A face familiar to parents will be catering to a whole new generation of pre-schoolers, as a result of the latest NZ On Air funding for Children’s content.
Suzy Cato’s iconic preschool series You And Me, which first beamed into Aotearoa living rooms three decades ago, has been reimagined for the digital age. You And Me Together has been adapted for today’s young viewers to enjoy on YouTube and RNZ.
Joining this nostalgic revival are four funded series that have proven popular with Kiwi whānau, all returning with a dual focus on digital and linear platforms - to ensure they continue to reach young audiences wherever they are.
“In today's commercial media landscape, children's content faces significant commissioning challenges, which makes NZ On Air's role critical in ensuring tamariki have access to quality local stories,” says Amie Mills, NZ On Air Head of Funding.
“We've deliberately evolved our approach to prioritise content that thrives across YouTube and local platforms simultaneously. Our dual-focus approach ensures these local stories can compete in that digital environment while still serving traditional viewing habits.”
In returning series this round, whānau favourite Secrets At Red Rocks is back for a second season. This Wellington-based live-action family drama for Sky Go, Sky Open and Neon sees Jake, who was drawn into a world of mythical creatures and adventure in season one, now summon up all his smarts to stop wild, ancient forces from claiming his baby sister.
Also back for a second run is Buzz’s Epic Little Missions on TVNZ 2, TVNZ+ and YouTube, which sees Buzz take tamariki audiences on more unforgettable adventures exploring the landscapes of Aotearoa, learning about nature and becoming responsible kaitiaki.
What Now is back for a now simultaneous release across TVNZ 2, TVNZ+, YouTube and YouTube Kids. This season sees more fun, mess and learning designed to reach and resonate with younger audiences.
And finally, having also continued to build a loyal following, Young Riders is back for a sixth season on YouTube. This fun, factual series follows talented young equestrians as they compete on the 2025-26 Aotearoa show jumping circuit.
Approximately $6.8m has been allocated to five tamariki projects in this round, which is close to half of NZ On Air’s total allocation for tamariki content for FY 2025/26.
“In our next round, Round Rua, we will look to fund new and innovative children’s content that is tailored for multiple platforms and has well-defined strategies for engaging with tamariki.”
Funding Decisions
Note: All funding commitments are based on the funding applications received and must be contracted within a specified timeframe. Funding is only released, in stages, as contractual commitments are met. Funds committed but not contracted within the specified timeframe are written back and distributed in future funding rounds.
New
You and Me (Together), 25 x 30', Treehut for viewing on YouTube, RNZ and treehut.co.nz, up to $1,078,297.
Returning
What Now 2026, 40 x 58’, Whitebait Productions for viewing on TVNZ 2 and TVNZ+, and 156 x 8’ for YouTube and YouTube Kids, up to $2,299,846.
Secrets at Red Rocks 2, 8 x 22', Libertine Pictures for viewing on Sky Go, Sky Open and Neon, up to $2,250,000.
Young Riders 6, 8 x 23’, Horseshoe Media for viewing on YouTube, TVNZ 2 and TVNZ+, up to $585,090.
Buzz’s Epic Little Missions 2, 6 x 30’, Rogue Productions for viewing on TVNZ 2, TVNZ+ and YouTube, up to $559,279.