TV streaming service for kiwi kids goes live

4:21 pm on 27 May 2018

New Zealand's first online media hub for children has been launched.

File photo

File photo Photo: 123RF

Yesterday broadcasting minister Clare Curran launched HeiHei, an online TV channel for children aged five to nine.

The contents would include stories, games, and music.

Most of the content will be local, Ms Curran said.

"There is really a lack of content that targets New Zealand children, telling New Zealand stories with New Zealand voices and accents," she said.

"New Zealand has the lowest level of public service media funding of almost any developed country. That's why Budget 2018 has $15million set aside for 2018/19 to increase access to quality content, including children's content, and to transform RNZ into RNZ+.

"I acknowledge there has been some difficulty in the past getting broadcasters to air local children's content at all, let alone at suitable times. HeiHei more than steps into this space."

The content will be available 24/7, she said.

People can access the hub through downloading the HeiHei app or going to www.heihei.nz.