Update: New Zealand’s only commercial-free public service television channel TVNZ7 was switched off by Television New Zealand on Saturday night and replaced with a channel showing repeat programming from TV One.

On Saturday hundreds of people marched through central Auckland and staged a mock funeral at St Matthew in the City. It followed a funeral procession to the steps of parliament in Wellington on June 28, with a coffin carrying a 36,000 signature petition.

The closure came after the Government decided not to extend its $79 million funding over six years, $70m of which came from a special pidend from Television New Zealand. 

TVNZ7 was set up in 2008 with a focus on public service with programmes on arts, science, documentaries, current affairs, media, law and politics.  

Supporters say TVNZ7 was popular, with 1.6 million watching in May, and its demise means less quality and local programmes. One show has found a new home on TV3, with NZ on Air announcing funding for Media 3 (formerly Media 7).

Save TVNZ7 organisers say the campaign to save the channel was just phase one. “We are about to form a charitable trust to take this cause to the next level. We are determined to keep public service television in the minds of the politicians, and to do that we need to keep it in the hearts of New Zealanders.” 

Recent public meetings around the country brought together the public, industry, academics and politicians to discuss the demise of TVNZ7 and future of public service broadcasting in New Zealand.