Jandalbirds are go for local send-up of cult classic

Following the success of local cartoon series Bro'Town on TV3, a new children's series on TV2 called Jandalbirds will feature a Polynesian take-off of the old puppet hit Thunderbirds.

"Real actors play a somewhat dysfunctional Pacific Island family trying to rescue others in danger, in exchange for free TV coverage of rugby league," NZ On Air chief executive Jo Tyndall said yesterday.

The agency is putting more than $440,000 towards 20 episodes of Jandalbirds, as part of a $2.5 million grant for TV2 children's programmes.