Regional television has arrived in Tauranga with the first programme by newcomers Grey Street Television Studios set to air in a fortnight.

The TV production company is initially focussed on weekly shopping and sports shows, which will be aired on TV Central, with hopes for more in the future.

Matt Minnell and Hamish Denton practise their television interview skills at their new Grey Street Television Studios. Photo: Tracy Hardy.

Studio manager Hamish Denton says the studio, which will be run in association with the neighbouring NZ School of Radio he also runs, will help get Western Bay stories on television.

'There is nowhere at the moment Tauranga can see themselves on TV or have a voice on TV, but this will change that.”

Work is finishing on the studio, with the first half hour `Shop Plenty' show set to be screened in the week from February 18, while a sports show should be on air in two months.

Hamish says there has been good feedback to the shopping show, which would showcase eight businesses per episode, and was also expecting strong support for the sports show.

'It's pretty early days for the sports one – we are just finalising details and haven't really talked to anyone about it.

'There is so much sport in Tauranga and so many great sportspeople – so we want to showcase that talent and to offer a place where you can see local sport.”

It is hoped Bay of Plenty Steamers coach Kevin Schuler will host the 30 minute show focusing on sporting events in the last week and previewing upcoming events. The show will have a talk show format, focussing on all sports in the area, particularly the big attractions such as surf lifesaving, and will feature guests from different codes each week. Both programmes will be aired on TV Central three times a week.

The production company is a partnership between Hamish with his radio school partner Matt Minnell, former Canterbury Television CEO Trevor Egerton and business man and actor Fred Stewart.

The studio will be available for filming commercials and will be used by the radio school for a television presenter course.