Year in Review 2025: Rob Hutchinson

Every year, StopPress catches up with a group of industry leaders from across Aotearoa to talk about the year that was. From the highlights and the lowlights to their favourite foods, fruits and Christmas traditions, they give us a little insight into 2025 as well as a look forward to 2026.

Rob Hutchinson is chief digital officer at TVNZ.

What was the most surprising thing about working in TV and media this year?

Despite TVNZ’s co-viewing measurement now counting the numerous flats and families streaming it, my beloved Home and Away didn’t make the top 10 list this year – come on New Zealand!

How did you feel about AI this year? Did it help, hinder, or leave you totally unfazed?

I feel genuinely excited about the potential of AI. I think it’s unlocking new levels of efficiency and creativity across our teams. At TVNZ, we’re embracing it with an open mind, seeing it as an opportunity to experiment, test, and trial new ways of working.

It’s already stripping away repetitive tasks, providing creative opportunities and giving us more time to focus on crafting stories and experiences that matter. I’m really looking forward to pushing the boundaries next year – but as a chief digital officer I would say that!

The best project you worked on in 2025?

The standout project for me was developing and launching TVNZ’s co‑viewing capability. By using real‑time data, we can now distinguish solo streamers on TVNZ+ from flatmates or families watching together. It means we can finally see the scale of our digital viewership, not just the devices tuning in.

It’s reshaping how we talk about audiences and how our partners plan with us – and it’s only the beginning!

What do you think the biggest “upset” or biggest industry change will be in 2026?

Industry consolidation, globally and locally, will continue to ramp up. We’re likely to see more mergers, acquisitions, and partnerships as businesses adapt to a rapidly shifting media landscape.

Change is now the expectation, not the exception.

What are you most looking forward to next year?

We’re launching our new TVNZ+ platform next year and it’s going to be a gamechanger for us. We’re following that up with the FIFA World Cup 2026 which will be our first free-to-air/subscription event, and I can’t wait to see how our viewers respond. There’s a lot to do, but a lot to be excited about. Bring it on.

Quick fire five:

Favourite TV show? 

Tribe with Bruce Parry – you sit down with your kids to watch a TV show that will open their eyes to the richness of human culture and their first question is: “what is a hallucinogen and why is it making those men throw up in the river?”

Best in real life experience you attended this year? 

Cirque du Soleil at Spark Arena. Being an APAC maximalist, I forget how rich and entertaining European culture is.

Snow or sun? 

Sun. From inside looking out.

What’s your signature dish? 

Osso Bucco

Best place in Aotearoa? 

The Hollywood Hills (a.k.a Swanson)

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