Resources
Filming in New Zealand
New Zealand is renowned for its world-class reputation as a filming location, with its breathtaking scenery, highly skilled crews, and established support network for both local and international screen production companies. This section provides useful information to help these productions.
- Letters of Non-Objection
- New Zealand Screen Production Grant
- Filming on Department of Conservation land
- Ngai Tahu Film Guide
Letters of Non-Objection (LONOs)
Spada processes LONOs for producers/executive producers as part of the supporting documentation provided to Immigration NZ when applying for an Entertainers Work Visa.
To download the application form for a Letter of Non-Objection from Spada, simply click on the provided link. If you require additional information about LONOs, please reach out to the Spada Office at office@spada.co.nz or call (04) 939 6934.
New Zealand Screen Production Rebate (NZSPR)
The NZSP Rebate is a key incentive for NZ producers and production companies. Eligible productions can access a cash rebate equivalent to 40% of Qualifying New Zealand Production Expenditure (QNZPE).
The purpose of the Rebate is twofold:
- To build the sustainability, scale, and critical mass of the domestic film industry and support the development of New Zealand creatives.
- To provide cultural benefits to New Zealand by supporting the creation of New Zealand content and stories.
Income earned by producers from successful productions helps create sustainable New Zealand screen production businesses. All New Zealand Rebate applicants must have an equity share in the production, for both recoupment and net profit, that is commensurate with the expected value of the NZSPR. The equity position of the applicant must be similar to that of other equity investors in the production.
Productions must also have significant New Zealand content as determined by a points test of the Criteria. Productions certified as Official Co-productions are deemed to have significant New Zealand content for the purposes of the NZSPR (except those applying for the Additional Grant) and do not need to meet this points test.
The New Zealand Film Commission administers the NZSP Rebate, and further information regarding the criteria and guidelines can be found here.
Commercial Filming on Department of Conservation Land (DOC)
New Zealand has thirteen national parks and more than five million hectares (approximately a third of New Zealand's landmass) protected as parks and reserves. This land, with its unique vegetation and stunning vistas, is recognised worldwide. DOC is the guardian of New Zealand's conservation estate and administers its national parks. If you want to film in an area managed by DOC you need to apply for a concession - more information can be found here
Code of Practice for Filming on Public Conservation Lands
This code was developed by Film New Zealand and DOC for the benefit of the screen production sector. Download here.
Ngai Tahu Film Guide
Guidelines for screen production companies seeking to film on lands of importance to Ngai Tahu, which includes land administered by the Department Of Conservation, have been drawn up by Ngai Tahu and Spada. The guidelines point out intellectual property and location issues that may be of concern to the Iwi so that production companies can either avoid problems or plan a mitigation strategy. The guidelines include advice and assistance which will help with the necessary consultation process with local tribal councils. Guidelines available here.