TVNZ has rolled out an updated version of its TVNZ+ platform, describing it as having a flexible, future-ready foundation.
Going live across April 18 and 19, the platform’s new upgrades include a re-designed featured content carousel, a top 10 belt for most popular content and a simpler, more secure login.
TVNZ says it has always had a strong track record of digital innovation. Its website turned 30 this year, first launching in 1996 with an online shop selling VHS tapes, merchandise and a TV guide.
In 2007, TVNZ On Demand debuted, later forming the TVNZ+ streaming platform that now exists. It reaches 1.5 million Kiwis every week with its entertainment, sports and news content. TVNZ adds that pay products and personalisation are around the corner.
Clear ambition
TVNZ’s chief digital officer Rob Hutchinson says the company has a clear ambition: to be New Zealand’s number one streaming platform for entertainment, sport and news.
“TVNZ+ already stands shoulder-to-shoulder with global streamers in our market, but to reach more Kiwis than anyone else in a digital world we knew we needed to make a step change.
“We’ve designed a new TVNZ+ for how New Zealanders watch today and for how they will in the future. By setting up a flexible, future-ready foundation we’ll be able to move faster, introduce new formats and features, and keep delivering the best possible experience for our viewers and advertisers.”
Initial upgrades
Viewers will see initial upgrades like a re-designed featured content carousel, a top 10 belt for most popular content, a simpler, more secure login and the introduction of audio description capability to improve the platform’s accessibility.
There will also be audio and visual quality content upgrades, auto-playing video previews and the ability to purchase event passes in advance of the Fifa World Cup 2026.
Additional opportunities include vertical video viewing capabilities, which allows for short-form entertainment, news and sport clips to be watched in a mobile-first design.
The new platform will have unique homepages for each viewer and the potential to introduce interactive participation features, such as polls and reactions on TVNZ+.
Advertisers will also have the opportunity to unlock new data capabilities, allowing them to tap into more interest and behaviour insights. The new platform will also expand sponsorship opportunities for clients, including customisable CTV login imagery, branded featured belts of content and sponsored title art.
Market-leading partners
This technology investment is part of TVNZ’s wider digital-first focus. It has seen them working alongside three global companies to develop and deliver the new TVNZ+ platform.
These include Quickplay, a provider of cloud-based OTT platforms for large-scale streaming services, Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Evergent, a platform for subscriber management, identity and monetisation.
