Journal

The New Zealand Film Commission will end its long-running Core Funding Programme in June 2027, removing more than $1 million in annual operational funding from organisations across Aotearoa’s screen sector. With guilds and industry bodies already under pressure, the decision has raised concerns about what reduced support could mean for actors, writers, producers, crew and the wider New Zealand film and television industry.

Before Shortland Street, The Tribe and The Brokenwood Mysteries, Fleur Saville became known to audiences as Eve Baxter, the lead character in Being Eve. The award winning New Zealand television series travelled internationally, earned recognition at the International Emmy Awards and New York Festivals, and launched Fleur’s television career.

Talia Pua’s acclaimed Pork & Poll Taxes returned to Auckland in 2026, bringing Chinese New Zealand history, migration, family and belonging powerfully to the stage.

Kat Hawkes is building a screen career that moves easily between acting, voice work, producing and directing, from Shortland Street to international film and gaming projects.