New Zealand viewers can look forward to extensive free-to-air coverage of the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games, live on TVNZ DUKE.
From 24 August – 5 September, DUKE’s schedule will be taken over to bring footage of our Paralympians competing in Japan. The New Zealand Paralympic Team’s performances will be the focus of the broadcast, with TVNZ committed to showcasing all our athletes – live where possible or delayed if there is an event clash with two Kiwis in action at the same time.
- Coverage on TVNZ DUKE every day from lunchtime to approximately 1am
- Highlights programmes shown on TVNZ 1 and DUKE
- Broadcast hosted in studio by Emily van Velthooven, Paralympians Rebecca Dubber and Grant Sharman
- Live, delayed and replayed curated coverage focusing on New Zealand Paralympians
- Live streaming available on TVNZ OnDemand as well as catchup highlights viewing
TVNZ Director of Content, Cate Slater says, “New Zealanders love watching our top athletes perform at the highest levels, so we’re excited to bring the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games to Aotearoa free-to-air. TVNZ’s coverage of the Rio 2016 Paralympics Games reached 2.2 million viewers and we’re looking forward to building on that success this year. Given the Covid-19 travel restrictions, we’re also thrilled we can bring the feats of our Kiwi Paralympians to their friends, whānau and fans watching in living rooms around the country.”
Paralympics New Zealand (PNZ) Chief Executive, Fiona Allan says, “We are thrilled to give our support to the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games broadcast team. This level of coverage is outstanding and reflects the stature of the New Zealand Paralympic Team on the world stage. We know that their performances will inspire the next generation of Paralympians, transforming lives through Para sport. We wish to thank TVNZ, Attitude Pictures, NZ on Air and Toyota for their unrelenting commitment to showcasing the achievements of our Paralympians to the New Zealand public.”
TVNZ’s Paralympics coverage is sponsored by Toyota and made with funding support from NZ on Air.
TVNZ’s Coverage:
The Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games run from 24 August – 5 September and TVNZ DUKE will follow the action every day. Coverage will commence at lunchtime – with an earlier start on Tuesday 31 August to accommodate the Para cycling – and finish at approximately 1am.
TVNZ is primed and ready to show every New Zealand Paralympian competing. Most events will air live, but where there is a schedule clash with two athletes competing at the same time, the second event will appear delayed to ensure the pursuits of all our competitors are acknowledged and celebrated on air.
TVNZ’s coverage will be hosted live in studio each day by 1 NEWS’ Emily van Velthooven. Emily will be joined by Paralympian and Para swimmer, Rebecca Dubber during the day and Paralympian and former Wheel Black, Grant Sharman will join in the evening. The team from Attitude Pictures, as well as Kiwi athletes from a wide range of sporting disciplines will also feature in the broadcast, offering their unique perspectives to viewers at home. The 1 NEWS team on the ground in Tokyo will bring a first-hand account of how the Paralympics are progressing through challenging Covid times.
Long-term partners, Attitude Pictures will extend the coverage on offer by producing a daily highlights programmes for TVNZ 1 airing at 9am and recapping the prior day. A selection of in-depth highlights packages will also be available on DUKE and for catch-up viewing on TVNZ OnDemand. These will air from 9.30am to lunchtime daily before competition in Tokyo resumes.
1 NEWS Coverage:
Michelle Prendiville will travel to Tokyo for 1 NEWS alongside a camera operator. As with the 1 NEWS team that travelled for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, a comprehensive health and safety plan is in place to ensure reporting can be completed securely without impacting the Japanese people.
About the New Zealand Paralympic Team
- The New Zealand Paralympic Team in Tokyo 2020 includes 29 exceptional Para athletes, competing across 6 Para sports.
- The New Zealand Paralympic Team in Beijing 2022 may include up to 4 exceptional Para athletes, competing in Para alpine skiing.
- Since Tel Aviv 1968 Paralympic Games, 209 New Zealand Paralympians have been part of New Zealand Paralympic Teams competing at 24 Paralympic Games (13 summer and 11 winter) winning a staggering 221 medals.
