Govt wants local NZ apps on TV screens by default

The New Zealand Government will require manufacturers of smart TVs and streaming devices sold locally to pre-install and prominently feature local media apps, including TVNZ+, Sky’s ThreeNow, and MĀORI+, according to Media Minister Paul Goldsmith. This mandate aims to ensure local services are easily accessible on home screens to protect viewership and advertising revenue against global platforms like Netflix.

Why is the government mandating local app prominence?

Media Minister Paul Goldsmith stated that prominence directly affects viewership, which in turn drives advertising revenue. He noted that while global services often come pre-installed—sometimes with dedicated remote buttons—local apps were missing from the newest models of two major brands.

TVNZ welcomed the decision, arguing that local organizations that pay tax and create jobs shouldn’t be disadvantaged. A spokesperson for the broadcaster said global platforms can “buy prominence” without contributing to the local creative sector or economy.

Did You Know? The government expects a lag of about 18 months before these rules take effect to give TV producers sufficient time to change their manufacturing processes.

How will the new rules be implemented?

The requirement will apply to manufacturers importing TVs into New Zealand. Goldsmith told 1News that the rules will require legislation to pass through Parliament, followed by a pause to allow for industry adjustments.

The government is still deciding which regulator will oversee the scheme and what tools will be used to handle non-compliance. While the initial mandate focuses on TVs and streaming devices, the minister said the government could consider extending the rules to gaming consoles or set-top boxes as legislation develops.

Expert Insight: Samantha Carter suggests this move represents a strategic effort to decouple local content discovery from the declining infrastructure of linear broadcasting. By forcing prominence at the OS level, the government is attempting to mitigate the “invisible” nature of local apps in an ecosystem dominated by global tech giants.

What happens to traditional free-to-air television?

The shift toward internet-only delivery is accelerating as broadcasters weigh the future of terrestrial broadcasting. Victoria University associate professor Peter Thompson described linear television as being in an “irreversible downward decline.”

Thompson noted that cost pressures, including spectrum management rights and rent paid to state-owned enterprise Kordia, may push broadcasters to close niche channels. He added that New Zealand audiences generally like local content but don’t necessarily seek it out on their own.

Freeview general manager Leon Mead said the linear platform remains in two-thirds of New Zealand homes. Freeview has launched “Freeview NextGen,” a DVB-I internet-based standard that allows viewers to watch free-to-air channels via broadband without an aerial. Mead noted that internal wind-down dates aren’t locked in, citing government spectrum licensing decisions expected in 2033 as a factor.

What may happen next?

The government may monitor similar rules already implemented in the UK and Australia to refine its own approach. As terrestrial broadcasting eventually declines, broadcasters could further consolidate their offerings to focus only on core channels.

Manufacturers may be forced to redesign home screen layouts or remote controls to accommodate the required local apps. Depending on the final legislation, the scope of devices requiring these apps could expand to include a wider array of hardware.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which apps must be pre-installed on New Zealand TVs?
The starting line-up includes TVNZ+, Sky’s ThreeNow, and MĀORI+, with the possibility of others being added later.

Will this affect gaming consoles?
According to Minister Paul Goldsmith, the requirement would not initially extend to gaming consoles or streaming set-top boxes, though this may be considered during legislative development.

When will the change happen?
The rules require legislation to pass through Parliament, and the minister noted there is typically an 18-month lag for manufacturers to implement such changes.

How do you usually find local content on your smart TV?