Digital Entertainment Trends in New Zealand
Last Updated on September 22, 2025
The way New Zealanders enjoy entertainment has undergone a dramatic shift in the past decade. From the rapid rise of streaming services to the booming online gaming industry and the steady growth of digital casinos, digital entertainment in New Zealand reflects both global patterns and uniquely local dynamics.
In Auckland, the country’s largest city, the shift is particularly evident: traditional nightlife and physical leisure activities now coexist with a growing array of digital alternatives, reshaping how Kiwis spend their evenings and weekends.
The Rise of Streaming Services in New Zealand
Streaming has firmly established itself as one of the dominant forms of digital entertainment in New Zealand. According to the latest Roy Morgan research (June 2025), over 3 million New Zealanders (70.4% of the population aged 14+) watch subscription TV in an average four-week period.
- Netflix remains the market leader with 2.29 million viewers, representing 52.2% of the population.
- Disney+ has grown rapidly, now reaching 1.05 million subscribers, an increase of nearly 48% since 2020-21.
- Amazon Prime Video has seen the most dramatic surge, with 835,000 viewers, marking a 166% increase since 2020-21.
- Sky’s platforms (including Sky TV, Neon, and Sky Sport Now) continue to play a significant role, with a combined 1.28 million viewers, close to 30% of the population.
- Emerging players such as Apple TV+, Tubi, and Crunchyroll now reach 701,000 New Zealanders, a remarkable 141% increase since 2020-21.
What makes the New Zealand market distinctive is the presence of strong local streaming platforms alongside these global giants. TVNZ+, Neon, ThreeNow, and Māori Television ensure that Kiwi viewers have access not only to global content but also to productions that reflect New Zealand’s own culture and identity.
This combination of international and local services highlights a balanced digital ecosystem, where Netflix and Disney coexist with national platforms that continue to resonate strongly with audiences.
Online Gaming Communities and Market Growth
Gaming has emerged as one of the fastest-growing sectors of digital entertainment in New Zealand. A 2023 industry report revealed that Kiwi consumers spent over NZ$716 million on video games, with mobile gaming taking the lead ahead of consoles and PC.
Yet the numbers only tell part of the story. What’s truly transformative is the rise of online gaming communities. Platforms like Discord have enabled Kiwi gamers to connect not only with each other but also with global audiences. The popularity of eSports has also surged, with titles such as League of Legends, Fortnite and Counter-Strike 2 driving both competition and community-building.
For many young New Zealanders, gaming is no longer a solitary activity but a shared social space, rivaling traditional leisure activities in popularity and cultural relevance.
Online Casinos: The Emerging Player in Digital Entertainment
Among the many branches of digital leisure, online casinos have become a steadily growing niche. Their appeal lies in accessibility, variety and convenience, but trust and regulation remain central to their future in New Zealand. Many players are actively seeking safe online casinos that prioritize transparency and user security.
Case Study: Flamez Casino and the Kiwi Market
One example of this trend is Flamez Casino, which has positioned itself as a platform blending traditional casino experiences with modern digital design. With offerings ranging from online slots to poker and table games, Flamez demonstrates how casinos are adapting to a digital-first audience in New Zealand.
While still a smaller segment compared to streaming and gaming, online casinos are carving out their place in the wider digital entertainment landscape.
The Digital Shift of Auckland’s Nightlife
Auckland has long been celebrated for its vibrant nightlife, with waterfront bars, restaurants, live music venues, cinemas and clubs drawing crowds from across the city. On any given night, it’s easy to find locals and visitors alike enjoying concerts, theatre productions, food festivals, or the buzzing atmosphere of the central business district.
At the same time, a new form of leisure has taken hold: digital entertainment. Increasingly, some Aucklanders are choosing streaming marathons, multiplayer gaming sessions, or online community events as alternatives, or complements, to a night out.
Rather than replacing the city’s lively streets, this digital shift adds another layer to how people experience leisure. Today, a “night out” in Auckland could just as easily mean heading to a packed restaurant or dancing in a nightclub as it could gathering with friends for an online gaming tournament or binge-watching the latest series on Neon.
What the Future Holds for Digital Entertainment in New Zealand
Looking ahead, digital entertainment in New Zealand is expected to become even more immersive. Technologies such as virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) are poised to enhance both gaming and streaming, offering interactive experiences far beyond today’s screens.
At the same time, the stabilization of digital habits post-pandemic indicates that New Zealanders are finding a balance between global and local content, between physical and digital leisure. Streaming platforms, gaming communities, and casinos are no longer separate worlds but interconnected parts of the broader digital ecosystem.
For Auckland in particular, this transformation reflects a city in transition, one where the traditional energy of nightlife meets the innovation of digital entertainment. It’s a shift that is redefining not only how New Zealanders entertain themselves, but also how they connect with one another in an increasingly digital society.
