What is the television, film, and media content scene like in New Zealand?

Okay, no problem! Settle in, and I'll tell you about television, film, and media in New Zealand, trying to keep it conversational.

Hey, talking about New Zealand TV and film – it's a pretty interesting topic. If you're used to the big-budget, fast-paced feel of productions from your home country or Hollywood, you might find New Zealand media a bit "slow" initially.

Simply put, New Zealand media content is like a home-cooked meal made with fresh local ingredients. It might not be as glamorous as a Michelin-starred restaurant, but the taste is authentic and sincere.

Overall Vibe: Down-to-Earth, Authentic, and a Bit Dry Humour

New Zealand's population is only about 5 million, similar to a second-tier city in China. So, their media market is small, and budgets are limited, which dictates the style of most productions:

• Small, Beautiful Stories: You rarely see Hollywood-esque save-the-world spectacles. Instead, it's more about ordinary people's lives, neighbourly relationships, and quirky happenings in small towns.
• Scenery is a Protagonist: New Zealand boasts world-class natural landscapes. Directors often feature sweeping shots of magnificent snowy mountains, tranquil lakes, and lush green pastures in both films and TV shows. Often, the scenery itself becomes part of the story.
• Unique "Kiwi Humour": This is a dry, somewhat self-deprecating, understated sense of humour. Sometimes you might think, "Is that supposed to be funny?" But then it sinks in a moment later, and you find the wit in it. Early works by director Taika Waititi are prime examples of this humour.

Let's break it down by category:

Television (TV) - A Part of Everyday Life

New Zealand has few free-to-air TV channels, mainly these:

• TVNZ 1 / TVNZ 2: The state broadcaster. TVNZ 1 leans towards news, current affairs, documentaries, and programs for a more mature audience. The 6 PM news is a "traditional ritual" for many households. TVNZ 2 is more youth-oriented, airing many popular American series, animated shows, and reality TV.
• Three (formerly TV3): A commercial broadcaster, similar in style to TVNZ 2, with a mix of news, reality shows, and overseas series.
• Other Channels: There are smaller channels like Whakaata Māori, which broadcasts Māori language programs, and some channels dedicated to sports or lifestyle.

What do people usually watch?

1. News and Current Affairs: New Zealanders are very interested in local news, so news ratings are consistently high.
2. Reality Shows: Especially home renovation, cooking, and dating reality shows like The Block NZ (renovation competition) and MasterChef NZ (cooking competition) are incredibly popular.
3. Local Dramas: The most famous is Shortland Street, a medical "soap opera" that has been running for almost 30 years and is considered a national institution in New Zealand. While the production might look a bit "dated," its status in New Zealand is akin to My Fair Princess or Home with Kids in China, a memory spanning generations.
4. Comedy: New Zealand comedy is distinctive, for instance, the popular Wellington Paranormal from a few years ago, which uses a mockumentary style to depict police hunting ghosts, full of the dry humour mentioned earlier.

Streaming Era: Younger generations certainly use streaming services more. Besides international platforms like Netflix and Disney+, TVNZ has its free app called TVNZ+, and Three has ThreeNow. You can watch live broadcasts and on-demand content of all their shows for free, which is very convenient.

Film (Film) - More Than Just Lord of the Rings

When anyone worldwide thinks of New Zealand cinema, The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit are usually the first things that come to mind. Indeed, Peter Jackson transformed New Zealand into a real-life "Middle-earth" and directly elevated New Zealand's film industry (especially the special effects company Weta Workshop) to a world-class level.

However, beyond such epic blockbusters, more typical New Zealand films are like these:

• Small Budget, Big Heart: With limited budgets, the focus is more on screenwriting and character development. Director Taika Waititi (yes, the genius who later directed Thor: Ragnarok and Jojo Rabbit)'s Hunt for the Wilderpeople and Boy are perfect examples. The stories are simple but genuinely emotional, brimming with childlike wonder and a touch of melancholy.
• Māori Culture as a Key Element: Many excellent films revolve around Māori history, culture, and identity in modern society. Classic examples like Whale Rider and Once Were Warriors are great windows into understanding Māori culture.
• Diverse Styles: Besides heartwarming comedies, New Zealand also has notable horror and thriller films, such as Housebound, which blends horror and humour effectively.

Other Media - Radio, Podcasts, and News Websites

• Radio: When driving, listening to the radio is common. There's the national broadcaster RNZ, which is ad-free and offers in-depth content. There are also many commercial stations playing pop music and talk shows, like ZM, The Edge, and The Rock.
• News Websites: Primarily two giants, Stuff and NZ Herald. Most local news and lifestyle information can be found on these two websites. RNZ's news website is also highly regarded for its neutrality and depth.
• Podcast: Like everywhere else, podcasts are gaining popularity in New Zealand. There are local productions covering various genres like comedy, crime, and current affairs, which can help you better understand the local mindset and popular culture.

To Summarize

In general, New Zealand's media content mirrors the country's personality: it doesn't strive for flashy exteriors but values inner sincerity and connection to the land. If you genuinely want to understand New Zealand's customs and culture, watching their TV and films is definitely a shortcut. It's not extravagant, but it's very genuine.