Amazon’s Prime Video Channels streaming marketplace will serve as a reseller of HBO Max subscriptions in New Zealand later this year.
The service, which launches later this month in the territory, will be offered at a discounted price compared to the cost when purchased directly from Warner Bros Discovery (WBD).
When it launches on June 16, HBO Max will cost $16 per month (around U.S. $9.35 per month) for the ad-supported tier and $21 per month (around U.S. $12.30 per month) for the premium tier of service.
Customers who opt to purchase HBO Max through Prime Video will see those rates reduced by around $6 per month (around U.S. $3.50 per month).
“As we prepare to bring HBO Max to Kiwi audiences, it’s fantastic to extend our partnership with Prime Video into New Zealand,” Shonali Bedi, the Head of Strategy, Partnerships and Insights for the Asia-Pacific region at Warner Bros Discovery, said in a statement on Tuesday. “Prime Video have been strong and collaborative partners for us, and the HBO Max subscription has been very successful in other markets, including Australia. We’re looking forward to working with the team again as we gear up for the New Zealand launch.”
Prime Video content was previously offered through Sky New Zealand, a pay television provider that shares similar naming but is otherwise separate from the Comcast-owned properties in Europe.
As in Europe, WBD has sought to bring more of its content directly to consumers in the Asia-Pacific region, winding down some pay TV distribution agreements in favor of launching its own HBO Max and Discovery Plus apps. In February, the company announced it was moving away from its content distribution arrangement with Sky New Zealand and would push fans of WBD shows, movies and sports to HBO Max there.
For Prime Video, the launch of HBO Max on the platform marks the 26th subscription sold via Amazon, according to a lead executive.
“Prime Video is a first-stop entertainment destination offering a wide selection of premium programming – including Amazon MGM Studios Originals – and encompassing original series and movies, licensed content, live sports, thousands of movies to rent or buy and premium subscriptions from leading entertainment brands,” the executive, Alexandra Gilbert, said in a statement.
Other services available through Prime Video Channels in New Zealand include Hayu, Apple TV, Lionsgate Plus, Love Nature, Out TV and Stingray.
