1997 in New Zealand television

This is a list of New Zealand television events and premieres that occurred in 1997, the 38th year of continuous operation of television in New Zealand.

Events

 * 1 January – Cartoon Network shifted from HBO to Orange running from 6am to 4pm daily. HBO extended its transmission hours and started playing 24 hours a day.
 * 29 June – The fourth television channel TV4 launches.
 * 11 August – TVNZ launches Breakfast with hosts Mike Hosking and Susan Wood.
 * CanWest takes full ownership of TV3.
 * American animated comedy series King of the Hill is transmitted on TV3.
 * After a decade of appearing on multiple programmes, beloved children's television icon Thingee is retired from New Zealand television.

Domestic

 * March – McDonald's Young Entertainers (TV2) (1997–1999)
 * 11 August – Breakfast (TV One) (1997–present)
 * 1 October – Duggan (TV One) (1997–1999)
 * Treasure Island (TVNZ) (1997–present)

International

 * 15 July – The Story of Bean (TV One)
 * 🇺🇸 Cow and Chicken (TV2)
 * Full Circle with Michael Palin (TV One)
 * 🇺🇸 Buffy the Vampire Slayer (TV3)
 * 🇺🇸 Strange Universe (TV2)
 * 🇺🇸 Nick Freno: Licensed Teacher (TV2)
 * 🇺🇸 Bump in the Night (TV2)
 * 🇺🇸 Hey Arnold! (TV2)
 * 🇺🇸 Suddenly Susan (TV3)
 * 🇺🇸 King of the Hill (TV3)
 * 🇺🇸 Pandora's Clock (TV3)
 * 🇺🇸 Sabrina the Teenage Witch (TV3)
 * Monty the Dog (TV One)

Subscription premieres
This is a list of programs which made their premiere on New Zealand subscription television that had previously premiered on New Zealand free-to-air television. Programs may still air on the original free-to-air television network.

Changes to network affiliation
This is a list of programs which made their premiere on a New Zealand television network that had previously premiered on another New Zealand television network. The networks involved in the switch of allegiances are predominantly both free-to-air networks or both subscription television networks. Programs that have their free-to-air/subscription television premiere, after previously premiering on the opposite platform (free-to air to subscription/subscription to free-to air) are not included. In some cases, programs may still air on the original television network. This occurs predominantly with programs shared between subscription television networks.

Free for air

 * 29 June – TV4

Cable

 * 1 January – Cartoon Network
 * Unknown - Sky Sport 2

Television shows

 * What Now (1981–present)
 * Letter to Blanchy (1989, 1994–1997)
 * Shortland Street (1992–present)
 * You and Me (1993–1998)
 * Squirt (1996–2006)
 * City Life (1996–1998)
 * Breakfast (1997–present)
 * McDonald's Young Entertainers (1997–1999)

Ending this year

 * Letter to Blanchy (TV One/TV3) (1994–1997)