The progress to digital in New Zealand

New Zealand began the transition to digital television relatively late compared to other developed countries. When the policy framework was established in 2006, it centred on a Freeview model, as a counter to the pay TV platform that had been digital since 1998, achieving considerable penetration in that time. This article will examine the progress of the transition from 2006 to analogue switch-off (ASO) that began in 2012 and is to be completed by the end of 2013. It will note the light-handed nature of regulation and government policy, the impact of a change of government, the ultimate failure of an attempt at a multi-channel strategy and the reduction of public broadcasting.