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Before 24-hr TV, there was Goodnight Kiwi, a short animation that bade viewers goodnight once the day's broadcasting ended. Each night the plucky Kiwi shut up shop at the TV station, put out the milk, and caught the lift up the tower to sleep in a satellite dish with The Cat. For a generation of kids Goodnight Kiwi became a much-loved symbol of staying up well past your bedtime. Viewers never questioned why our nocturnal national icon was going to bed at night, or sharing a bed with a cat. The tune is an arrangement of a Māori lullaby, 'Hine e Hine'.
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This is a great memory. But Kiwis are nocturnal! I'm sure they dont go to sleep at night. Isn't this whole idea fundamentally flawed?
I'm intrigued by Damien Service' comments about the 'earlier' Goodnight Kiwis. I was overseas & didn't see the early TV2 version, but I wonder who produced those? Do you have any more detail Damien? Anyone?
Now into his 90s, Sam Harvey is still mentally sharp, active, & a pleasure to be around. With beginnings in Nthn England & Glasgow, he migrated to NZ after WW2, and just 'fitted right in'. He built some of his own equipment, and made a fine career in photography, animation & advertising. He 'mentored' many of our characters... Record some of your story please Sam!
Goodnight Kiwi is now on TVNZ7 and TVNZU (on Sky TV) at Midnight each night
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Television, 1990 (Full Length)
This David Bellamy-presented series features Kiwi
Television, 2007 (Full Length)
Features a Kiwi being born
Television, 1986 (Full Length)
Goodnight Kiwi and his mate The Cat make an appearance in this Top Town final
Television, 1983 (Full Length)
The iconic cartoon is used for political satire here
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Duncan
Posted at 09.10PM - 10.09.2011
Nobody has the still shots of the kiwi that used to come on during breakdowns. I'd love to see them again.