This is a list of New Zealand television events and premieres which occurred, or are scheduled to occur, in 1997, the 37th year of continuous operation of television in New Zealand.

This is a list of New Zealand television-related events in 1997.

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.

Debuts

Subscription television

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.

International

Program	Subscription network	Free-to-air network	Date
The Flintstones	Cartoon Network	TV2	1997
Tom and Jerry	Cartoon Network	TV2	1997
The All-New Popeye Show	Cartoon Network	TV One, TV2	1997

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.

International

Program	New network(s)	Previous network(s)	Date
Neighbours	TV4	TV2	1997
Thomas the Tank Engine and Friends	TV3	TV One	1997

New channels

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)