MUMBAI: The British pubic broadcaster BBC's commercial arm BBC Worldwide Australasia has appointed Global Licensing NZ as its merchandise representative for its hit properties Doctor Who, Top Gear and In the Night Garden.

Global Licensing will hold exclusive merchandise rights, including rights for both the classic and new series of Doctor Who. Toys of Doctor Who will be launched this month at The Warehouse, Kmart, Farmers and Toy World, including the famous Cyberman Voice Changer Helmet, the UK’s Toy of the Year, 2006.

Global Licensing is expected to appoint local partners for all properties across a broad range of categories including apparel, accessories and games ranges.

Doctor Who first aired in 1963, and was re-launched in 2005. A co-production between BBC Wales and CBC in Canada, the fourth series is about to go into production in Cardiff. Series 3 will air on Prime, New Zealand’s third free-to-air network, from August.

Top Gear has consistently been the most watched programme on BBC2 in the UK. Now seen in more than 120 countries around the world, it has become famous for its combination of wit, irreverence and unbiased honesty.

In the Night Garden is currently airing on TV2 in New Zealand. Filmed in real woodland, the programme weaves together the very latest technical innovations in live-character costume technology and computer animation to create a compelling experience for young viewers. 17 licensees are already in place in the UK.

A full merchandise programme is planned in New Zealand to complement the launch and other existing platforms. Hasbro, the master toy licensee, has announced an October toy launch, apart from books from Penguin and DVDs from Roadshow.

Global Licensing NZ is planning an early 2008 launch for an extensive apparel range, and will roll out home wares, apparel accessories, stationery, footwear, bags, games and puzzles.

Global Licensing NZ head Mark Paul says, “Doctor Who has a long history in New Zealand and the success of the new TV series and UK merchandising programme will provide some great opportunities for NZ retailers and licensees. For Top Gear we intend to create a comprehensive lifestyle programme with products and promotions appealing to the whole family. In The Night Garden is a fantastic production and we anticipate great demand for infant/preschool products beginning with the new toy line from Hasbro”.