Netflix is set to introduce a cheaper, ad-supported subscription plan to New Zealand next year, though specific pricing and launch dates remain unconfirmed. The streaming giant's move follows similar launches in other markets, with Australia's Netflix Standard With Ads costing A$9.99 ($11.96) per month for two-screen streaming and downloads, significantly undercutting the standard A$20.99 and premium A$28.99 plans across the Tasman.

The introduction of this budget-friendly option comes as Netflix pricing has escalated dramatically since the platform's 2015 New Zealand launch. What began as $9.99 for basic service, $12.99 for standard, and $15.99 for premium has now ballooned to $17.99, $27.99, and $33.99 respectively - representing increases of up to 112% over the past decade. The ad-supported tier appears designed to capture price-sensitive consumers who have been squeezed out by these substantial price hikes.