Country Calendar
Country Calendar is a New Zealand documentary television series focusing on rural life in New Zealand. It has been aired on TVNZ 1 since March 1966, making it New Zealand's longest-running television series. Since 2013 the show aired for a season of 30 weeks per year, however as of 2016 it is being broadcast for 40 weeks a year. Episodes from the 2013 season to present are available to watch online, through TVNZ+.
| Country Calendar | |
|---|---|
| Narrated by | Frank Torley (until 2015) Dan Henry (2016–present) |
| Opening theme | "Hillbilly Child" by the Alan Moorhouse Band |
| Country of origin | New Zealand |
| No. of episodes | 1,500+ |
| Production | |
| Producers | Julian O'Brien Dan Henry |
| Camera setup | Widescreen |
| Running time | Approximately 22 minutes (without commercials) 30 minutes (including commercials) |
| Original release | |
| Network | TVNZ 1 (1966–present) |
| Release | 6 March 1966 – present |
Country Calendar is currently produced by Julian O’Brien, with associate producer Dan Henry. Frank Torley was well known as the narrator of the show, and also produced the show for 23 years. Torley died in March 2016 following a short battle with cancer.
The Country Calendar theme song is from the song "Hillbilly Child" by the Alan Moorhouse Band. Hyundai New Zealand is the show's naming rights sponsor, with previous sponsors including The National Bank, financial services company AMP, and Tux dog biscuits.