Deadline: 21-May-2026
NZ On Air is investing in the creation of locally produced screen and audio content that reflects New Zealand’s identity, culture, and diversity. The funding supports both production and early-stage development of scripted and non-fiction content designed for broad audiences.
The programme aligns with public media principles and the Government’s Amplify strategy, focusing on sustainability, innovation, and industry capability growth.
Total Funding Allocation
- Non-fiction projects: approximately $9 million
- Scripted projects: approximately $8 million
- Content development: approximately $1 million annually
- Total focus: High-quality, locally relevant media production
Key Focus Areas
- Public media and broad audience content
- Local storytelling and cultural authenticity
- Diversity and inclusion in content creation
- High production values and innovation
- Employment creation in the screen and media sector
- Industry capability development
- Audience engagement and discoverability
- Creative risk-taking and originality
- Alignment with public media and Amplify strategy
Non-Fiction Funding Stream
Funding Overview
- Total allocation: approximately $9 million
- Focus: Large-scale factual and non-fiction productions
Eligible Projects
- Documentary series
- Factual series
- Podcasts
- Reality shows
- Comedy panel shows
- Unscripted comedy formats
- National event coverage
- Partial financing for feature films (with New Zealand Film Commission support)
Priority Areas
- Budgets over $500,000
- Strong public media value
- High employment generation
- High production quality
- Projects using NZ Screen Production Rebate (including gap financing)
Scripted Funding Stream
Funding Overview
- Total allocation: approximately $8 million
- Focus: Drama, comedy, and scripted series
Eligible Projects
- Drama series
- Comedy series
- Feature films (partial financing with New Zealand Film Commission support)
Priority Areas
- Large-scale series with budgets between $1 million and $3 million
- Projects aligned with NZ Screen Production Rebate
- Strong creative vision and commercial strategy
- High production ambition and audience reach
High-Value Projects
- Requests above $3 million require prior written approval from:
- Associate Head of Funding, or
- Head of Funding
- Must demonstrate strong business case and developed creative direction
Content Development Stream
Funding Overview
- Annual allocation: approximately $1 million
- Typical funding per project: $25,000 to $50,000
- Stage: Early development
Purpose
- Support creation of new, original local content
- Enable concept development for screen and audio projects
- Strengthen New Zealand’s creative pipeline
Requirements
- Most projects must include:
- Commissioning platform or market partner
- 50/50 co-funding arrangement
Also Eligible
- Projects without platform attachment if they demonstrate:
- Strong cultural relevance to New Zealand
- Creative risk-taking
- Cultural specificity
- Secured financial partnerships
Program Objectives
NZ On Air funding aims to:
- Strengthen New Zealand’s screen and media industry
- Support high-quality local storytelling
- Increase diversity and representation in media
- Promote cultural identity and authenticity
- Create jobs in the creative sector
- Encourage innovation in content production
- Improve audience reach and discoverability
- Support sustainable production ecosystems
Why This Funding Matters
This initiative is important because it:
- Strengthens domestic media production capacity
- Supports culturally authentic storytelling
- Expands employment in creative industries
- Encourages investment in high-value productions
- Promotes diverse voices and narratives
- Enhances New Zealand’s global cultural presence
- Supports long-term industry sustainability
Conclusion
NZ On Air’s funding round provides substantial support for scripted, non-fiction, and development projects across Aotearoa New Zealand. By investing in high-quality, locally driven content, the programme strengthens the creative industry, promotes cultural storytelling, and supports sustainable growth in the national media sector.
For more information, visit NZ On Air.
