HGTV to Enter New Zealand

AUCKLAND: The home and lifestyle brand HGTV is headed to New Zealand, where it will launch on Freeview on June 27.

The U.S. network will feature series that have not yet been seen before in New Zealand. The programs have been selected based on their potential to provide inspiration, instruction and entertainment, featuring fresh ideas, the latest trends and access to celebrity homes and real estate listings. Key titles include Fixer Upper, Flip or Flop, Five Day Flip, Kitchen Cousins, the House Hunters franchise and Tiny House, Big Living.

The channel is launching in New Zealand in collaboration with Blue Ant Media and Scripps Networks Interactive. It will operate under the management of Blue Ant’s broadcast channel Choice TV, headquartered in Auckland.

Julia Baylis, the general manager of Choice TV, said: “HGTV is an exciting new addition to New Zealand’s free-to-air television environment. HGTV’s quality programming epitomizes New Zealand’s love affair for DIY and home improvement.”

“Through this partnership with Blue Ant Media, Scripps Networks Interactive will further increase its global footprint and introduce its powerhouse brands and high-quality programming to audiences across New Zealand,” said Jim Samples, the president of international at Scripps Networks Interactive. “We have already seen great success with the rollout of HGTV, and now, by launching in New Zealand, we aim to fill the gap in this market for inspirational home and garden entertainment.”