Why is New Zealand Netflix so Bad?
Netflix is one of the most popular streaming services in the world, providing a wide variety of TV shows, movies, and documentaries for viewers to enjoy. However, not all Netflix libraries are created equal, and New Zealand is one of the countries that suffer from an inadequate selection. In this article, we will explore why New Zealand Netflix is so bad, and what steps can be taken to improve it.
For starters, the Netflix library size in New Zealand is drastically smaller than other countries. According to FlixPatrol, a website which tracks Netflix libraries, New Zealand has a library of only 3,010 titles compared to over power larger libraries in the U.S. (5,717 titles) and Canada (5,778 titles). This discrepancy is due to licensing agreements, which limit the number of titles that can be shown in each country.
Furthermore, there is a lack of inclusivity in the New Zealand library. Most of the titles in the New Zealand library are from the United States and the United Kingdom, meaning films, shows, and documentaries from other parts of the world, such as Asia, are often overlooked. This is particularly noticeable when it comes to content from countries which have significant Chinese, Japanese, or other Asian diasporas in New Zealand, which are largely absent from the library.
The New Zealand Netflix library also has a smaller selection of popular titles than other countries. According to FlixPatrol, many of the top rated films are absent from the library, such as I Am Legend, 21 Jump Street, and The Departed. It is also lacking in critically acclaimed TV series such as Breaking Bad, Game of Thrones, and The Wire. This means that, while the library may have some not-so-well-known titles, it lacks the diversity needed for viewers to explore a breadth of titles.
Fortunately, there are a few ways to get around this problem. The easiest solution is to use a virtual private network (VPN), which allows viewers to access content from a different country. This is especially useful for accessing content which has been blocked or restricted in the New Zealand library. The only downside of this method is that it is illegal in some countries and Netflix has been known to crack down on users who use VPNs. Another way is to use services such as Amazon Prime Video, which has a wider selection of international titles than Netflix.
The Impact of Licensing Agreements
The main reason for the lack of content on New Zealand Netflix is due to licensing agreements. Netflix has to negotiate deals with film and television studios to license the rights to stream titles. These agreements often vary by country, resulting in different content for each region. This means that the titles available in New Zealand may not be available in other countries, and vice versa.
The cost of licensing agreements can also be a factor. It is more expensive for Netflix to acquire content in countries such as New Zealand due to their small population size, as compared to larger countries such as the United States and the United Kingdom. As a result, Netflix may not invest as much in New Zealand as they would do in other regions.
Finally, the language barrier is another issue. Most of the titles on Netflix are in English, meaning that less popular titles in other languages, such as Chinese, are often excluded from the New Zealand library. This means that films and TV shows which are popular in countries like China and Japan are not available in New Zealand, as Netflix does not have the rights to stream them.
How to Get Around the Problem
The best way to get around the issue of limited content on New Zealand Netflix is by using a VPN or a similar service. A VPN allows viewers to access content from a different country, as well as unblock restricted titles. This can be a great way to access titles that may not be available in the New Zealand library.
Another option is to use other streaming services such as Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, or Apple TV+. These services often offer a wider selection of titles than Netflix, as well as titles in other languages. While these services are usually more expensive than Netflix, they may be a worthwhile investment for those looking for a wider selection of movies and TV shows.
Advocating for Better Content on New Zealand Netflix
Another way to help improve the content on New Zealand Netflix is to advocate for better licensing agreements. Netflix is aware of the lack of content in countries such as New Zealand and is constantly looking for ways to improve their library. Engaging in online forums, signing petitions, and writing to Netflix can all help to show that viewers want to see more content in the New Zealand library.
It is also important for viewers to support local production companies. Smaller production companies are often overlooked by Netflix, as they are cheaper for Netflix to acquire content from. Supporting local production companies and streaming services can help to bring more content to the New Zealand library.
Conclusion
The Netflix library in New Zealand is significantly smaller than other countries due to licensing agreements, language barriers, and the cost of acquiring content. While there is no easy solution to this problem, viewers can access more titles by using a VPN, subscribing to other streaming services, and advocating for better licensing agreements. Hopefully, with enough effort, viewers will be able to get the content they want and deserve.
