For almost 20 years an animated Kiwi and Cat signalled the end of the evening’s television transmission on TVNZ. Now, the beloved characters are back to be introduced to another generation.
There’s not many adults who grew up in New Zealand who won’t remember Goodnight Kiwi. In the days when TV didn’t play all day and all night (those were the days!), a cute animated short of a Kiwi and his Cat shutting down the TV station and settling into bed delighted young and old. The tune used in the animation is an arrangement of a Māori lullaby, ‘Hine e Hine’.
Goodnight Kiwi returns
Now TVNZ have brought back Goodnight Kiwi and Cat for a brand new show for kids. The animated characters will be joined by TV and radio personalities who will read popular bedtime stories from New Zealand authors, creating a beautiful new bedtime treat for kids.
The problem with the old Goodnight Kiwi was that you had to wrangle a really late bedtime as a kid to be able to see them. Now, thanks to the technology of streaming, Goodnight Kiwi can make an appearance whenever you decide that bedtime has arrived for your child.
Do you remember Goodnight Kiwi? Will you be streaming the show for your children?
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Written by Julie Scanlon including content provided by The Warehouse
Julie is Editor for Kidspot NZ and our MVP. Her hobbies include laughing uncontrollably at her own jokes, annoying her family by asking questions about movie plots, and never taking anything too seriously. She speaks a little Spanish and a lot of Yorkshire.
Favourite motto to live by: “It ain’t nothing but a thing”
Ooh, this looks cool. I would try to stream this. We are migrants here and never heard of it so I guess the nostalgia is lost on me.
I had a love/hate relationship with Goodnight Kiwi when I was younger, I loved how cute he was but I didnt like how when he came on it was time for me to go to bed! I love that hes back and that I can introduce my kids to a part of my childhood!
The idea sounds great so I may try it to see what my children think but I think that they would prefer the attention of being read a story by mum or dad (or other family member). It may be a good way to see what stories they like before buying the actual book.
I don’t even remember goodnight kiwi but it definitely sounds like it was a huge hit back in the day. I might have to have a looksie tonight and get my kids into it on tvnz on demand. They would love it.
I vaguely remember the goodnight kiwi but more often than not I was in bed before his appearance anyway. I won’t be using the streaming service personally as we already have the night routine of 2 stories or if it’s a longer book 2 chapters then lights out but seems like a cool idea I guess.
Goodnight kiwi is most certainly an icon of New Zealand! I had heard that it was back but now I know how to access it so my kids can see what it’s all about too 🙂
I remember it was a real treat to be up that late you could see Kiwi signing off for the night. It was super cool! I haven’t even thought about streaming the goodnight kiwi show to my boys. That might be something we can do together over the holidays 🙂
First time i heard of this was here in New Zealand… beautiful book.
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