12. CHRIS AUCHINVOLE (National) to the Minister of Broadcasting: What progress is the Government making towards the digital switchover?

Hon CRAIG FOSS (Minister of Broadcasting) : Good progress has been made in helping New Zealand households make the digital switch-over: 84 percent of New Zealand households have already gone digital and are enjoying more channels, better pictures, and new services. In fewer than 5 months, by 30 September, TV in Hawke’s Bay and on the West Coast of the South Island goes digital. The Going Digital team is continuing to work to help thousands make the digital switch-over. To keep watching TV, all New Zealanders need to go digital by getting FreeView, Sky, or TelstraClear by the end of 2013.

Chris Auchinvole: What steps are being taken to help households make the digital switch-over?

Hon CRAIG FOSS: To assist households in Hawke’s Bay and on the West Coast of the South Island to make the digital switch-over, community advisers have been going door-to-door, meeting with community groups, and promoting Going Digital messages. I am informed that by the end of this month, 22,000 households will have been visited in Hawke’s Bay and will have been doorknocked. This is in addition to the TV, radio, and print advertising that has been running. People looking to go digital and wanting to work out when their region goes digital and what equipment they need will need to either visit the Going Digital website or call 0800 838 800.