Hon Craig Foss
Minister of Broadcasting

29 August 2013

20,000 lower North Island homes yet to go digital

Broadcasting Minister Craig Foss says lower North Island residents need to ensure they are ready for the digital switchover as research shows 20,000 households are not yet prepared for the 29 September deadline.

“Today marks one month until the Lower North Island, including Wellington, Manawatu-Whanganui, Taranaki and the Gisborne District goes digital,” says Mr Foss.

The South Island successfully made the switch to digital television earlier this year. Auckland and the remainder of the North Island will be the final region to make the switch on 1 December 2013.

“Anyone who wants to keep watching television after the 29 September deadline needs to take a moment and check they are ready. If you are already watching Freeview, Sky or Igloo or Vodafone TV, then your television is already digital and you don’t need to make any changes,” says Mr Foss.

Going Digital also offers a Targeted Assistance Package to support those groups likely to face the greatest financial and technical barriers in going digital. This includes:
• those over 75 with a Community Services Card;
• those receiving a Supported Living Payment for Health Reasons (formerly the Invalid's Benefit);
• those receiving a Veteran's Pension;
• former recipients of the Invalid's Benefit or Veteran's Pension who moved to New Zealand Superannuation at age 65 or after.

For more information about Going Digital call 0800 838 800 or visit www.goingdigital.co.nz

ENDS

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