NZ On Air 30th Birthday - Shortland Street

Getting its start thanks to three years of NZ On Air funding, ‘Shorty Street’ has grown to become not only a commercial success, but an important training ground for many actors, writers and crew. Generations have grown up watching storylines and characters they can relate to. In this interview to celebrate NZ On Air's 30th birthday, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern describes the impact of the show, and its importance to New Zealand culture. Actor John 'Lionel Skeggins' Leigh recalls the early days of working on the street, and the many adventures his character faced.

It's always done the job of tracking big things happening in New Zealand society as well, and reflecting back to ourselves.

– Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern on Shortland Street

Key Cast & Crew

John Leigh

Subject

Karl Burnett

As: Nick Harrison

Zara Potts

Director, Interviewer

Kathryn Quirk

Producer

Stephanie Hopkins

Producer

Angela Bloomfield

As: Rachel McKenna