Speculation's flying around about the future of Shortland Street.  

The prime-time soap opera's lost its head writer to the UK and other staff have reportedly been told to find new jobs.  

TVNZ hasn't confirmed the show will return next year.  

Former South Pacific Pictures managing director John Barnett says the show scaled back its set and storylines when it transitioned from five days to three days a week. 

He told Heather du Plessis-Allan it's also been tough to attract audiences with changes in viewing habits. 

Barnett says in the meantime, going to three days a week hasn't been nearly as profitable. 

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