New Zealand’s government has launched a public consultation on sweeping media reforms designed to update regulations, enhance funding and strengthen local content in a rapidly changing digital landscape.

Released by the Ministry for Culture and Heritage (NZMCH) on February 12, the Media Reform discussion document proposes significant changes aimed at creating a regulatory and funding environment to meet the needs of today’s content producers and audiences. One key focus is making local media services easily accessible on Smart TVs, allowing audiences to discover New Zealand-based content more easily. 

The government is also considering requiring streaming platforms and broadcasters to invest in and promote local productions to help sustain the homegrown industry. It’s a move that would echo similar government initiatives in other territories, including Canada. While the Australian government had announced plans in 2022 to introduce local content requirements for major streamers, those efforts have been put on hold while the government continues consultation.

Accessibility improvements are another major component of the New Zealand government’s proposals, with plans to expand captioning and audio descriptions to ensure content is more inclusive for disabled viewers. Additionally, the proposal aims to modernize New Zealand’s broadcasting standards to cover all professional media, not just broadcasters, with a revised regulator focusing on system-level outcomes rather than individual complaints. (“Professional Media” would include broadcasters, streaming platforms and online news but exclude user-generated content platforms like social media.)

Another significant area within the proposals involves streamlining government funding for content production by consolidating NZ On Air (which provides funding for radio, television, music and digital media production) and feature film funding body New Zealand Film Commission into a single entity that would administer public funding more efficiently and strategically, ensuring greater impact for every dollar spent.

The government has not yet committed to implementing these changes and is seeking feedback from industry stakeholders and the public before making any decisions. Submissions are open until March 23, allowing media professionals, advocacy groups and consumers to weigh in.

The Media Reform discussion document and submission details are available here.

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