50 Years of Kiwi TV. Caravan of Life | Te Ohaki | News
50 Years of Kiwi TV
NZ On Air has announced the allocation of more than $2.25 million funding for new documentary projects for broadcast on Prime TV and TV One.
“Our research consistently shows us that the documentary is the most watched and enjoyed programme-type we support,” said NZ On Air Chief Executive Jane Wrightson. “This funding will contribute to more than 15 hours of television – telling stories unique to New Zealand.”
At the forefront of the range of documentaries given the nod this time is Fifty Years of Television in New Zealand, a seven-part series celebrating local television since its arrival here in 1960.
“The series will screen in 2010 on Prime,” Ms Wrightson said. “It’s a comprehensive overview of how television has evolved in New Zealand. From news and information to drama and comedy, sport, music and variety shows – even Telethons! It’s all there, and it’s all us. Some of it will make us laugh, now, but there is also so very much to be proud of.”
Fifty Years of Television in New Zealand will examine the ways in which television has influenced society and culture in New Zealand, and, in turn, how our own culture has changed a very powerful medium. “It promises to be spell-binding,” Ms Wrightson said.
NZ On Air has also approved funding for three documentary projects for TV One. Caravan of Life is a seven-part series that travels the New Zealand heartland, visiting A & P shows, schools and small towns, highlighting real New Zealand characters. “It’s an affectionate look at real Kiwis,” said Ms Wrightson.
Out of the Māori Innovation Fund comes a primetime series dedicated to finding out the real stories behind leading New Zealand rangatira.
“Te Ohaki tells the stories of four Māori leaders who shaped our history,” said Ms Wrightson. “Through the eyes of some well-known descendents, we’ll encounter larger-than-life figures Te Rauparaha, Tuhawaiki, Te Wherowhero and Te Kooti.
Rounding out this month’s documentary slate is Saving Face, a one-hour examination of the New Zealand doctors who pioneered reconstructive surgery techniques in two World Wars.
“The achievements of Harold Gillies, Henry Pickerill and Archie McIndoe are the stuff of legend,” Ms Wrightson said, “and their pioneering work contributes to developments in cosmetic surgery to this day.”
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Karen B
Just to clarify re Prime 'stealing TVNZ's thunder' on the History of New Zealand Television it is my understanding that the proposal was in fact turned down by TVNZ before it was attached to Prime.
We felt it was an idea that was very worthy of support.
I am also slightly confused by the comment about 'Prime/Sky has once again pushed its influence' with New Zealand On Air. This is actually the first new documentary series that has been funded on Prime in the three years since Sky took ownership.
We have had many applications for funding turned down by New Zealand on Air during this period and are delighted that this one has met with success and that thanks to NZOA and Prime, local audiences will be able to see an in-depth, independently made history of television in NZ.
This decision does not, of course, preclude another network funding their own look back through their archives should they so choose.
DaMo
Now to get back on topic I kinda realize that the different networks will do their own thing but I think it should be TVNZ that does the doco type stuff since they've always been quite good at doing it and since they were, although in different incarnations, the original channels that began full, nationwide broadcasts in '75 that one would assume TVNZ to be doing an extensive series on the 50 years of NZ TV.domnesky
i thought that was already established ages ago...DaMo
I'm just making an observation in that those comments I quoted were said on Media Spy and I'm just wondering if you and thisiscnn, over on Media Spy, are the same person.It just struck me as strange that those same comments were said on another board, word for word.
dannews
Don't know what your point is there.
DaMo
"With the way NZoA works, I don't think we can bag Prime for getting the funding unless we know what the other networks had proposed, if anything. Surprised that it is going to be on Prime, yes. But not angry."hmmm.... DanNews said this here and thisiscnn said it on MediaSpy... could they the same person?
dannews
With the way NZoA works, I don't think we can bag Prime for getting the funding unless we know what the other networks had proposed, if anything. Surprised that it is going to be on Prime, yes. But not angry.
I am also surprised that someone would want TVNZ to "hold back" footage in protest. Won't the inclusion of content from ALL networks make the issue of which channel actually screens this series irrelivant?
My point would be that if Prime continue to recieve NZoA funding the pressure on Sky to add Prime to Freeview will only increase.
DaMo
I'm not happy about Prime stealing TVNZ's thunder on this 7 part doco on NZ TV's 50 Years.As an enthusiast (and media collector) of the early days of TV One and TV2/South Pacific Television, I find it disgraceful that Prime/SKY has once again pushed it's influence and obtained funding for this documentary.
It really should have been TVNZ that did this as it has been around for the 50 years since the days of the regionals, right through to TV One and TV2/SPTV, and then TVNZ in 1980.
This highlights the case for digital regulation in New Zealand and the forced breakup of Sky.
TVNZ should withhold all video from Prime for this documentary and I even said so in an email I sent just moments ago.