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TVNZ

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TVNZ
Design: Liam Rātana

Reviewing John Campbell’s fearless exposé of Brian Tamaki and Destiny Church

The new TVNZ+ docuseries is a gripping and unsettling look at how Destiny Church has amassed money and power – and why its growing aggression should alarm us all.
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By Liam Rātana | 30th April, 2025
Ātea editor
Mirren Mack stars as the (maybe villainous, threatening) Kaya in TVNZ on Demand’s new family drama The Nest. (Photo: TVNZ)

Home sweet home: The rise of the dark family drama

You can’t choose your family, but you can choose your drama. Tara Ward rounds up the five best family dramas on TVNZ on Demand.
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By Tara Ward | 18th June, 2020
Staff writer
Two men, two bodies to guard, but only one of them can win. Will it be Richard Madden’s David Budd or Kevin Costner’s Frank Farmer?

Bodyguard vs The Bodyguard: Who guarded the body best?

Sam Brooks compares two of the most prominent on-screen bodyguards to see how they stack up.
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By Sam Brooks | 8th June, 2020
Contributing writer
Otto Farrant stars as Alex Rider in the triumphant new adaptation of the series.

Bond, Teen Bond: The brilliance of the Alex Rider series

Sam Brooks pays tribute to Alex Rider, and the new TV series that (finally) captures the spirit of the books.
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By Sam Brooks | 5th June, 2020
Contributing writer
Rhys Darby in Big in Japan, coming to TVNZ tonight. (Photo: TVNZ)

From your couch to the world in five shows

Tara Ward rounds up all the TVNZ shows that will also take you from your armchair to locales far and wide.
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By Tara Ward | 4th June, 2020
Staff writer
What mood are you feeling? More importantly: What show do you want to watch to match that mood?

A show for any mood: What to watch when you’re feeling…

Are you in a mood? Like, literally any mood? Don’t worry, Sam Brooks has you covered with something to cater to (or escape from) some very specific moods.
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By Sam Brooks | 15th May, 2020
Contributing writer
Ever wish Normal People would have a bit more whale action? We’ve got your answer.

The animal shows bringing you the best real-life drama

Tired of watching human faces on your screen but still love a bit of action?
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By Tara Ward | 8th May, 2020
Staff writer
Bree Tomasel, who has ‘this’ more than any of us, hosts the fun-filled family game show, You Got This.

Challenge accepted: How to make lockdown fun with You Got This!

Inspired by You Got This!, Tara Ward gives us a few of the challenges she’s done with her own family during lockdown. 
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By Tara Ward | 30th April, 2020
Staff writer
The roots are showing, as Have You Been Paying Attention? moves from the studio to the living room.

Have You Been Paying Attention’s Hayley Sproull on the move from studio to lounge

How do you move your news-stuffed, comedian-packed game show to Zoom? Sam Brooks talked to Hayley Sproull, host of Have You Been Paying Attention?, to find out.
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By Sam Brooks | 29th April, 2020
Contributing writer
Pictured: Two experts (restaurateur Ganesh Raj and chef Mike Van de Elzen) and an amateur (Sam Brooks).

A very amateur cook on how to Eat Well For Less

Ahead of the NZ debut of Eat Well For Less, literal first-time cook Sam Brooks gives a few of his own (barely tested) tips of how to eat well for less.
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By Sam Brooks | 28th April, 2020
Contributing writer
Need a new thriller? Look no further than The Secrets She Keeps. Photo: TVNZ.

Gone Sheila: The Secrets She Keeps is your new Australian thriller addiction

Need to scratch that Gone Girl itch from years past? The Secrets She Keeps is the new Australian thriller that asks how far you should go to get the perfect life.
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By Tara Ward | 23rd April, 2020
Staff writer
All of these dogs are angels sent directly from the best place in existence, but I’m sure they’d still appreciate a groom.

Ten dogs that need to be on Pooch Perfect right now

Pooch Perfect is the dog-grooming reality show you never knew you wanted. Here are the famous dogs who we think deserve a spot to be groomed by the best of the best.
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By Sam Brooks | 16th April, 2020
Contributing writer
Here’s the cast of the new season of The Amazing Race Australia, but how do they stack up against each other?

A blind ranking of the lucky souls on The Amazing Race: Australia

Let’s meet the brave Australians who threw caution to the wind in search of $250,000 and a free trip around the planet. 
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By Tara Ward | 13th April, 2020
Staff writer
Noughts + Crosses drops in its entirety on TVNZ on Demand today, but what is it? (Photo: Supplied)

What you need to know about the world of Noughts + Crosses

Sam Brooks brings us up to speed on what you need to know before you watch Noughts + Crosses, set in an alternate version of present day Britain.
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By Sam Brooks | 10th April, 2020
Contributing writer
Phil and Kirstie from Location Location Location, which screened on Choice

The Kirstie and Phil guide to conflict resolution

Tara Ward investigates how property gurus Kirstie and Phil can help us with our own interpersonal property dilemmas.
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By Tara Ward | 1st April, 2020
Staff writer
These are the best, most brilliant friendships on television.

They’re not just for life, they’re for TV: The most brilliant friendships on the box

They'll be there for you, when the rain starts to fall.
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By Tara Ward | 13th March, 2020
Staff writer
Helen Hunt and Paul Reiser in the 90s classic, Mad About You.

Bringing back the Buchmans: Celebrating the mad ’90s moments in Mad About You

Nearly 30 years after its first episode, Mad About You is back. Tara Ward travels back to in time to celebrate the show’s most '90s moments. 
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By Tara Ward | 6th March, 2020
Staff writer
Meet the dog who is absolutely mad for Country Calendar

Meet the dog who is absolutely mad for Country Calendar

To celebrate the return of Country Calendar to TVNZ1, Alex Casey tracks down the show's biggest canine fan. 
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By Alex Casey | 1st March, 2020
Senior writer
Wanna go to Europe? You can (through your television screen, albeit).

How to watch the best European TV drama for free

Tara Ward rounds up the best European drama for your viewing pleasure. 
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By Tara Ward | 27th February, 2020
Staff writer
Sophie Baird, the woman fighting for your consumer rights since ages ago.

The underdog bites back: Meet the consumer crusader behind Fair Go

After 43 years on the telly, Fair Go knows exactly how to stick up for Kiwi consumers. Tara Ward talks to Sophie Baird, the woman changing New Zealand, one consumer complaint at a time. 
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By Tara Ward | 24th February, 2020
Staff writer

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