Iconic TVNZ kiwi and cat back for Christmas

Iconic New Zealand characters Kiwi and the Cat return to TVNZ screens tonight with a special Christmas message.

The Goodnight Kiwi cartoon originally signalled the end of programming in the days before 24-hour television.

The two dimensional characters last aired 14 years ago on TV One and TV2 but there have been repeated requests for their return, TVNZ general manager of marketing Jason Paris said.

"The decision has been made to bring them out of retirement in time to deliver Christmas and holiday season greetings," he said.

Mr Paris said while the animation and theme music were reminiscent of the original cartoons they had been "slightly modernised" for a new generation.

The new series of three different cartoons were due to go to air tonight on TV One and TV2 around 7.30pm.

- NZPA