A New Zealand community idea · Early conversations
Could we bring back Telethon?
Not a rerun of the past. A new, gloriously Kiwi get-together, on screens and in communities, to do some genuine good.
Remember what we could do together?
A Telethon brought a remarkable jumble of New Zealanders together: performers, craftspeople, broadcasters, volunteers, businesses, families, and people who just wanted to help. What if we gave that spirit another outing?
I'm exploring the idea of a modern New Zealand Telethon: a live, hybrid event connecting people around the country, with room for performances, handmade creations, stories, fundraising challenges and local happenings.
This is an invitation to help shape something, not the announcement of an event that's already booked.
Here's what I'd like to do
I'd love to bring back the feeling that, for one extraordinary day, New Zealand was doing something together.
My hope is a proper 24-hour national Telethon, live on free-to-air television and online, with regional hubs and communities joining in from all over the country. Not just famous faces on a stage, but musicians, comedians, artists, embroiderers, crocheters, weavers, woodworkers, metalworkers, schools, clubs and businesses all bringing something of their own.
There could be performances, demonstrations, local events, handmade work donated for fundraising, challenges, stories and the occasional glorious bit of live television chaos.
I'd like it to support one clear, practical goal developed with the charity, so everyone knows what we're raising money for. And I'd like production costs covered separately wherever possible, so public donations go to the cause.
I'm not a television producer, and I'm not announcing an event. I'm the person asking could we do this? and trying to bring together people who might know how. If you have an idea, know a potential obstacle, or simply think this has legs, I'd genuinely like to hear from you.
A little bit of the spirit already
I even have a Goodnight Kiwi “I’m not a morning person” T-shirt on its way. It isn't official Telethon merchandise or a fundraiser. It just makes me smile, and it reminds me how much we have in common through the things we remember and make.
Imagine what we could create together: a quilt, a carving, a song, a piece of embroidery, a spectacularly silly T-shirt. Everyone has something to bring.
Who would it help?
Blood Cancer NZ is the proposed charity beneficiary. I've started a conversation with them, but there is no formal partnership or endorsement to announce. If the idea gathers momentum, that relationship and the fundraising arrangements would need to be agreed properly.
We're not taking donations on this page. For now, the job is to find the people who could make this possible.
It takes more than people with microphones
Broadcasters and producers, certainly. But we'd love to hear from everyone who can make, perform, organise, teach, connect or contribute.
On screen and on stage
Presenters, performers, musicians, comedians, producers, directors, crews and storytellers.
Making things
Artists, woodworkers, metalworkers, jewellers, weavers, makers, galleries and creative groups.
Behind the scenes
Community organisations, technical people, event organisers, businesses, sponsors and willing volunteers.
Interested?
I'd love to hear from people who think this could work, including people who know what would have to happen to make it work safely and well.
Have an idea, a skill, a connection, or a practical question? Email telethon@bluekahu.com. I would love to hear from you.
We are not taking donations or public sign-ups at this stage.
This is an independent community proposal, not an official Telethon launch or a fundraising appeal on behalf of Blood Cancer NZ.