MTV (New Zealand TV channel)
| Company type | Subsidiary |
|---|---|
| Industry | Entertainment, Music television |
| Founded | August 18, 2006 in Auckland, New Zealand |
| Defunct | November 30, 2010 |
| Fate | Merged into MTV Australia |
| Headquarters | Auckland , New Zealand |
Area served | New Zealand |
| Owner | MTV Networks International (Viacom) |
Number of employees | 23 |
| Parent | MTV Networks International |
| Website | www |
MTV New Zealand operated as a round-the-clock entertainment channel under the management of MTV Networks International, debuting on 18 August 2006 with a team of 23 staff members based in Auckland. The channel ceased operations on 30 November 2010, when it was succeeded by MTV Australia. Despite this change, localized advertising and a dedicated New Zealand website persisted until November 2011, after which MTV.co.nz redirected users to MTV.com.au.
History
Between June 1997 and June 1998, MTV was broadcast free-to-air in New Zealand through TVNZ, using programming sourced from the UK version of MTV. This service replaced Auckland’s free music channels Max TV and Christchurch’s Cry TV, operating exclusively in major urban centers such as Auckland, Wellington, Tauranga, Hamilton, Christchurch, and Dunedin.
On 18 May 2006, SKY Network Television revealed plans to launch a licensed and localized MTV channel managed by Viacom New Zealand. The initiative received endorsements from prominent figures in the local music industry including Ed St. John (Warner Music Australasia), Denis Handlin (Sony BMG Australia & New Zealand), Andy Murnane (Dawn Raid Entertainment), and hip-hop artist Savage. Full broadcasting commenced on 16 August 2006.
In 2007, alongside the MTV Australia Video Music Awards, MTV introduced a New Zealand Viewers Choice Award category, which was awarded to Goodnight Nurse. To mark this occasion, MTV New Zealand collaborated with Air New Zealand to host the world’s inaugural MTV Mile High Gig, featuring live sets by Goodnight Nurse and Dukes aboard an aircraft en route to the awards ceremony.
For its first anniversary on 18 August 2007, MTV presented MTV Snow Jam at Snow Park in Wānaka, showcasing performances from artists such as Lupe Fiasco, Savage, Mareko, and The Mint Chicks. This event coincided with the Billabong Slopestyle Jam finals.
Website
Initially launched in July 2006 as a promotional platform featuring contests and information about VJ auditions, the full website went live simultaneously with the channel’s launch on 18 August 2006. It offered MTV New Zealand promos, news updates, competitions, forums, and exclusive content like MTV Full Tank. A site redesign on 29 May 2007 brought its appearance closer to that of MTV Australia’s website but retained a unique color scheme. This layout remained in place until the channel was discontinued.
Closure of New Zealand office
On 28 September 2010, MTV Networks International declared the closure of its Auckland office and announced that operations for MTV New Zealand would be transferred to the Sydney office of MTV Networks Australia & New Zealand. This transition coincided with the channel’s closure on 30 November 2010.
Programming and schedule
MTV New Zealand broadcast popular MTV programs including Punk'd, Pimp My Ride, Laguna Beach, and The Hills. Locally produced shows featured Full Tank, hosted by Amber Peebles and Jay Reeve, as well as 100% Pure NZ, which highlighted new music releases from New Zealand artists.
The channel aired a nightly Top 10 Countdown that showcased different music genres. On 6 July 2007, MTV introduced The Mix, hosted by Peebles and Reeve.
Although marketed as 'Music Television', only three to four music-oriented shows were broadcast daily. The majority of airtime was dedicated to reality programming produced by MTV, with music videos generally scheduled during intervals between these shows.
Programming segments
MTV New Zealand featured a variety of specialized programming segments, such as:
- Dumb-ass Tuesday – A block dedicated to comedy series including Punk'd, Jackass, and Dirty Sanchez, airing from 8pm until midnight.
- Nu-shite – A Saturday afternoon slot from 4pm to 8pm showcasing reruns of recent shows.
- The 10-spot – A diverse lineup of weekly programs broadcast at 10pm on weekdays.
- Monday Night's a B*tch – Reality television series like Laguna Beach and The Hills, scheduled Monday evenings from 8pm to midnight.
- Lowrider Thursday – Automotive-focused shows such as Pimp My Ride, airing Thursdays between 8pm and midnight.
- Larry & Spud Sunday Roast – Prime-time Sunday programming from 8pm to midnight.
- Wacked Out Wednesdays – Featuring series like Room 401 and Scarred, broadcast on Wednesdays.
- Slip Slop Slapper Sundays – Repeats of programs including Maui Fever and The Hills, shown Sundays from 6pm to 11pm.
- Sweatin' Beats – Early morning dance music video block running from 3am to 5am.
On weekends, themed marathons aired with varying concepts, scheduled Saturdays from 10am to 3pm and Sundays from 1pm to 8pm.
Past VJs
- Amber Peebles
- Jay Reeve
- Sam Kelway
MTV Networks New Zealand
The MTV Networks portfolio in New Zealand comprised:
- MTV (New Zealand)
- Nickelodeon (New Zealand)
- Comedy Central (Australia & New Zealand) (currently active)