NZ On Air secures another year of audience favourites and exciting new content

NZ On Air is backing many audience favourites to return to screens, along with a host of new content to probe important issues and entertain.

The challenging media environment has required a response from NZ On Air, as local platforms have been clear they can no longer afford to commercially fund the local content they previously could. This is impacting the volume of local stories available for New Zealand audiences, and work in the local production sector.

For this reason, in this round NZ On Air prioritised large-scale Non-fiction programmes. In this round $9m was available for Non-fiction projects, with 41 applications received, requesting $24.3 million. $12.6 million has been committed to the projects listed.

“We're excited to allocate an additional $3.6million in this funding round, demonstrating our commitment to accelerating local production as we head into the second half of the year,” said NZ On Air Chief Executive Cameron Harland.

“We're supporting content with demonstrated audience appeal and cultural relevance - shows that help define who we are as New Zealanders. Rather than waiting for market conditions to improve, we're taking action to ensure local content not only survives but flourishes. This investment strategy supports our broader commitment to maintaining a vibrant, diverse local content ecosystem that gives New Zealand audiences compelling reasons to choose local stories over international alternatives,” he said.

In the case of the large-scale programmes, there is significant co-investment, which creates a strong business case and ensures NZ On Air funds stretch further.

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.

7 Days 2026, 20 x 44', Sky Free for Three and ThreeNow, up to $1,493,313

Aotearoa New Zealand's longest running comedy show, sees two teams of comedians in a battle of wits as they cover the week's news.

The Traitors NZ 3, 10 x 44', South Pacific Pictures for Three and ThreeNow, up to $1,436,911

The New Zealand version of a successful international reality competition format – The Traitors NZ has attracted praise as one of the best examples of the show internationally.

Celebrity Treasure Island 7, 15 x 44' Warner Bros. International Television Production New Zealand for TVNZ 2 and TVNZ +, up to $1,349,000

Participants face off in a series of challenges in an isolated setting for the chance to win money for their chosen charities.

The Perfect Suspect, 4 x 44', Serendipity Pictures/Black Inc Media for TVNZ 1 and TVNZ+, up to $1,139,920

An investigation into an historic murder case that gripped the nation. What happened and why was one man assumed by police to be the only suspect?

Killer Whale: The Disappearance of Alysha Hanin, 3 x 45', Our Story for Three, ThreeNow and RNZ, up to $823,300

When Adrian Hoffman was three, his mother vanished. Two decades later, his search for justice uncovers a global web of silence and power.

Don’t Be A Passenger, 3 x 44', Ruckus Media for Sky Open, Sky Go and Neon, up to $776,627

Nigel Latta offers his expertise and experience to provide practical tools for getting through life’s toughest moments.

Hyundai Country Calendar 2026, 40 x 22', Television New Zealand for TVNZ 1 and TVNZ+ up to $745,122

Celebrating 60 years on screen, Country Calendar presents authentic stories of relatable New Zealanders making their living from the land or sea.

Bryn & Ku's Singles Club 2, 6 x 15' Hex Work for The Spinoff, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube, up to $500,853

A year on, Bryn and Ku return to Singles Club armed with more knowledge about what they really want out of love and life. Now both over 35 and juggling careers, dating, and biological clocks, they find themselves at a new crossroads.

Pacific Heat, 10 x 22', Greenstone TV for Sky Open, Sky Go and Neon, up to $499,397

This series follows frontline agencies working to keep our coastlines safe.

Move Fast and Break Things, 6 x 15', Overactive Imagination for NZ Herald, up to $481,452

In the midst of Aotearoa New Zealand's largest ever teen mental health crisis, this series investigates the algorithms and technology shaping the lives of our rangatahi.

Celebrity Escape, 6 x 44', Perpetual Entertainment Group NZ for Three and ThreeNow, up to $422,238

Eight of Aotearoa New Zealand and Australia’s funniest people take on one of the most popular and fastest growing activities in the world; the escape room.

Milan Winter Paralympics, 10 x 780', Television New Zealand for TVNZ+ and Duke, up to $400,760

Coverage of the Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games in March 2026, when around 600 athletes from 45 countries will compete in the 50th Winter Paralympics

DNZ: Hacked!, 1 x 44', Attitude Pictures for TVNZ 1 and TVNZ+, up to $333,656

An intriguing exploration of the world of cyber-attacks, revealing how our digital footprints are compromising personal and national security.

Songs Of Protest, 8 x 9', Stella Maris Production for RNZ, Audio Culture, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube, up to $327,230

A web series and podcast, Songs of Protest explores the rich history of protest music in Aotearoa New Zealand.

South to the South: The Pacific In Te Waipounamu, 5 x 20', Sunpix for TP+, Pacific Media Network and RNZ, up to $311,730

Stories of Pacific pioneers and their families who swapped the warm Islands for the cooler climates of Aotearoa New Zealand’s southernmost cities and towns.

You, Me and Menopause, 1 x 44', Storymaker for TVNZ 1 and TVNZ+, up to $279,999

Robyn Malcolm talks to experts about all aspects of menopause and perimenopause and shares her personal story in this DNZ episode.

Did I Really Ask for That? 1 x 44', Augusto for TVNZ 1 and TVNZ +, up to $264,617

Hosted by sex educator and therapist Jo Robertson, this DNZ episode investigates why sexual violence is increasingly common and why young people see it as typical sexual behaviour.

My House My Castle, 10 x 22', Warner Bros. International Television Production New Zealand for Three and ThreeNow, up to $253,916

A reboot of the successful 11-season home renovation show is updated for today addressing modern concerns such as practical money-saving advice, and helping renters as well as homeowners.

Finding Andrew, 1 x 45', Red Sky Film & Television for Stuff and YouTube, up to $230,200

A multimedia investigation into the death of New Zealand humanitarian worker Andrew Bagshaw in Ukraine in 2023.

The Long Shadow, 8 x 40', Marama Media (t/a Popsock Media) for NZ Herald, up to $288,533

An investigation into a cult with deep history in Aotearoa.

Zombie Towns, 3 x 40' and 3 x 20’ accompanying videos, Ponsonby Productions for Newsroom NZ and RNZ, up to $252,610

Economist Shamubeel Eaqub explores how small-town New Zealand can future proof itself in turbulent economic times