New Zealand has updated its International Screen Production Rebate to attract more global film, TV, and streaming productions, effective from January 2026.
The New Zealand Government has announced on 7 November 2025 targeted updates to the International Screen Production Rebate to strengthen the country’s appeal for international film, television, and streaming productions, Economic Growth Minister Nicola Willis said.
From 1 January 2026, the changes will lower the minimum qualifying spend for feature films from NZD 15 million to NZD 4 million, reduce the threshold for the 5% uplift from NZD 30 million to NZD 20 million, expand eligibility for post-production, digital and visual effects projects, and remove caps on key above-the-line costs such as directors and principal cast fees.
The updates, funded through Budget 2025’s NZD 577 million increase, are designed to maintain New Zealand’s competitiveness amid rising global incentives and to support local crews and businesses. The scheme now totals NZD 1.09 billion over four years.
New Zealand’s screen sector employs approximately 24,000 people and contributes NZD 3.5 billion annually to the country’s GDP. Since 2020, 42 international live-action productions have received the rebate, employing over 21,000 cast and crew members.
