Overview
- The minimum feature spend for the International Screen Production Rebate drops from NZ$15 million to NZ$4 million, aligning with TV and non-theatrical thresholds.
- The 5% uplift now applies at NZ$20 million in qualifying spend, reduced from NZ$30 million, and PDV-only projects become eligible.
- Caps on above-the-line costs are removed, while the base incentive remains a 20% rebate with a possible 5% uplift.
- Officials say the changes respond to a sharp downturn in 2025 production and target competitiveness against Australia, the UK, Ireland and Canada.
- The update is supported by an extra NZ$577 million, lifting the programme’s allocation to NZ$1.09 billion, and it has drawn praise from industry groups, with actor Cliff Curtis previously urging stronger incentives.