TV ONE has today announced the appointment of Irene Gardiner as its new Head of Factual Programmes.
The channel also announced that it is seeking applications for a similar commissioning role for Drama, Comedy and
Entertainment.
The appointment of Irene Gardiner follows the decision by TVNZ in June to split the previous role of a single
commissioning editor for both TV ONE and TV2.
Currently Irene Gardiner is TVNZ's Head of Network Productions, responsible for the internal production of some of the
most popular information programmes on New Zealand television, including Maggie's Garden Show, Country Calendar, Good
Morning, Taste New Zealand, Havoc and Newsboy's Sellout Tour, and various high-rating documentaries and one-off specials
such as ONE Turns 40.
As TV ONE's new Head of Factual Programmes, Irene will now also be responsible for overseeing all documentary and
information programmes on the channel, whether produced internally by TVNZ or externally by independent producers.
In announcing Irene's appointment, TVNZ Head of Content, Andrew Shaw, says her track record in bringing quality local
productions to air is impressive.
"At any given time, Irene and her team will have between six to 12 shows on-air, plus another 20 or so in pre-production
or development. In addition, Irene's background as a journalist is important for the documentary responsibilities she
will inherit."
Irene Gardiner worked as a print journalist (The Dominion, Wellington) from 1979 to the mid-80s before joining TVNZ,
based at Avalon. She trained as a television director and producer on music shows, children's programmes, magazine
shows, and news. She worked for both TVNZ and independent production companies before developing TVNZ's Lifestyle and
Magazine Unit.
TV ONE is now calling for applications for the other role of Head of Drama, Comedy and Entertainment.
General Manager of TV ONE, Shaun Brown says, "when considering the new structure it became apparent that the scale and
range of local programmes TV ONE intends to produce in future years requires more than one commissioning editor. By
splitting the roles between Factual and Drama/Entertainment, we can be confident of bringing the necessary focus to bear
on the creative process."
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