Game On for South Pacific Pictures

Gamers and their mothers will compete to win up to $50,000 in a new, original game show format TVNZ has commissioned South Pacific Pictures to make for TVNZ 2 and TVNZ+.

Here’s the media release:

Nationwide Search for McDonald’s Wildcard Team to Star in New Format Game Show, Ready Gamer Mum 

Major programme partner McDonald’s has teamed up with South Pacific Pictures (SPP) to find the final team for new format game show, Ready Gamer Mum.

Pairing competitive online gaming with genuine family moments, delivering an irresistible mix of heart, humour and high-skill gameplay, the reality show will screen on TVNZ 2 and TVNZ+ in 2026.

Ready Gamer Mum sets ten teams each comprising of a gamer and their mum, who will compete to win a cash prize of up to $50,000.

Nine Kiwi gamers and their mums have already been selected- now only one spot remains, and McDonald’s is on a mission to find the final team. For full entry details and updates, download the McDonald’s app and follow McDonald’s NZ on social channels.

“We’re thrilled to partner with SPP on Ready Gamer Mum, a truly original format that celebrates family, teamwork and gaming fun,” Luke Rive, McDonald’s New Zealand Marketing Director, says.

“We can’t wait to see the hilarious connections and high-skill moments when the mums’ take the controllers. This wildcard search is your chance to get involved- bring your A-game and of course your mum!”

“Ready Gamer Mum is feel-good family viewing and we’re certain that Aotearoa will embrace this brand-new format,” Andrew Szusterman, SPP Managing Director, says.

“The wildcard team will bring a whole new dynamic to the game, and we can’t wait to meet them once McDonald’s search is over.”

“We’re excited to bring Ready Gamer Mum to TVNZ next year,” Brent McAnulty, Interim Chief News & Content Officer, TVNZ, says.

“It will be a fantastic addition to our line-up—a fresh, innovative series that families across the motu can enjoy together.

“We’re always looking for new ways to entertain and connect with our viewers, and this show delivers fun, heart, and gaming action in a way we haven’t seen before.”

Ready Gamer Mum is an original format developed by SPP from an idea by Tom Hutchison and will premiere on TVNZ 2 and TVNZ+ in 2026.

Made with the support of major programme partner McDonald’s and proud programme partners, Spark Game Arena, Noel Leeming, rova and Berocca.

How to enter the McDonald’s Wildcard campaign

Wildcard entries close Sunday 12th October. For full entry details and updates, download the McDonald’s app and follow McDonald’s NZ on social channels or visit www.mcdonalds.co.nz. Gamers and mums can apply.