MBIE and MCH look to secure the industry’s long-term future 

On 9 December the Government announced a review of how it invests in the screen sector. 

The review, which is being conducted jointly by Hīkina Whakatutuki the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) and Manatū Taonga the Ministry for Culture and Heritage (MCH), has four objectives:  

 

The review aims to: 

  • develop a more sustainable and resilient screen sector that is less vulnerable to global shifts in screen financing and incentives 
  • support better pay and conditions and improved career pathways for New Zealanders, and grow the number of Kiwis in well paid roles on and off screen
  • develop more local content to reflect our cultural diversity and reach broader audiences 
  • maximise the benefit to the economy by driving innovation, attracting global talent, and building our global brand and reputation for quality productions.

The Government promises that it will continue to invest in international and domestic screen productions, and that the review won’t propose a cap on programme funding for the New Zealand Screen Production Grant. Nor will the review look at funding from NZonAir or Te Māngai Pāho. 

According to MBIE and MCH, sector representatives will be consulted throughout the first half of 2022. Wider public consultation begins in June 2022, with a final decision due by April 2023. 

Screen Auckland supports the Government’s vision for a strong, sustainable industry that offers careers in the creative sector and allows businesses to flourish, and we have previously expressed our support for a competitive international grant scheme. Throughout, we will continue to advocate for the screen sector. 

MBIE has an email address where you can register your interest and stay up to date with the review’s progress: [email protected]

Read the ministries’ press release here.