A Month Of Nostalgia Will Mark 25 Years Of Tv (Press, 30 May 1985)

On 30 May 1985, Television New Zealand (TVNZ) announced plans to commemorate the twenty-fifth anniversary of its first regular television transmissions, which began on June 1, 1960. To celebrate this milestone, TVNZ will dedicate the entire month of June to nostalgia, featuring programming from the early days of New Zealand television, particularly from the 1960s. TVNZ's controller of programmes, Mr Des Monaghan, indicated that while many popular shows would be included, some original tapes or films have been lost or destroyed, presenting challenges in securing broadcast rights. Despite these setbacks, Monaghan expressed confidence that a variety of programmes would resonate fondly with viewers. The nostalgia month will kick off with a special three-and-a-half-hour showcase titled "An Entertainment Showcase of 25 years of Television in New Zealand," featuring clips from classic TVNZ shows and appearances by some familiar figures from the early days. The programming for the month will include the western series "Bonanza," which will replace the Disney programme on Sunday nights, along with the first two episodes of Britain's longest-running drama, "Coronation Street." This will mark the first time these episodes have been aired in New Zealand, as the series had previously been picked up considerably later in its run. Throughout the first week of nostalgia programming, viewers can also expect to see the medical drama "Dr Kildare," starring Richard Chamberlain, as well as "Hancock's Half Hour," a vintage British comedy featuring Tony Hancock. Other anticipated shows throughout June include "The Adventures of Robin Hood," "The Black and White Minstrel Show," the spy series "The Man From U.N.C.L.E.," and dramas such as "Perry Mason" and "The Naked Civil Servant." A serious highlight will be the documentary "Cathy Come Home," which, after its 1968 debut, generated significant discussion due to its depiction of social issues, particularly homelessness among single mothers. The nostalgia month will also feature appearances from former TVNZ announcers who will intersperse continuity with regular programming, alongside notable personalities like children's host Stu Dennison, who was known for coining catchy phrases used by young viewers. Dennison's return to television is scheduled for the Queen’s Birthday weekend, where he will disrupt the children's programme "What Now." Through these nostalgic broadcasts, TVNZ aims to celebrate its history while reengaging audiences with beloved shows and personalities from the past, evoking cherished memories of New Zealand's early television landscape.

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