MediaWorks has announced the "difficult" decision to not make or air The Block NZ and Dancing With The Stars NZ this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Both of the local productions were put on hold when New Zealand moved to alert level 4, in accordance with Government regulations to close all non-essential services.
MediaWorks, which owns Newshub, had hoped to revisit production once it was safe to do so; however, the impact of the lockdown has seen a change of plans.
Director of TV Content Ben Quinn said The Block NZ would join DWTS NZ in being postponed until 2021, having been on hold since the end of March.
"These significant time delays combined with the high level of uncertainty in the coming months for all stakeholders means we simply cannot commit to a typical production schedule," Quinn said in a statement.
“While this is a difficult decision, it is the right one in order to protect our business partners and brands.
“We are making plans with The Block NZ’s partners on ways we can continue to work together this year.”
MediaWorks plans to resume production on The Block NZ next year with the same contestants and properties that were prepared for the 2020 season.
Three's local content for the remainder of the year will be provided in the form of Westside's sixth and final season, as well as the return of Grand Designs NZ, 7 Days, Mean Mums and Golden Boy. Two new dramas called Head High and Toke will also debut.
