Children and Youth Scripted and Non-fiction content

Our Children’s Funding Strategy guides how we plan to reach and strengthen onscreen representation of tamariki and rangatahi aged 0 – 14 years in Aotearoa.

This strategy is led by audience research and is actively seeking ways to be present in more places where children spend time consuming media.

In November 2025 we released comprehensive new research examining the media use of children aged 2-14 years. This research confirmed YouTube is the place more New Zealand children consume content each day than any other platform. It also found that while parents and children appreciate local content, they often don't know where to find it.

That's why we have created KIDOGO - a hub for local children's content on YouTube.

We also fund children’s music through New Music Kids.

Trans-Tasman Kids IP Incubator

The Kids IP Incubator is a partnership between NZ On Air, Screen Australia and the Australian Children’s Television Foundation (ACTF). It gives established and emerging children’s content makers a structured pathway to explore, develop and, for selected projects, produce original digital-first IP for direct-to-audience online platforms.

The initiative combines development funding, in-person workshops in Melbourne alongside selected Australian teams, online modules and one-on-one mentoring from specialists with YouTube and direct-to-audience platform experience.

Please read the Guidelines for applicants for this initiative below.

A webinar for intending applicants will be held on October 27 at 11.00am. To register for this email funding@nzonair.govt.nz with the subject line 'Incubator webinar'.

We recognise the need to provide a more adaptable and encouraging approach to funding youth content. Funding needs to:

• be accessible to younger creators
• resonate with younger audiences.

Within My Reach strategy

The Within My Reach strategy is based on extensive research and understanding of the rapidly changing media landscape that New Zealanders aged 15 to 24 are engaged with. It incorporates the following principles:

• fostering mentorship
• expanding pathways
• re-evaluating funding processes
• social media-first approach
• content with impact.

Key principles for assessing youth projects

In addition to our general investment principles, we evaluate youth projects based on the following principles.

Resonance

Does the content/team have a plan and the capacity to respond to their audience in real-time? This could include a robust social media strategy or built-in interactivity.

Reach

Will the content resonate with young people? Is the team connected to and appropriate for the story they're telling? Is the content of high quality, edgy, and interesting?

There are specific requirements for the accreditation of funded children's content:

• when it is broadcast
• when it is uploaded/published
• in publicity
• in promotional material.

These accreditation requirements form part of the contract for pūtea tautoko (funding).