Tax Incentives & Grants - New Zealand

New Zealand is a leading destination for international film and television productions, offering world-class infrastructure, diverse locations, and one of the most attractive incentive programs globally. Managed by the New Zealand Film Commission (NZFC), the New Zealand Screen Production Rebate (NZSPR) and other initiatives have drawn blockbuster productions, significantly contributing to the country’s economy and global profile.

New Zealand’s comprehensive suite of incentives, breathtaking locations, and world-class production facilities make it one of the most attractive destinations for international filmmakers. With a strong track record of hosting blockbuster productions, the country continues to offer unparalleled opportunities for both creative and financial success.

  • International Productions

    The NZSPR incentivizes large-scale international productions, offering significant financial benefits to filmmakers.

    • Rebate Details:

      • Base Rebate: Productions can claim up to 20% of Qualifying New Zealand Production Expenditure (QNZPE).

      • 5% Additional Uplift: Eligible productions demonstrating substantial economic benefits to New Zealand may qualify for an extra 5% rebate, bringing the total to 25%.

    • Eligibility Criteria:

      • Minimum QNZPE:

        • Feature Films: NZD 15 million (~USD 9.5 million).

        • TV Series: At least NZD 4 million per series or NZD 1 million per episode.

      • Productions must meet the Significant Economic Benefits Test to qualify for the 5% uplift, which assesses:

        • Job creation for local crew and talent.

        • Skills development for the New Zealand screen industry.

        • Investment in New Zealand’s infrastructure and economy.

      • Projects must include New Zealand locations, services, or talent to enhance the local industry.

    Domestic Productions

    New Zealand-based productions benefit from a higher rebate to foster local content creation.

    • Rebate Details:

      • A 40% rebate on QNZPE for domestic productions.

    • Eligibility Criteria:

      • Productions must pass a points-based test assessing the incorporation of New Zealand themes, stories, and locations.

      • Official co-productions under New Zealand’s bilateral treaties with countries such as Australia, the UK, and Canada are also eligible.

    Post, Digital, and Visual Effects (PDV) Rebate

    The PDV rebate targets productions engaging New Zealand’s advanced post-production and VFX services.

    • Rebate Details:

      • Productions spending at least NZD 500,000 (~USD 320,000) on post-production, digital, and visual effects can claim a 20% rebate.

      • No requirement to conduct principal photography in New Zealand, making this an ideal option for international films utilizing New Zealand’s renowned facilities.

    • Eligibility:

      • Includes expenses for editing, sound design, CGI, VFX, and animation services.

  • The NZSPR program is managed by the New Zealand Film Commission (NZFC) and involves a two-step process:

    1. Provisional Application:

      • Filmmakers must submit a provisional application to confirm eligibility before commencing production in New Zealand.

      • Required documents include a production budget, shooting schedule, and detailed expenditure plan.

    2. Final Application:

      • After production is completed, filmmakers must submit audited financial statements detailing QNZPE.

      • The NZFC reviews the submission and disburses the rebate within three to six months after approval.

    3. 5% Uplift Application:

      • Productions seeking the additional 5% rebate must provide evidence of significant economic benefits, including a detailed economic impact report.

  • Government Review of Incentives

    • In 2024, the New Zealand government conducted a review of the NZSPR to ensure its competitiveness and long-term sustainability.

    • Recommendations included:

      • Increasing funding caps for high-budget productions.

      • Expanding eligibility for co-productions with smaller budgets.

    Economic Contributions

    • Studies show that every NZD 1 spent on screen production incentives generates NZD 6.15 in economic value for New Zealand.

    • The screen sector has contributed NZD 3.5 billion annually to the country’s GDP, supporting thousands of jobs.