It's thought Shortland Street should make up a big part of TVNZ's new digital strategy.

Our longest running soap will drop from airing five nights a week in February, to three.

It will now continue with support from NZ On Air and the New Zealand Screen Production Grant.

South Pacific Pictures Chief Executive, Kelly Martin told Heather du Plessis-Allan the show is streamed more 20-million times annually on TVNZ Plus.

She says linear ratings also remain strong, as well as its engaged audience.

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