Andrew Shaw, former children’s TV host and later media executive, has died after a battle with cancer.
Shaw started his career in the 1970s with the TV2 show Here’s Andy, later renamed Hey Hey It’s Andy.
He then became a producer and director before rising to be Head of Commissioning, Production and Acquisitions at TVNZ.
A spokesperson for the broadcaster said: "This is an incredibly sad day for TVNZ."
Shaw's directing and producing work covered a wider range of shows covering everything from comedy and ballet to popular music programme Drop a Kulcha.
He also worked as both a presenter and producer for the telethons which raised millions for charity in the 1970s and 1980s.
After a spell as Chief Operating Officer at production company South Pacific Pictures in the early 2000s, including signing a deal for the New Zealand version of American Idol, Shaw returned to TVNZ in executive roles. He remained at the network until 2020 and later was on the board of NZ On Air.
He was named Television Legend at the NZ Television Awards in 2020 and, in 2024, was recognised as Industry Champion by the local producers' guild SPADA.
Shaw, who was 68, died on May 24 after a lengthy battle with cancer. He leaves a wife and four children.
TVNZ's spokesperson said: "Andrew spent much of his career here. Some of the biggest programmes in TVNZ’s archive carry Andrew’s name in the credits.
"Andrew’s final role with TVNZ was as our Deputy Director of Content and he was a much-loved leader and mentor in our content team.
"Andrew would have dismissed attempts to describe his legacy with a witty retort that would have had everybody laughing, but his immense contribution to television in New Zealand cannot be overstated.
"He was a passionate advocate for the local production community, a loyal colleague and a great friend. We will miss him very much and our thoughts are with Andrew’s family."
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