TVNZ launched its iPhone application on Monday and it rocketed to number one within hours.

The application has been specifically designed for use on the iPhone and enables users of Apple's mobile to have access to the whole of www.tvnz.co.nz in one free downloadable app.

"User feedback has been really positive, people have said it's a better news app than other big news organisations one's like CNN and that it's an impressive use of the iPhone/iPod touch platform, so we're really happy with the way it's gone so far", says TVNZ's Business Manager of Emerging and Social Platforms, Sophie Lyon.

The TVNZ iPhone application became the most downloaded free app and the most downloaded free news app in the NZ iTunes store almost immediately after it was launched on Monday and remains number one (see attached).

"The way it has already been received shows that New Zealanders are excited about being able to get TVNZ content this way."

"This is the first version of the iPhone app, we're planning to rollout changes and improvements as new features become available on the iPhone".

The application has been designed to be very intuitive and has some useful features, including:

- pre-loaded content which makes it faster, easier to use
- Synchronising via mobile network or WiFi and downloads the latest news, sport, weather and TV listings direct to your device.
- Up to the minute news from ONE News, including instant access to breaking news
- National, world, business, sport and entertainment news
- Comprehensive weather information, including regional forecasts
- Up-to-date four-day TV schedule, covering most all of TVNZ and most free-to-air channels
- Read anywhere
  
TVNZ's Head of Marketing and Digital Media, Jason Paris says, "this application leverages the best of two great brands - Apple and TVNZ - to deliver a fantastic customer experience and deliver news to Kiwis wherever they are. It's yet another example that TVNZ is New Zealand's leading TV and digital media company."

The app is available on the iPhone App Store http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewSoftware?id=329786380&mt=8

Contact:
Andi Brotherston
News & Current Affairs Public Relations Manager
021 242 1111