with issues of colonisation, assimilation and social change in New Zealand.

The full report is available below.