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SCREEN NZ - SUPPORTER UPDATE: NOVEMBER

ADVANCING NEW ZEALAND’S INTERNATIONAL SCREEN SECTOR

Kia ora koutou – It’s been a significant month for Screen NZ International, with several major developments for our sector. The pace of activity reflects not only the current moment of change but also the strength that comes from working collectively as an international screen business community.

Government announcement on international rebate settings

The Government announced key changes to the New Zealand Screen Production Rebate settings, many of which Screen NZ International has been actively advocating for. Our detailed modelling, forecasting and policy work supplied to MBIE helped support the decision-making process. This outcome reinforces that when our international screen business sector is united, we are better positioned to create momentum and achieve meaningful policy change.

PDV uplift consultation underway

With the new PDV 5 % uplift confirmed, attention now turns to shaping the criteria. Screen NZ International has been invited by MBIE to provide feedback by 4 December. We have formed a dedicated sub-committee to prepare our submission. This piece of work will help ensure the uplift is accessible, competitive and focused on outcomes that support long-term growth.

Screen NZ Sessions: webinar series launched

Our first Screen NZ Session took place on 20 November and focused on the rebate changes and their practical impacts. There were 36 participants in attendance for the session, making it a strong start to the series. These webinars are open to both members and non-members, and we are already planning the next one for early 2026

Screen NZ networking mixers

We are looking forward to connecting in person. Our inaugural mixer event will be held on 8 December at the Auckland Business Chamber, where Simon Bridges will offer opening remarks. Mixer events in Wellington, Queenstown and Christchurch will follow in early 2026. Dates and details will be shared soon.

Membership growth continues

We are thrilled to share that Screen NZ International has reached 60 members across Professional, Silver, Gold and Elite levels. This represents a strong and diverse community, and it is encouraging to see engagement from both established screen businesses and new entrants. This foundation is one of the reasons Screen NZ International is gaining recognition from Government, Government agencies and now international studios and companies watching our progress. Important to know is that all members joining in 2025 will be named as a Foundation Member to mark their part in helping establish SNZI.

Associate membership coming soon

We will shortly launch our Associate Membership, offering pathways for individuals and affiliate organisations to participate. This will open the door for a broader community of professionals, supporters and aligned sectors to join the conversation. The launch date will be shared shortly.

New website features

We have added several new features to our website. News - A curated focus on international screen sector developments that directly relate to New Zealand businesses and professionals. Business Directory & Talent Directory – Introducing and showcasing our Screen NZ business and professional members. Members Area - Opening next week, this area will bring together past newsletters, webinar recordings, notices of upcoming events, sector news and key organisational documents including the constitution, policies and meeting minutes.

Sector activity and increased enquiries

Since the announcement of the new threshold for qualifying expenditure, we have already seen a lift in international enquiries. Several lower budget features are now eligible at a 4 million qualifying spend, with two projects already scouting and beginning early pre-prep. Several more are in feasibility assessment. We are also awaiting the outcome of Minecraft 2, and Spartacus S2, while Zombies 5 has begun crewing. Once the PDV uplift criteria are confirmed, we expect additional stimulation for the PDV market. All signs point to a re-energised pipeline for the international screen sector in New Zealand.

PR, media and membership visibility

SNZI saw strong media visibility around the Screen Rebate announcement, with our media release landing alongside coverage in The Herald, RNZ, Show News and IF Magazine and The Location Guide. A highlight was Newstalk ZB radio interview featuring SNZI Vice-Chair Harry Harrison and NZFC CEO Annie Murray. Looking ahead, SNZI will focus on highlighting the wider economic benefits of international production in New Zealand and the many everyday local businesses it supports. We will be seeking positive production data as examples to help build public understanding of why global screen investment remains vital to the New Zealand economy.

Government engagement

SNZI visited Wellington at the end of October for another series of meetings with supporters, local and central government, in particular a meeting with Minister Goldsmith. SNZI continues to maintain regular engagement with MBIE and more recently met with NZFC to actively set out our aims and discuss where SNZI and NZFC might work collaboratively. These touchpoints remain important as the sector works to stabilise and reactivate.

Global environment

We have released, albeit belated, our first (Q3) Quarterly Report: ‘THE PRODUCTION PULSE’, offering an overview of the international screen environment and global trends relevant to New Zealand. Next publish of the Quarterly Report Q4 will be January 2026.

A note of thanks

To all our members, supporters and partners, thank you. Your engagement, feedback and advocacy give weight to the collective voice of Screen NZ International. This organisation is only as strong as the people and businesses behind it - your support is central to our progress. Thank you for your continued support and collaboration.

Mel Turner | Executive Chair | Screen NZ International