Media Release

Saturday November 14th, 2009

NHNZ

Stedman Champions NHNZ’s Winning Streak

NHNZ managing director Michael Stedman has been honored for his long standing contribution to New Zealand’s television production sector.

Screen Production and Development Association (SPADA) Award winners were announced at a special dinner yesterday (November 13) where the long standing head of the internationally renowned factual production company was named as the 2009 SPADA/Onfilm Industry Champion.

Mr. Stedman said he was surprised but delighted at the award which organizers described as the industry’s lifetime achievement award.

“Fifteen years ago I envisaged NHNZ as a world leading factual production company.  Achieving that vision is due to the remarkable talent of NHNZ’s employees, who in a typically unassuming Kiwi fashion, tirelessly work away from our base in Dunedin making television that is enjoyed by millions of people everywhere.”

Michael has been an integral part of the New Zealand television industry for over 30 years and made an outstanding contribution to the sector as head of Natural History New Zealand (NHNZ). Michael has built a world brand, established a world class company, and provided opportunities for hundreds in the industry. 

NHNZ is now the second largest natural history producer in the world.  It is the largest documentary production company in the Southern Hemisphere, producing around 60 hours a year. NHNZ’s brand is instantly recognizable in world markets, and is seen on some of the world’s leading networks including National Geographic and Discovery channels.

Formerly TVNZ’s Natural History Unit (NHU), NHNZ was established in Dunedin in 1977.  Michael began his association with the NHU in 1979 as an executive producer. 

In 1981 he transferred to the Australian Film and Television Academy as Training Director before joining ABC Australia as Head of the Features Department.  Michael returned to Dunedin in 1987 to manage the NHU as well as being TVNZ’s Director of Production.  Within 18 months he had tripled the NHU’s output and began international co-production.  NHNZ is now part of the Fox International Channels group.

Over the past six months NHNZ’s international success has also been recognized with the inaugural International Achievement Award at the Qantas Media and Television Awards, and with a special commendation for innovation at the American Chamber of Commerce (New Zealand) awards.

ends