TVNZ's star-studded launch of HEIHEI, new kids' online TV platform

Broadcaster Toni Street is happy her daughters Mackenzie and Juliette will see Kiwi kids just like them on TVNZ's HEIHEI kids' streaming platform. Photo / Doug Sherring

The stars of What Now were on hand to kick off TVNZ's new streaming platform for kids at a colourful party at West Auckland's Whoa! Studios.

Ronnie, Erin and Chris, masters of gunge, entertained the children of Kiwi celebrities, including TV and radio presenter Toni Street's daughters Juliette, 5, and Mackenzie, 3 at the launch party for HEIHEI yesterday.

Broadcaster Andrew Saville also attended with his brood, as did Shortland Street star Ben Barrington.

HEIHEI is a new ad-free online TV service featuring New Zealand-made children's shows.

The name means "commotion" or "chicken" in te reo and the streaming service features shows using Māori language, as well as New Zealand people, place names and Kiwi kids or characters, wherever possible.

Kiwi classic What Now and The Moe Show, which has been dubbed the local version of Sesame Street, are among programmes kids can tune into on the website and Apple and Android apps. NZ On Air has funded the platform.

What Now's Ronnie, Chris and Erin, as well as Jess Quilter and Stacey Tremain from Fanimals, and other Kiwi TV stars, entertained the young guests at the launch party at the film studio and playground in Henderson.

Street was thrilled her kids would see Kiwis on TV.

"I'm getting sick of [Juliette and Mackenzie] picking up American expressions because that's the only choice. It's also peace of mind knowing HEIHEI is safe, and they'll be watching Kiwi kids just like them," she said.

Broadcasting Minister Clare Curran said $15 million was set aside in 2018-19 to increase access to quality content, including children's content.

"Tamariki are this country's future and it's vital for them to hear and see their own voices and stories and for our culture to be reflected in content, without advertising," she said.

TVNZ's content director Cate Slater said the company was keen to provide relevant and diverse children's content that resonated with Kiwi kids.

"We've done significant research into children's viewing habits which drove us to rethink how we deliver content to them on new platforms and with interactivity included."

NZ On Air chief executive Jane Wrightson said tamariki were an important audience that the organisation wanted to invest in.