Overview
- From 1 January 2026, the minimum qualifying spend for feature films falls from NZ$15 million to NZ$4 million, the uplift threshold drops to NZ$20 million, and PDV‑only projects become eligible for the extra 5%.
- The government removes the cap on above‑the‑line costs, allowing full claims for roles such as director, producer, principal cast, and screenwriter.
- The rebate continues to offer a 20% cash incentive with a potential 5% uplift for projects that meet the revised criteria.
- An extra NZ$577 million announced in May lifts total funding for the scheme to NZ$1.09 billion, with government modelling estimating about NZ$2.40 in wider economic return per rebate dollar.
- The New Zealand Film Commission and Screen NZ International welcomed the changes, citing 2025 survey data showing production down by more than 70% and over 80% of crew experiencing inconsistent work.