'Defining year': TVNZ unveils profit, dividend payment, year's most-watched shows

TVNZ has posted a $16.3 million statutory profit for the financial year and will pay a dividend to the Government of $2.2 million.

The broadcaster today reported digital revenue growth of 16.8% and said it had made “real progress” with its Digital+ strategy, including investing in new technology ahead of the FIFA World Cup in June-July this year.

The broadcaster is a Crown-owned commercial entity and will pay a $2.2 million dividend to the Government. Total dividends paid to the Crown for the financial year to June totalled $3.8 million.

The company’s operational earnings (before interest and taxes) came to a paper loss of $23.5 million, which had been previously signalled. This was due to planned strategic investments in “products, platforms and capability needed to drive long-term digital growth”, TVNZ said today.

In revealing the year’s most-watched shows, news and local content were to the fore.

1 News at 6pm was the most-watched programme across both linear television and streaming online on TVNZ+.

TVNZ Chief Executive Jodi O’Donnell said it was a year of “real progress” for the broadcaster.

“We made deliberate choices about where to invest, launched new products for viewers, and kept focused on the fundamentals. That momentum is due to the efforts of TVNZers right across the business, and I want to thank our people for the energy and grit they’ve brought to what has been a defining year,” she said.

“There’s more to do, but we’re clear on where we’re heading and confident in the path we’re taking.”

The past 12 months had marked the first half of an investment period, with major milestones including the launch of a news TVNZ+ platform and the debut of a paid Event Pass strategy, including for the FIFA World Cup.

“Together, these launches created new ways for New Zealanders to enjoy the content they love, while opening new opportunities for digital growth and revenue diversification,” the company said.

The broadcaster highlighted a “standout” year for content, ranging from big national moments and trusted news, live sport and local stories.

The FIFA World Cup reached more than a third of Kiwis across TVNZ 1 and TVNZ+ and became the biggest event in TVNZ’s streaming history.

TVNZ also has the rights for the 2030 tournament.

Other highlights included UFC, the Super Bowl, the 2026 Paralympics; new “sportainment” formats such as the T20 Black Clash and Chasing the Fox and coverage of the NPC and FPC provincial rugby, as well as securing the rights to the next America’s Cup.

A refreshed 1 News at Six was the broadcaster’s most-watched programme across both linear and TVNZ+. In the past year Melissa Stokes and Jack Tame were named presenters.

Other news highlights included Tova O’Brien joining Breakfast, the launch of BNZ Business Breakfast with Mei Heron and news specials You, Me and the Economy and You, Me and Aussie.

Local content also proved popular including The Chase NZ, Celebrity Tipping Point NZ, Shortland Street, Moving Houses, Off the Grid with Colin and Manu and the 60th anniversary of Hyundai Country Calendar.

TVNZ reported digital revenue growth of 16.8% and said it was creating more ways to reach audiences in premium, trusted environments.

The company expects to report a loss in the current financial year as it completes its two-year investment programme, before expecting to return to profitability in the 2028 financial year.

O’Donnell said New Zealanders were changing how they watched content and TVNZ was changing with them.

“FY27 will be another important year of delivery. We are clear on the investment required and confident the choices we’re making now will position TVNZ for a stronger and more sustainable future.”