The Goodnight Kiwi is an animated short which has been used to signal the end of nightly broadcasts on Television New Zealand channels.
This version was thought to only exist in the form of small clips until TVNZ released it online for public viewing on 15 September 2016.
After dusting his camera, throwing a blanket on top of it, winking at the audience, and turning out the lights, the kiwi would close the side flaps on the camera and then the South Pacific Television logo (reading "GOOD NIGHT FROM SOUTH PACIFIC TELEVISION") would appear as the music faded out.
Kiwi shuts down the screens and starts an audio cassette playing an instrumental arrangement of the lullaby "Hine E Hine" by Fanny Howie, this is accompanied by a continuity announcer bidding goodnight to viewers, Kiwi walks through the studio while Cat jumps and pulls faces into a camera.
Kiwi turns out the lights, puts an empty bottle on the porch and locks the door, while the cat heads upstairs to the studio roof.
[citation needed] [check quotation syntax] The animation, characters and music are regarded as part of New Zealand culture and icons of kiwiana.
[5] Eric Kearley, head of the TVNZ Digital Channel Launch team at the time, stated in a message board response that the Goodnight Kiwi would return to TV on Freeview on TVNZ 6 which began broadcasting on 6 September 2007 – a move which proved popular with New Zealand television viewers.
The Goodnight Kiwi Stories featured prominent New Zealanders – including PM Jacinda Ardern – reading children's books in English and/or te reo Māori to help kids get to sleep.
The special features guest cameos, including Wellington Paranormal, Dame Lisa Carrington, Temuera Morrison, Jason Gunn and Benee.