The New Zealand Government will invest an additional $577 million in the International Screen Production Rebate over the next five years, Economic Growth Minister Nicola Willis announced today.
The top-up lifts total forecast funding for the rebate scheme to $1.09 billion through to 2029 and is designed to keep New Zealand competitive in the global screen production market.
“We are sending a clear message to the world: New Zealand is the best place in the world to make movies,” said Willis. “Bring your productions here to take advantage of our talent and locations.”
The rebate settings will remain unchanged. Productions can continue to access a 20% cash rebate on qualifying expenditure in New Zealand, provided they meet the minimum spend threshold of $15 million for feature films or $4 million for television series. An additional 5% rebate is available for projects spending over $30 million that deliver broader industry and economic benefits.
While Willis acknowledged that industry incentives aren’t typically the Government’s preferred economic approach, she said the rebate was essential for maintaining New Zealand’s screen sector competitiveness.
“We simply won’t get the offshore investment without continuing this scheme. New Zealand competes with more than 100 jurisdictions worldwide, including Australia, Canada, and the UK, which offer more generous incentives than ours,” she said.
The screen sector currently supports around 24,000 jobs and generates $3.5 billion in annual revenue. Over the past decade, inbound productions have invested nearly $7.5 billion in the New Zealand economy, supported by $1.5 billion in rebate payments.
Following a 2023 review of rebate settings, New Zealand has secured 10 major international productions, including eight from major Hollywood studios. Among them are A Minecraft Movie, currently the second-highest grossing film of 2025 and Klara and the Sun, directed by Taika Waititi.
“The rebate is working, and we want the industry to know the Government is backing them to grow into the future,” said Willis. “This is not just about investment, it’s about jobs, skills, and opportunities for young New Zealanders.”
The Government will continue working with the New Zealand Film Commission to attract high-value productions and strengthen New Zealand’s global reputation as a premium filming destination.
