TVNZ has started rolling out a new version of its streaming platform, TVNZ+, in a major upgrade designed to enhance the viewing experience while significantly expanding opportunities for advertisers.
The new platform, developed in partnership with global technology providers Quickplay, Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Evergent, forms part of TVNZ’s broader strategy to move faster on product innovation, improve personalisation, and deliver more advanced advertising capabilities.
TVNZ says the upgrade reflects its long-standing digital evolution, which began with its early website in 1996 and the launch of TVNZ OnDemand in 2007. Today, TVNZ+ has grown into a major streaming destination for entertainment, sport and news, reaching around 1.5 million New Zealanders each week.
Early improvements for viewers
The first phase of the rollout introduces a redesigned featured content carousel and a ‘Top 10’ belt highlighting the platform’s most popular content.
Users will also see a simpler and more secure login experience, along with new audio description functionality designed to improve accessibility.
TVNZ says some minor data disruptions may occur during the transition, but these will be limited and are not expected to have any long-term impact.
Affected partners will be notified in advance where necessary.
What it means for advertisers
The most significant changes sit on the advertising side of the platform.
The new TVNZ+ infrastructure will give advertisers access to more detailed audience data, unlocking richer insights into viewer interests, behaviours and contextual moments within programming. This shift is designed to enable more precise targeting and more relevant ad placements within content environments.
TVNZ is also introducing new premium advertising formats across the platform.
These include:
Custom connected TV (CTV) login screen creative
Branded content belts within the viewing experience
Sponsored title artwork and enhanced in-platform brand integrations
These additions are designed to give brands more opportunities to stand out in a streaming-first environment, moving beyond traditional video ad slots into more integrated and visible placements.
The updated platform also sets the foundation for future features, including improved audio and visual quality, auto-playing video previews, and the ability to purchase event passes directly through TVNZ+ for the first time.
This capability is expected to become increasingly important ahead of major live sporting moments, including the FIFA World Cup 2026, where streaming audiences and live content monetisation are expected to play a major role.
