Talented people, a great track record, superb locations and world-class infrastructure – Auckland’s screen and creative sector has prime investment potential.

The different industries operating within Auckland’s screen and creative sector include:

  • film and television production
  • post production, visual effects and animation
  • gaming
  • augmented reality and virtual reality.

Why invest in Auckland’s screen and creative sector

New Zealand’s major production hub

New Zealand’s film and television production industry is heavily concentrated in Auckland. In 2015 television broadcasting in Auckland brought in NZD$1.3 billion in revenue – over half the revenue generated from the whole screen sector.

The most game developers per capita in the world

New Zealand has the highest number of game developers per capita of any country in the world. As of March 2015 there were more than 570 full-time professional game developers and artists, plus many independent developers . Auckland is home to nearly 70 per cent of all gaming companies in New Zealand.

The country’s highest industry revenue

In 2015 the Auckland screen industry generated 78 per cent (NZD$2.5 billion) of the total gross revenue for New Zealand’s entire screen sector.

Amazing locations

Auckland’s diverse range of world-class locations offers a unique combination of urban scenes and natural wonders. We’re also the ideal film production hub from which to explore and access other great locations in New Zealand.

High-quality infrastructure

Auckland is home to four fully-resourced production studios, including the new Kumeu Film Studios, and a brand-new augmented reality and virtual reality hub, AR/VR Garage.

Improved incentives and grants

New Zealand’s improved incentive programmes for film productions have made us even more competitive for international projects. International productions are eligible for a cash grant of 20 per cent of Qualifying New Zealand Production Expenditure (QNZPE), with the potential to get an extra 5 per cent uplift if the production will bring significant economic benefits to New Zealand. 

Augmented reality and virtual reality (AR/VR)

With worldwide demand for the AR/VR headsets expected to grow from 12.4 million units in 2018 to 68.9 million units in 2022, reflecting a compound annual growth rate of 52.5 per cent over the next five years, it is the perfect time to invest in AR/VR.

Boasting new infrastructure and a pool of talent, Auckland is ready to offer the perfect place for investing in this thriving industry.

Our track record

Auckland is a great place to make films, and our track record is testament to that. 

  • 800 Words (TV series) (2015)
  • Shannara Chronicles (TV series) (2015)
  • Ash vs Evil Dead (TV series) (2015 )
  • The Emperor (2012)
  • Spartacus: War of the Damned (TV series) (2010-2013)
  • The Chronicles of Narnia - The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe (2005)
  • The Piano (1993)
  • Xena: Warrior Princess (TV series) (1995-2001)
  • Hercules: The Legendary Journeys (TV series) (1995-1999)

Find out more about filming in Auckland.



R&D centres and facilities
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AR/VR Garage

AR/VR Garage is an R&D space for companies looking to create, develop and prototype augmented reality and virtual reality applications, technologies and services.
Learn more


Success stories
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Toonz

Toonz Entertainment New Zealand, part of the Toonz Media Group, has set up here to develop and produce content for local and international markets.
Learn more


Talk to an Investment Specialist

Jono Bishop
Investment Specialist, AR/VR Garage
Jasmine Millet
Screen Production Attraction Executive

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