Sky Upfront: a standout slate for 2026

Sky lifted the curtain on its 2026 slate at the New Zealand International Convention Centre on February 24.

The offering spans drama, action, movies, crime, factual, reality, news and sport across Sky, Three, ThreeNow, NEON and more.

The event kicks off with a powerful kapa haka performance, followed by an introduction from ThreeNews journalist Samantha Hayes and sportsman and TV host Shaun Johnson, who welcomed CEO Sophie Moloney to the stage.

A strong reset

“Today is both a reset and an invitation,” says Moloney. “A reset of what Sky is about and an invitation to all of you to change the way we work for you.”

On the reset, Moloney says it starts with their new combined portfolio: “In August last year, we hit the accelerator hard, welcoming the iconic brand of Three and ThreeNow into the Sky group.

“Together, we combine the reach and value of Three’s free-to-air audience, the scale and strength of Sky’s premium sport and entertainment and the youth and diversity of ThreeNow’s audience. The result is a dramatic expansion of our reach and commercial impact.”

Connect through human storytelling

With Three and ThreeNow, Sky’s free-to-air audiences will enjoy a mix of international programming, including global franchises, returning seasons and premium scripted dramas.

John Aiken, the relationship expert from Married at First Sight Australia (MAFS), made a special trip to New Zealand to attend the evening.

He highlights the strong audience engagement for MAFS among Kiwi audiences and shares details of the new three-part documentary he’s working on to commemorate the late Nigel Latta.

Aiken says that even though the two programmes are completely different, both are great examples of how Sky curates stories to connect audiences through emotional and human storytelling.

“And when you have that level of connection, you create powerful opportunity for brands to integrate, engage and make a real impact to bring that to life,” he adds.

Premium subscription home of entertainment

Sky’s streaming service Neon is positioning itself as “New Zealand’s premium subscription home of entertainment,” says chief customer officer Nikki Goodman.

To achieve this, the platform unveiled a refreshed visual identity, a clear and intentional content strategy, strong and consistent breadth to support its hero titles and sharper storytelling that highlights what Neon means for its audiences.

Meanwhile, the platform will continue to carry blockbuster films, with new titles landing weekly, such as the forthcoming DC Universe reboot, Superman.

In addition, more factual programming will be revealed later this year, adding to a lineup that includes:

• Attenborough and the Jurassic Sea Monster
• K Everything: The Rise of Korean Culture
• Life Below Zero, S4
• The Secret Life of Trees

Trusted news, local shows, live sport

Alongside its international news offering, Sky is strengthening partnerships with news organisations Kiwis trust. Through its NZME partnership, morning shows Herald Now Business with Garth Bray and Ryan Bridge Today are available on ThreeNow and will be on Three later this year.

Sky is also doubling down on local content this year, delivering more than 30 new locally commissioned primetime titles – a 20% increase on last year.

For sports fans, the network offers live and on-demand coverage of local leagues, New Zealand national teams and major international tournaments across multiple sports.

Rethink what’s possible

“Sky means reach, scale and attention, a premium video destination for all viewing occasions,” says chief business officer Juliet Peterson.

“Our ecosystem works together across broadcast, digital, social, pay and free, amplifying each platform to build reach and drive audience movement.

“We are entering a new era of audience connection, and this is our moment to rethink what’s possible, innovate side by side and create solutions that meet Kiwi audiences where they are and where they’re headed next,” she adds.

The event concludes with an after-party featuring interactive activations, a beverage bar, lively music and gourmet nibbles.

The post-event lounge features a ThreeNow claw machine and a drink bar for guests to enjoy.

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