The debate would allow New Zealanders to have their say on the future shape of non-commercial public broadcasting, broadcasting spokeswoman Clare Curran said.
The debate would also include a discussion of the institutional form, legislative framework and range of funding options for public broadcasting, including the use of existing assets and dividend streams, and other models such as those used in Europe and the United States, she said.
After full public discussion, Labour would have a clear view of how to proceed and would implement the new model.
The core elements of the policy included commercial-free, statutorily independent radio and television services including the functions of Radio New Zealand and TVNZ 7, consideration of a new nationwide news service and, possibly, other non-commercial programming.
A New Zealand Broadcasting Trust would be established, which would sit above the public broadcasters' board and independently appoint the members of that board.
"This commitment to restoring public broadcasting in New Zealand marks an important change towards a contemporary Kiwi approach to protecting New Zealand's culture in the 21st century. It is not made lightly and it is a commitment Labour will see through," Ms Curran said.
