01 May 2001

TVNZ shall

• feature programming across all genres that informs, entertains and educates New Zealand audiences;
• strive always to set and maintain the highest standards of programme quality and editorial integrity;
• provide shared experiences that contribute to a sense of citizenship and national identity;
• ensure in its programmes and programme planning the participation of Maori and the presence of a significant Maori voice;
• feature programming that serves the varied interests and informational needs and age groups within New Zealand society, including tastes and interests not generally catered for by other national television broadcasters;
• maintain a balance between programmes of general appeal and programmes of interest to smaller audiences;
• seek to extend the range of ideas and experiences available to New Zealanders;
• play a leading role in New Zealand television by setting standards of programme quality and encouraging creative risk-taking and experiment;
• support and promote the talents and creative resources of New Zealanders and of the New Zealand film and television industry

In fulfilment of these objectives, TVNZ shall

• provide independent, comprehensive, impartial, and in-depth coverage and analysis of news and current affairs in New Zealand and throughout the world and of the activities of public and private institutions;
• feature programming that contributes towards intellectual, scientific and cultural development, promotes informed and many-sided debate and stimulates critical thought, thereby enhancing opportunities for citizens to participate in community, national and international life;
• in its programming enable all New Zealanders to have access to material that promotes Maori language and culture;
• feature programmes that reflect the regions to the nation as a whole
• promote understanding of the diversity of cultures making up the New Zealand population;
• feature New Zealand films, drama, comedy and documentary programmes;
• feature programmes about New Zealand's history and heritage, and natural environment;
• feature programmes that serve the interests and informational needs of Maori audiences, including programmes promoting the Maori language and programmes addressing Maori history, culture and current issues;
• include in programming intended for a mass audience material that deals with minority interests;
• feature programmes that provide for the informational and entertainment needs of children and young people and allow for the participation of children and young people;
• maintain and observe a code of ethics that addresses the level and nature of advertising to which children are exposed;
• feature programmes that encourage and support the arts, including programmes featuring New Zealand and international artists and arts companies;
• reflect the role that sporting and other leisure interests play in New Zealand life and culture;
• and feature programming of an educational nature that support learning and the personal development of New Zealanders.