Nearly 60,000 households could be eligible for Government assistance to switch to digital television.
By the end of next year, only a digital television signal will be available throughout New Zealand.
Broadcasting Minister Craig Foss says the Government recognises that a small group of people will need financial or technical help to make the change.
A targeted assistance package announced on Tuesday is expected to cost between $12 - $18 million for an estimated 58,000 households.
To be eligible, people will have to be 75 years of age or older and have a community services card, or be receiving an Invalid's Benefit or Veteran's Pension.