Dame Julie Christie as the 2024 Television Legend.
2024 TV Legend Dame Julie Christie has transformed the television landscape in New Zealand. A former journalist and a multi-award-winning creator and producer of unscripted formats in 30 countries, her work on shows like Treasure Island, Dragons’ Den, My House My Castle, and Trading Places has not only captivated audiences but also shaped the way local television is produced and consumed.
On behalf of the New Zealand Television Awards, Committee member Kelly Martin said: “Dame Julie Christie has been a driving force behind some of New Zealand’s most successful television series, many of which have achieved international acclaim and adaptation. She has opened doors for countless individuals, inspiring not only those dedicated to telling New Zealand stories but also performers across a wide range of genres, including reality TV, comedy, sports, drama, and factual programming ensuring her legacy within the industry remains strong.
Dame Julie’s belief in working hard and playing even harder has truly stood the test of time and her influence and commitment have significantly shaped the television landscape, making her contributions to the industry more than worthy of this award.”
The prestigious TV Legend Award is presented to a television professional, programme or organisation who has made a significant contribution to the television industry in New Zealand over the span of their career. It is a special honour given at the discretion of the New Zealand Television Awards Committee.
Previous TV Legend honourees include writer, actor and director Oscar Kightley (2023), television producer Janine Morrell-Gunn (2022), actor and director Ian Mune (2021), television executive Andrew Shaw (2020), Shortland Street (2019), iconic Māori broadcaster and journalist Tini Molyneux (2018) and veteran producer John Barnett (2017).
The TV Personality of the Year Finalists for 2024 are:
Patrick Gower – Paddy Gower Has Issues (Warner Bros. Discovery/Three & ThreeNow)
Bella Kalolo – Shortland Street (TVNZ 2 & TVNZ+)
James Mustapic – Celebrity Treasure Island NZ Season 7 (TVNZ 2 & TVNZ+
Melissa Chan-Green – AM (Warner Bros. Discovery/Three & ThreeNow)
Paul Williams – Taskmaster Season 4 (TVNZ 2 & TVNZ+)
Turia Schmidt-Peke – Ahikāroa Season 6 (Whakaata Māori & MĀORI+)
Tāmati Rimene-Sproat – Hikoi: Speaking Our Truth (TVNZ 1 & TVNZ+)
Bubbah Olo – I Got You Season 2 (Vertical Series for Facebook, Instagram and TikTok/RNZ)
Paul Henry – The Traitors Season 1 (Warner Bros. Discovery/Three & ThreeNow)
Rikki Swannell – Rugby World Cup 2023 (Sky)
Online voting is now open via the New Zealand Television Awards website and closes at 9:00 pm on Friday, 15 November 2024.
The winners of this year’s New Zealand Television Awards will be announced on Friday 22 November at a red-carpet gala event to be held at the Aotea Centre. The ceremony will be hosted by the hilariously talented Pax Assadi.
