Screen NZ International welcomes Government announcement on Screen Production Rebate

Screen NZ International (SNZI) welcomes the changes to the New Zealand Screen Production Rebate (NZSPR) for international productions announced today by Economic Growth Minister Nicola Willis.

The updated settings reflect a genuine effort by the Government to engage with industry and strengthen New Zealand’s ability to attract and retain international production. SNZI acknowledges this as a constructive step in building greater confidence and consistency across the screen sector.

Established to represent New Zealand’s screen businesses and professionals that operate in the international production industry, SNZI has been extensively engaged over the past six months with government agencies, providing data and industry feedback to help inform the changes announced today.

“Our industry survey conducted in July together with other research and modelling highlighted a sharp decline in production activity and underscored the urgent need for change to improve New Zealand’s international competitiveness,” says SNZI Executive Chair Mel Turner.

Key adjustments announced by the Minister include the reduction of the minimum Qualifying NZ Production Expenditure (QNZPE) for theatrical features from $15 million to $4 million; removal of the Above-the-Line cap; inclusion of post-production, digital and visual effects-only projects in the 5% uplift and the lowering of the uplift QNZPE threshold from $30 million to $20 million.

“These are pragmatic changes that respond to some of the challenges raised by the international screen sector in New Zealand,” says SNZI Vice Chair Harry Harrison. “They provide a more competitive framework to a broader range of international productions considering New Zealand and have the potential to generate economic stimulus at home, with sustainable business activity and local employment.

“Research has shown that every $1 of rebate investment generates more than $6 in economic return to New Zealand across Kiwi businesses, crew and creative professionals as well as tax payments back into the Government’s books. Kiwis make up over 82% of the workforce on these international productions, demonstrating the sector’s important role in employment and skills development,” he says.

“We thank Minister Willis and her team for listening to the industry and making decisive steps to ensure New Zealand remains a world-class destination for international screen productions,” says Mel Turner.

“These changes are an important step forward and SNZI will continue to advocate for measures that will further enhance New Zealand’s competitiveness and sustainability of our international production sector. We look forward to continuing to work with the Government, the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment and the New Zealand Film Commission and our industry partners to ensure screen rebate policy and other settings are assessed regularly to deliver long-term investment and benefit for New Zealanders and their businesses.”

About Screen NZ International: Screen NZ International, is an organisation of leading screen industry businesses and professionals working across New Zealand’s international screen sector. We are focused on supporting and strengthening international screen production in New Zealand. Formed by the industry, for the industry, united by commitment to the future success and global competitiveness of New Zealand’s screen sector

For more information on Screen NZ International, please visit www.screennz.com.

Sent on behalf of Screen NZ international by Engage Group. For further information or interview requests, please contact:

Brian Finn | E: brian.finn@engagegroup.co.nz | M: +64 (0) 27 229 5380

ADVANCING NEW ZEALAND’S INTERNATIONAL SCREEN SECTOR