21st July 2011

NZ On Air is congratulating What Now on its 30th birthday this weekend.

A very special programme this Sunday will see the return of previous presenters including Danny Watson, Frank Flash, Jason Fa’afoi and Tamati Coffey in the studio alongside the current hosts Charlie Panapa, Gemma Rose Knight, Johnson Raela and of course Camilla the Gorilla.

The iconic show began in 1981 with Steve Parr as the presenter and has remained must watch TV for children over the three decades.

NZ On Air has supported the series since 1991 and this year invested $2,979,534.

“Children are a key audience for NZ On Air” NZ On Air Chief Executive Jane Wrightson says.

“Thirty years is a record for a children’s programme in New Zealand and we’re pleased TV2 continues to support What Now. The programme focuses on having fun while highlighting New Zealand identity and values to our children” Ms Wrightson says.

Since 2004 What Now has been produced by the Christchurch-based Whitebait productions headed by Janine Morell-Gunn and former What Now host Jason Gunn.

While the milestone gives What Now plenty to celebrate, NZ On Air also wants to recognise the efforts of the team at Whitebait productions to get back on air after the Christchurch earthquake, and to acknowledge the loss of two young crew members, Isaac Thompson and Andrew Bishop, who were working in the CTV building during the major February quake.

ENDS

© Scoop Media