New Zealand on Air (NZOA) has declined to fund a new serial drama proposed by TV3 to screen in the 5:30pm time slot.
NZOA chief executive Jane Wrightson said the organisation's budget for drama is under "unprecedented pressure" with more projects seeking support than funds available.
NZOA said the proposed TV3 project was "unable to be considered a priority due to constrained funding and competing priorities."
It also said it would require an ongoing financial commitment that "was unsustainable in the current climate of a static budget but increasing demand."
"Nonetheless we have a good mix of new and returning drama projects for 2016 which need time to establish themselves," Ms Wrightson said.
Another local drama series, The Brokenwood Mysteries, has been given the green light for a third season on Prime, with NZOA funding of $4.12 million.
Andrew Szusterman, MediaWorks NZ group entertainment content director, said the network was extremely disappointed to be turned down.
"Outside of bringing some fresh, local drama to Kiwi audiences, this would have made a significant and ongoing contribution to New Zealand's production industry and provided many ongoing jobs for the creative sector," Mr Szusterman said.
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