Key Changes to the International Screen Production Rebate

This morning the Government has announced significant changes to the International Screen Production Rebate.  These important changes strengthen New Zealand's ability to attract and retain international production, and are a constructive step in building greater confidence and consistency across New Zealand's screen sector.

Minister Willis said the changes respond directly to industry feedback and address concerns that New Zealand was falling behind as other jurisdictions rapidly increased their incentives:

“The global fight for large-scale productions has intensified, and the settings we inherited were putting New Zealand at risk,” Willis said. “These updates will attract more productions, create more consistent work for New Zealand crews and businesses, and encourage greater foreign investment in our creative industries.”

Key adjustments announced by the Minister include:

- The reduction of the minimum qualifying NZ Production Expenditure (QNZPE) for theatrical features from $15 million to $4 million.

- Removal of the Above-the-Line cap - Fees for directors, producers, principal cast and screenwriters will no longer be capped, bringing NZ into alignment with common international practice.

- Inclusion of post-production, digital and visual effects-only projects in the 5% uplift.

-The lowering of the uplift QNZPE threshold from $30 million to $20 million.

Tāmaki Makaurau Screen Industry Network would like to thank Screen NZ International ,Visual Effects Professionals Guild, the Studio Infrastructure group and NZFC for their hard work advocating for these changes.

Full Article
7 November 2025
Boosting New Zealand’s film industry
—Hon Nicola Willis