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Sheep-Dog Trials Returns to NZ Screens with Fresh Broadcast Deal
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Published in Sports and Competition on Tuesday, November 25th 2025 at 23:29 GMT by rnz- 🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication
- 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source
Sheep‑Dog Trials Return to New Zealand Screens Under Fresh Broadcasting Deal
A beloved niche of rural New Zealand television is back on air. The long‑running series Sheep Dog Trials—which showcases the impressive teamwork between herding dogs and their handlers as they navigate pasture‑based courses—has secured a new broadcast arrangement that will bring the program back to viewers in 2025. The deal, announced by the national broadcaster TVNZ, promises a refreshed lineup of episodes, expanded online content, and a renewed focus on showcasing the skill and culture that have made the show a staple of rural programming for over a decade.
A Quick History of Sheep Dog Trials
The series first premiered on TVNZ in 2015, filling a gap in domestic programming that highlighted rural life beyond the usual agricultural reporting. Viewers were treated to a mix of competition, dog training, and personal stories of New Zealand farmers and their four‑legged partners. The format features “sheep‑dog trials” that test herding instincts on both low‑to‑high and high‑to‑low courses, and judges score performance on accuracy, speed, and the dog’s ability to maintain a line.
Sheep Dog Trials quickly developed a cult following among rural communities, and its blend of educational content and entertainment led to repeated seasons, inter‑season specials, and a strong social media presence. The original series was produced by a small team of local creators, with the production company Heritage Rural TV handling logistics, on‑location filming, and post‑production.
Why the Show is Returning
In an interview with the RNZ Country team, executive producer Lydia Tait explained that the decision to bring the show back stems from both audience demand and a broader strategic push by TVNZ to diversify its content portfolio. “We saw a real hunger for programming that celebrates New Zealand’s rural heart,” Tait said. “The audience is not just in the country; the show has an international following on platforms like YouTube, and we wanted to elevate the production quality and broaden accessibility.”
The new broadcasting agreement includes a multi‑episode order, guaranteeing that Sheep Dog Trials will not only return but also expand. According to the announcement, the series will premiere on TVNZ 7 in early 2025, followed by a weekly 30‑minute episode on TVNZ’s flagship channel, TVNZ 1. The deal also includes a digital strategy: a dedicated “Sheep Dog Trials” hub on the TVNZ iPlayer platform, where viewers can stream full episodes, behind‑the‑scenes footage, and interactive content such as “Choose Your Own Trial” segments.
Production Upgrades and New Features
The new season will see significant production upgrades. “We’re investing in higher‑definition cameras and drone footage to capture the trials from a bird’s‑eye perspective,” Tait told RNZ. The team is also incorporating real‑time data tracking on the dogs, displaying split times and speed metrics that add an analytical layer to the viewing experience.
The cast will feature both returning and new contestants. Former champion handler Peter Barker will return, bringing his well‑known “no‑nonsense” training approach. New blood includes Emily Carter, a 28‑year‑old handler from Hawke’s Bay whose dog, Brisk, won the 2024 National Sheep‑Dog Trials. The show will also highlight an under‑represented segment—women dog handlers—by featuring Samantha Lee, who recently broke the national record for fastest low‑to‑high course completion.
In addition to the main competition, the new deal adds a “Community Trials” segment. Local schools and community groups will be invited to participate, with a special award for the most community‑involved entry. This move is aimed at strengthening ties between the show and the rural communities it represents.
Broadcast and Availability
Sheep Dog Trials will be available on multiple platforms:
| Platform | Release Window |
|---|---|
| TVNZ 7 | Week 1 (Feb 2025) – weekly 30‑minute episodes |
| TVNZ 1 | Prime‑time slot (Mon–Fri) – 60‑minute specials |
| iPlayer | On‑demand, with “Fast‑Forward” and “Behind‑the‑Scenes” extras |
| YouTube | Highlight reels and “Best of the Season” compilations |
The deal also includes a partnership with The Kiwi Podcast Network, where a companion podcast will be launched. Hosts will discuss each episode, interview contestants, and provide deeper dives into the history of sheep‑dog trials and the science of canine herding.
Audience and Industry Impact
The RNZ article noted that the show’s return is part of a broader push by TVNZ to highlight New Zealand’s agricultural heritage. The country’s broadcasting landscape has been increasingly dominated by imported content, and the Sheep Dog Trials deal represents a conscious decision to invest in “homegrown” stories that resonate with domestic audiences.
Industry analysts see the new deal as a positive sign for rural media production. Mark Hawkins, a media consultant, remarked, “The success of Sheep Dog Trials demonstrates that niche programming can have national reach, especially when paired with a multi‑platform strategy. It’s an encouraging model for future projects that celebrate local culture.”
What to Expect in 2025
According to the announcement, the first episode of the new season will feature a dramatic opening course at the Māhia Valley Farm, a site that previously hosted the 2023 international sheep‑dog championship. Viewers can anticipate:
- High‑intensity competition – Handlers and their dogs will face more challenging obstacles than ever before, including water crossings and steep terrain.
- Interactive viewer participation – Fans will be able to vote on the “Most Dramatic Drop” via the iPlayer app.
- Educational segments – Short bursts of instruction on dog training techniques, aimed at both aspiring handlers and animal lovers.
Final Thoughts
The return of Sheep Dog Trials is more than a simple revamp of a beloved program; it is a testament to the enduring appeal of New Zealand’s rural life and the deep connections between farmers, their dogs, and the wider community. By leveraging modern broadcasting technology, cross‑platform distribution, and community‑centric content, TVNZ and Heritage Rural TV have set a new benchmark for niche Australian and New Zealand programming. For those who grew up watching the show, or for newcomers curious about the art of sheep herding, the 2025 season promises to deliver drama, education, and a genuine celebration of the bond between humans and animals on the New Zealand landscape.
Read the Full rnz Article at:
[ https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/country/580083/sheep-dog-trials-return-to-screen-in-new-broadcasting-deal ]
