19th November 2025
The New Zealand government has announced a major update to its International Screen Production Rebate (NZSPR), backed by NZ$577 million in new funding, to make Aotearoa an even more competitive spot for global film, TV, and streaming projects.
These changes, starting 1 January 2026, respond to growing international competition and aim to secure more consistent local work for Kiwi cast, crew, and creative businesses.
Here’s what’s changing — and why it matters for New Zealand actors.
What’s Changing in the Rebate Scheme
The minimum qualifying spend for feature films will drop from NZ$15 million to NZ$4 million.
The threshold for the 5% "uplift" (an additional rebate) will decrease from NZ$30 million to NZ$20 million, helping mid‑budget international productions qualify.
The uplift eligibility is expanding to include post‑production, digital, and visual‑effects‑only (PDV) projects.
The cap on “above‑the‑line” costs — such as payments to directors, principal cast, producers and writers — is being removed, aligning NZ with global industry practices.
All this is funded via the Budget 2025 injection of NZ$577 million, bringing total rebate funding to NZ$1.09 billion over the forecast period.
Why This Matters for Actors in NZ
More International Productions, More Roles
Lowering the financial barrier means a wider variety of overseas productions are now more likely to film here. For actors, that could translate into a more diverse range of casting opportunities, from small supporting roles to parts in large-scale shows.
Boost for VFX‑Heavy Projects
By expanding the uplift to include PDV-only work, New Zealand becomes even more attractive for visual-effects–driven productions. Actors interested in motion-capture, voice work, or genre pieces could benefit from this trend.
Increased Competition, But Greater Work Stability
The removal of the cap on above‑the‑line spend could make NZ more attractive for lead actors, while the overall rebate update promises “more consistent work for local crews and businesses.” The Beehive
Economic Impact Supports the Creative Ecosystem
The screen sector currently supports around 24,000 jobs and contributes NZ$3.5 billion annually to the economy. The Beehive The rebate is not just about attracting big international films — it’s also about building a stable, sustainable screen industry where Kiwi actors can grow.
Global Confidence in Kiwi Talent
As the international money flows in, there’s a signal being sent: Kiwi talent and crews are world‑class. This helps local actors position themselves for global-standard work without having to relocate.
What Actors Can Do in Response
Refresh Your Portfolio: Make sure your showreel, headshots, and CV are ready to showcase your versatility and readiness for international-standard productions.
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