Television schedules feature a heavy lineup of political coverage, returning local dramas, and major sports broadcasts led by TVNZ’s upcoming spring programming. 1News reported that election coverage, high-stakes international rugby league and football fixtures, and archival documentaries anchor the schedule heading toward mid-November.
Political broadcasts dominate the early November calendar. Jack Tame hosts The Q+A People’s Debate on November 5 at 7 pm on TVNZ 1 and TVNZ+, putting voter-submitted questions directly to major party representatives. That event leads into the 1News: Your Vote 2026 Election Night Special on November 7 starting at 7 pm, co-anchored by Jack Tame and Tova O’Brien alongside Paul Henry and Willie Jackson. Post-election analysis continues the following morning, November 8, beginning at 7:30 am with Tagata Pasifika, a two-hour Q+A special with Tame at 8 am, and a 10 am broadcast of Marae examining the results for Māori.
TVNZ debuts Jonah Lomu documentary and returning series
TVNZ 1 debuts an intimate character study of legendary All Black Jonah Lomu on November 15. The documentary traces Lomu’s Tongan upbringing, rise to rugby fame, and personal and health battles, utilizing family access and archive footage. In scripted entertainment, season two of Love It or List It NZ premieres November 1, pairing interior designer Alex Walls with real estate agent Paul Glover. The Wharekoa whānau drama Dead Ahead returns to TVNZ+ on November 3 with six new episodes, while classic American drama Desperate Housewives lands on the streaming platform on November 8, alongside Xena: Warrior Princess on November 1.
Jamie’s Feasts for Less and International Sport Fixtures
Jamie Oliver returns to TVNZ 1 and TVNZ+ on November 12 with Jamie’s Feasts for Less, demonstrating affordable recipes using everyday ingredients. Sports broadcasts feature the Melbourne Cup on November 3 at 4:30 pm on TVNZ 1, followed by the All Whites taking on India in a two-match football series on November 12 and November 15 on the Duke channel and TVNZ+. UFC 334 arrives on TVNZ+ on November 15 with heavyweight champion Ciryl Gane facing Josh Hokit and Kayla Harrison fighting Amanda Nunes for the women’s bantamweight title, ahead of the T20 Cairns Gold Clash cricket and rugby league crossover match on November 22.
Frequently Asked Questions About the November Schedule
When does the Jonah Lomu documentary air?
The free-to-air premiere broadcasts on TVNZ 1 on November 15, featuring family access and archival footage of the late All Black.
Who is hosting the 2026 election night coverage?
Jack Tame and Tova O’Brien lead the 1News: Your Vote 2026 Election Night Special on November 7 starting at 7 pm, joined by Paul Henry, Willie Jackson, and a political panel.
Where can viewers watch Desperate Housewives?
All eight seasons of the mystery-comedy-drama series become available to stream on TVNZ+ starting November 8.
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