TVNZ and Attitude Pictures have partnered to bring comprehensive coverage of the Beijing 2022 Paralympic Winter Games to New Zealand viewers next month.
From 5 March – 14 March, TVNZ DUKE’s regular schedule will be taken over to broadcast the New Zealand Paralympic Team’s performances in China.
DUKE’s coverage will follow our Kiwi Para athletes in their pursuit for medals in snowy Beijing, with a commitment to showcase every New Zealand performance. In between these endeavours, coverage will span the full spectrum of events on offer in Beijing 2022 – from alpine skiing to wheelchair curling.
New Zealand Paralympian performances will be recapped the morning after their competitions on Breakfast on TVNZ 1 at 6am, 7am and 8am. Live and delayed action of events will then feature throughout the day until late at night for the duration of the Games. Streaming audiences will be able to watch DUKE via TVNZ OnDemand, with select catchup viewing available to rewatch online too.
Cool as Ice
In addition to event coverage, Attitude Pictures will present a special documentary on 27 February at 12pm on TVNZ 1 to get viewers primed and ready for the tears and triumphs that lie ahead. Cool As Ice – Beijing 2022 Paralympic Winter Games will showcase New Zealand’s emerging winter Para athlete Aaron Ewen, as well as seasoned Paralympians, Corey Peters and Adam Hall. The documentary will be repeated on 4 March in the lead into the Opening Ceremony.
Your hosts
With a jam-packed schedule lined up, TVNZ Sports Reporter, Zion Dayal and Paralympian snowboarder, Carl Murphy will be on hand to guide viewers through the events of the day. Based in studio in Auckland, the duo will ensure audiences don’t miss their favourite sports or competitors, and they will speak with special guests for an inside take on what athletes in Beijing are facing.
Additionally, throughout the day, Seven Sharp’s Te Rauhiringa Brown will provide an explainer series bringing audiences up to speed on the history of various events and the venues different sports are taking place in.
Biggest broadcast to date
TVNZ Director of Content, Cate Slater says “We’re excited to bring the Beijing 2022 Paralympic Winter Games to Aotearoa free-to-air. This will be our biggest Winter Paralympics broadcast to date, with coverage kicking off first thing in the morning and continuing until late at night. By delivering a comprehensive broadcast on air and OnDemand all New Zealanders will have the opportunity to tune in and celebrate the courage and determination of our team. For sports fans, it’s also an opportunity to see sports such as Para ice hockey and Para biathlon which you wouldn’t normally get a chance to watch.”
“With Covid-19 travel restrictions continuing around the world, we’re also thrilled to bring the feats of our Kiwi Paralympians to their friends, Whānau and fans watching from home.”
Attitude Pictures CEO and former Paralympian, Dan Buckingham, says “We love the surprise and delight that coverage of Paralympics brings to audiences, especially for those who are unfamiliar with Para sport or disability. From the heart palpitations that come with watching blind athletes navigate the mountain, to the thrill of sit-skiers flying downhill at 120 km/h, as well as the power and precision of Para ice hockey, the Winter Paralympics brings so much intrigue and excitement it is set to become an addictive watch for New Zealanders this March.”
Meeting the demand
Paralympics New Zealand (PNZ) Chief Executive Fiona Allan says “TVNZ is putting on extensive coverage to meet the demand of New Zealanders for the upcoming Paralympic Winter Games. This will be the first time that New Zealanders can watch every Paralympic event and we hope that by seeing the incredible performances across the full range of Paralympic winter sports that this will inspire disabled people, and Kiwis in general, to get involved.
“Our Kiwi Para athletes do us proud at the Paralympic Winter Games. Athletes Adam Hall, Corey Peters and Aaron Ewen have been preparing for this moment for four long years and we can’t wait to see them compete. Make sure you tune in.”
TVNZ DUKE’s daily coverage schedule is as follows:
5 March, 1am-3am: Live coverage of the Opening Ceremony
5 – 13 March, 10am – 2am (approx.): Live and delayed coverage of events
Additionally, New Zealand Paralympian performances will be recapped the morning after their competitions on Breakfast on TVNZ 1 at 6am, 7am and 8am.
TVNZ DUKE is available on Freeview channel 13 and Sky channel 23. Simulcast streaming is available on TVNZ OnDemand.
