News

Auckland Council is undergoing a significant review of its CCOs, a process that could impact how the screen sector is supported.

Film Auckland has been actively engaging with Council leadership—including the Mayor, the CEO of Council, the CEO of Tātaki Auckland Unlimited, and the Council Transition Director—to ensure the screen industry’s needs remain a priority.

Here is the current positioning of Screen Auckland within the council umbrella:

Here’s what we know so far:

• Economic Development and Creative Industries (where Screen Auckland currently sits) is expected to be brought in-house at Council.
  
• Screen Auckland will remain under Tātaki Auckland Unlimited.
  
• The final reporting structure is still being determined, but indications are that Screen Auckland will be in a stronger, more effective position.
  

We see this as a shift with potential benefits—one that could provide the structural support the industry has long called for. As the transition unfolds, we’ll continue to advocate for improved facilitation, permitting processes, and strategic outcomes for the sector.

Earlier this month, we hosted a meeting with guild representatives, Producers, Line Producers, and Location Managers to provide an industry update, particularly in light of Auckland Council’s review of its Council-Controlled Organisations (CCOs).

The discussion naturally evolved into a robust exchange about current challenges facing productions in Auckland and how we can work together to improve conditions for the industry.

Key discussion points included:

• Screen Auckland’s Role & Industry Support – Ensuring it is positioned in a way that allows it to effectively serve the needs of the screen sector.
• Permitting & Facilitation – A focus on streamlining processes to better enable production rather than create unnecessary hurdles.
• Industry Visibility & Advocacy – Strengthening communication and engagement within Council to highlight the sector’s economic and cultural value.
• Cultural Change – Encouraging a more film-friendly mindset within Council to support local and international productions.
• Bylaws & Compliance – Addressing inefficiencies and creating clearer, more effective pathways for permitting and approvals.

This was an important opportunity to bring industry voices together and advocate for meaningful change. These discussions will continue as we work towards stronger outcomes.

The Ministry for Culture & Heritage’s (MCH) Media Review will play a crucial role in shaping the future of local content funding and streaming regulations. Given the timing, Film Auckland was unable to conduct a full consultation with our Auckland membership for a standalone submission. However, we have endorsed SPADA’s submission, which presents a strong, industry-wide perspective—particularly on regulating streaming platforms and ensuring a sustainable model for local productions.

In addition to this, many of our Board members submitted individual responses, contributing their expertise on key issues. We hope you also took the opportunity to provide feedback and help shape the future of our industry.

The review also explored a potential merger of NZFC and NZ On Air, a major proposal that could redefine how content is funded and supported in New Zealand. While industry views on this vary, the key priority is ensuring that any structural changes strengthen the sector rather than focus solely on cost-cutting.

As the media landscape shifts and local broadcasters face increasing challenges, the review raises important questions about the long-term sustainability of New Zealand content. We’ll continue to track developments and share updates as they emerge.

Last week, we met with Pam Ford and Delwyn Corin, co-leads of Te Puna Creative Hub in Henderson. There has been curiosity (and some confusion!) around Te Puna—its purpose, its funding, and how it might serve the industry.

Pam and Delwyn are keen to connect directly with the screen sector and share their vision. We’ve asked for written materials that we’ll circulate soon, and we’ll support their outreach by sharing key information with our networks. This is a great opportunity for industry professionals to engage early and help shape what this space could offer. More to come soon.

We have had a recent recent leadership change. Our long-standing Chair, Grant Baker, has stepped down, and we extend our deepest thanks to Grant for his years of dedication and guidance. We’re delighted to welcome Kristian Eek as the new Chair of Film Auckland. Kristian brings a wealth of experience and passion for our sector, and we’re looking forward to the energy and direction he’ll bring to this role.

As you may know, significant changes are underway in the media landscape, with the New Zealand Government’s Media Reform - Modernising Regulation and Content Funding Arrangements proposal now open for consultation.

We’ve attached the Media Reform discussion document, which outlines five draft proposals designed to create modern media legislation for New Zealand’s media and content production sector.

This is an opportunity for our industry to actively shape the future of media regulation and content funding in New Zealand. The proposed reforms aim to modernise the regulatory framework to better support both traditional and digital media platforms, while also ensuring greater content diversity and more robust support for local productions. These changes could have a lasting impact on how our industry is supported, funded, and regulated in the years ahead.

What's in it for you?

This reform could directly influence how our screen industry operates, from funding for local content to how media regulation affects both traditional broadcasters and digital platforms. This is your chance to voice your thoughts, concerns, and ideas for improvement.

How can you get involved?

Submissions are now open, and we encourage everyone in our community to make their voices heard. Whether you’re a producer, director, technician, or any other industry professional, your feedback is vital in ensuring that the needs of our community are addressed.

Key Details:

Deadline for submissions: Sunday 23rd March

How to submit: Visit here to submit your feedback; or visit the website to download a word version and email your feedback to: mediaandscreen@mch.govt.nz.

The more diverse and comprehensive our feedback, the stronger our position will be in advocating for changes that benefit us all.

We encourage you to take the time to read through the proposed reforms and submit your thoughts. Let's make sure our voices are heard, and we secure the best possible future for our industry.

4:00 - 5:00PM, Tuesday, 3 December 2024

Register HERE

Spada invites you to join our webinar and discover insights about accessibility and understand what role an Access Coordinator may play in your next screen project. Panelists include Access Coordinators Felicity Hamill and Jared Flitcroft talking about their role, their training, and their work on productions to date, with Tayla Hancock from NZFC and local Producer Jasmin dos Santos providing information on how to factor an Access Coordinator into your future projects. There will be an opportunity for attendees to ask questions during the discussion.

4:00PM, Wednesday, 20 November, 2024

Register HERE

SPADA and Greenlit invite you to an engaging seminar about Greenlit's sustainability initiative for the screen industry. Discover practical strategies for integrating sustainability into your projects, and hear inspiring success stories from those working in the area of sustainability for the screen industry. Panelists include Rose Archer, Sustainability Manager, Ilai Amar, Producer, and the session will be hosted by Greenlit's Janine Russell, who will delve into the tools and resources Greenlit offers to help productions reduce their environmental impact. Whatever your role in the screen sector, you're welcome to join our Sustainable Scenes webinar.

We’re inviting you to participate in the NZFC survey, to help them shape the future of diversity, equity, and inclusion in Aotearoa's screen sector.

This biennial survey aims to gather insights into the lived experiences of screen practitioners, providing valuable feedback on how the sector can continue to improve equity and inclusiveness. With a strong focus on qualitative, narrative-driven data, it’s open to all who work within our industry.

The survey is independent, fully anonymised, and results will be published in a report without any identifying information. Your voice matters, and sharing your experiences will support the NZFC’s ongoing initiatives and decisions.

Please join us in contributing to a more inclusive future by completing the survey!

Click here to take the survey

If you’re scheduling any filming between 19 December and 10 January, there are a few key things to keep in mind. With the city bustling and many services on holiday hours, planning ahead is crucial to ensure your project goes smoothly!

Get in touch with Screen Auckland early to lock in the details and make the most of Auckland's fantastic locations over the break.