19 May 2019

Heihei celebrates its first birthday

From Standing Room Only, 12:40 pm on 19 May 2019

Children's television has changed. These days, kids are as likely to be glued to YouTube as they are to be watching old-fashioned linear TV. And that's a worry for some, and it's why parents demanded an on-line safe space for children, particularly the five to seven year olds. That space is called Heihei - and this month it celebrates its first birthday. Heihei is basically Netflix for young children - easily accessed, mostly Kiwi-built, colourful and above all parent friendly. Featured are shows like Kiri and Lou - featuring Jermaine Clement - Wild Peeps, Tamariki Takeover, Fanimals - and dozens more. Simon Morris talks with Juliet Peterson, TVNZ's General Manager for Digital Content, Amie Mills of New Zealand On Air, and Janette Howe of the New Zealand Children's Screen Trust.