- Gymnastics event in Christchurch livestreamed with remote directing from Invercargill studio
- Viewers can watch routines from Level 7 to senior international live on YouTube
- Over 250 athletes compete as they aim to qualify for 2025 national championships
New Zealand gymnastics took a step forward in digital coverage this King's Birthday weekend, with the annual Kings Birthday Invitational being livestreamed for the first time. Hosted at Christchurch School of Gymnastics, the event is broadcast live on YouTube. Good luck to tghe Invercargill guys participating.
The unique broadcast setup has been made possible through the efforts of Southlander Content Creator Lewis Thomson, who is directing the entire livestream remotely from his home studio in Invercargill—600 kilometres from the event. A one-person camera operator on site in Christchurch sends a high-definition angle back to Thomson, who manages the commentary, graphics, and replays in real time.
This approach shows that high-quality sports broadcasting can be achieved without the hefty costs usually associated with television production. It also opens the door for future grassroots sporting events across New Zealand to reach broader audiences without needing large budgets.
The event, running from 31 May to 1 June, features over 250 athletes and serves as an early qualifier for the 2025 national championships. By offering accessible livestreaming, the competition not only showcases top gymnastic talent but also helps grow the sport’s profile among a wider online audience. Well done Lewis!