13th October 2025
New Zealand’s screen industry has always worked best when everyone’s pulling in the same direction. From actors and editors to producers and crew, collaboration is what’s built our international reputation for creativity and professionalism. It’s what keeps local storytelling strong. But lately, there’s been growing tension around how that collaboration is – or isn’t – happening, particularly when it comes to the Screen Industry Workers Act.
Since the Act came into force in 2022, it’s been designed to give the screen workforce more stability and clearer pathways for negotiation. Most industry organisations have been working hard to find common ground. However, some discussions have stalled, and that’s left many in the sector feeling uncertain about where things stand.
SPADA, as the long-established voice for producers, plays a key role in shaping how our screen ecosystem operates. That makes its participation in open, constructive dialogue especially important. When communication slows or stops, it affects everyone – from independent filmmakers trying to get projects off the ground to production houses competing for international partnerships.
Many across the industry are calling for renewed engagement. The goal isn’t conflict; it’s collaboration. The hope is that all parties, including SPADA, can come together in good faith to ensure the intent of the legislation – a fair and thriving screen sector for everyone – is achieved. It’s also an opportunity to show that New Zealand can lead by example, proving that creative industries work best when trust and transparency come first.
Industry voices are encouraging respectful discussion, with the shared understanding that every organisation has its pressures and perspectives. Still, progress depends on dialogue. The sooner that conversation restarts, the stronger and more unified our sector will be.
New Zealand’s screen community has always been defined by its collective spirit. By choosing connection over division and action over silence, we can make sure that spirit continues to shine – both on set and behind the scenes.
© 2025 Collaborate NZ
