Caterina De Nave, Drama and Comedy Commisioner for TV3 is heading to Australia to take up a similiar role for SBS. She said the opportunity to work with a wider selection of multicultural audiences is the  main drive behind her Australian relocation.

The lady, who began in the late 70s making Playschool and, since starting for TV3 in 2000, has brought us Shortland Street, Outrageous Fortune and bro’Town, has a reputation for pushing decisively and passionately for a project. She is also recognised for her extended efforts in scouting for the best Kiwi talent – often visiting theatres and comedy venues and sticking to projects like glue until they’ve been seen through.

Jane Wrightson, Chief Executive of New Zealand on Air, has called De Nave “The best drama and entertainment commissioner New Zealand has ever had.”

Here’s wishing you had a very merry Christmas. Amongst all the fun and games, I hope you managed to spare a thought for those less fortunate than you or those without much to celebrate this Christmas.

Have you heard of the TVNZ Community Support Foundation? It’s a fantastic scheme, provided by NZ’s public broadcaster, that allows your charity or non-governmental organisation to benefit from exposure on one of the country’s most watched TV channels.

So if you’re in charge of an organisation that is doing good for our communities, then give it some thought! The terms are listed here on TVNZ’s site. The closing date for applications is 5pm next Friday (2nd Jan).

Have yourself a fantastic Christmas today!

MK