NZ on Air has its fingers crossed its financial support of Shortland St won't be forever. 

New Zealand's longest-running drama's been granted 2.5 million in funding for its 2026 season, to help the show transition to the audience's preference of online viewing. 

NZ on Air CEO Cam Harland told Heather du Plessis-Allan that they also provided funding last year, but hoped it would assist the show moving to a more financially sustainable place.  

But he says the economic environment for ad funded media hasn't improved. 

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