6th May 2025
On 16 May 2025, Finance and Economic Growth Minister Nicola Willis announced a massive $577 million funding boost for New Zealand’s screen sector — a move that firmly places the local film and television industry back in the international spotlight. And for actors across Auckland and Aotearoa, this is a signal to be ready.
Over Half a Billion Dollars to Keep the Cameras Rolling
Announced at Stone Street Studios in Miramar, this investment more than doubles the government’s existing screen production rebate, bringing the total fund to $1.09 billion over the next four years.
The Screen Production Rebate is vital for attracting major international productions to shoot in New Zealand. Eligible productions will now be able to access:
A 20% rebate for films spending over $15 million, and television projects over $4 million, and
A further 5% uplift for productions that spend over $30 million and meet key economic and industry criteria.
Nicola Willis made it clear: "If we were to remove this rebate scheme, we would be saying goodbye to the New Zealand movie industry... This rebate scheme is a ticket to the game."
Good News for Actors, Agencies, and the Broader Industry
With this funding, the local industry can expect a more reliable flow of work, from large-scale international features to high-end TV dramas. As noted by Willis, the New Zealand screen sector currently supports around 24,000 jobs and generates approximately $3.5 billion in annual revenue.
For Auckland-based actors and talent agencies like Collaborate Management, this presents a significant opportunity. We’re expecting more casting briefs, increased demand for on-screen talent, and more international teams hiring locally.
This also means an urgent call for actors to:
Update headshots and CVs
Stay screen-ready
Maintain US/neutral accents and voiceover versatility
Keep profiles active with agents and casting directors
Whether you're a new actor entering the industry or a seasoned performer, having professional representation, recent training, and a current showreel is more important than ever.
Why the Increase — and Why Now?
Willis acknowledged that this funding is about keeping New Zealand competitive. Countries like Australia, Canada and the UK offer similar or higher rebates — and international producers are shopping around. Without this incentive, she warned, “we would see an exodus of talent, of skill… and we would say goodbye to the investment that has been coming here.”
Already, the rebate has helped bring in 10 major international productions since the late-2023 review — including titles from Hollywood’s biggest studios.
The Minecraft Movie, now the second highest-grossing film of 2025, is one recent example of a blockbuster made on New Zealand soil.
Still More to Do for Local Production
While the international rebate is secure, local voices are pushing for more support for domestic productions. Irene Gardiner, president of the Screen Production and Development Association, noted that more enhancements to the domestic rebate scheme are needed to help shows like Shortland Street survive in a shifting media landscape.
A special enhancement was introduced this year to help keep Shortland Street eligible — after it was forced to cut back to three episodes per week. More changes could follow in the full Budget announcement due next week.
Collaborate’s Position
At Collaborate Management, we’re encouraged by the government’s decision. It shows commitment to both our actors and the wider creative ecosystem. We’ll continue to champion professional, trained, screen-ready talent — and are actively preparing our clients for the increased demand this funding will drive.
From our home in Auckland, we’re proud to represent actors who are already making waves on global productions — and are ready to help emerging talent seize this moment.
If you’re a director, producer, or casting agent seeking exceptional NZ talent, reach out. We’ve got a roster of screen-tested actors ready to step onto set.
© 2025 Collaborate NZ
