Production Grant renewed

Screen CanterburyNZ Production Grant renewed as new sci-fi begins filming in Christchurch

Canterbury's screen and creative technology industry has received a boost, with the renewal of the Screen CanterburyNZ Production Grant which is available to attract screen production to inject investment into the region.

The timing is significant, with Christchurch-based WhitebaitMedia's Māui and Elvis, a recipient of grant funding in 2025, set to begin production at Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury (UC)’s Kōawa Studios.

Together, the grant and the region's investment in world-class creative technology infrastructure are helping to attract productions and grow Canterbury’s screen sector.

Local production creating opportunities for Canterbury talent

Produced by Whitebait media and Canada’s Mosaic Entertainment, Māui and Elvis is a New Zealand–Canada co-production. The live-action sci-fi adventure comedy follows two best friends – Māori Māui from New Zealand and Métis Elvis from Canada – as they attempt to save Māui’s Nan and the planet after a salt lusting alien takes over her body.

Executive Producer Janine Morrell-Gunn says: “WhitebaitMedia applauds the renewal of the Screen Canterbury Grant. Without it Māui & Elvis simply would not have been possible.”

For over three decades WhitebaitMedia has been a springboard for emerging talent, both on screen and behind the camera, and Māui & Elvis is no exception.

“Of our 100-strong crew, 61 are Christchurch-based, alongside 10 local supporting cast and 200 extras,” says Morrell-Gunn.

“Our great team of Heads of Department are supporting us to develop the skills and experience of our Canterbury crew, with the ultimate goal of building a sustainable local workforce capable of delivering productions of this scale entirely from within our region.”

“Being based at Kōawa Studios is very special. The world-class commercial infrastructure, incredibly supportive team and vibrant, creative atmosphere make it an exceptional place to work. There’s a real energy that comes from bringing industry and creative talent together, and our entire team is loving being here. Kōawa truly is a jewel in Christchurch’s crown.”

Renewed screen funding backs regional growth

The return of the Screen CanterburyNZ Production Grant strengthens support for a sector that delivers real economic value to the region.

Since 2021, the grant has helped attract and grow 18 productions, generating more than $24 million in production activity, over 900 local crew days, and opportunities for 500 businesses throughout the supply chain.

The grant will open for applications in early 2027, with a total of $430,000 available for productions filmed in the region that can demonstrate clear benefits for Canterbury through local spend, employment, skills development, industry growth and wider economic impact.

World-class infrastructure putting Canterbury on the map

Central to this growing capability is Kōawa Studios, UC’s commercial production facility, which brings advanced screen technology and production infrastructure together with education and industry.

Its facilities include virtual production and green screen sound stages, motion capture and stop-motion animation studios, sound recording and editing facilities, and a 1,400sqm production and post-production facility.

The investment gives Canterbury the specialist infrastructure to support ambitious screen productions and wider creative industries, including animation, gaming and digital storytelling.

Kōawa Studios Director Sam Witters says Māui and Elvis is another demonstration of why investing in Canterbury's creative technology capability is important.

"We've always had talented creative people in Canterbury. What's changing is our ability to give them the facilities and technology they need to do their best work, right here in Christchurch.

"Having international co-productions like Māui and Elvis working out of Kōawa is exactly what we've been building towards. We want Christchurch to be seen as the gateway to the South Island for creative productions, with world-class infrastructure and talented people to support ambitious projects. “It’s great news for Canterbury, but it's also wonderful for New Zealand. The more productions we can support here, the more employment opportunities we provide our students."

Witters says the opportunity to connect professional productions with UC’s emerging talent is a unique benefit to both production companies and students.

Creating the conditions for industry success

Canterbury is investing in the talent, infrastructure and innovation needed to grow its screen and creative tech sector by building an environment where businesses, students and creatives can collaborate, innovate and access world-class facilities.

"We have a real opportunity to build something special here in Canterbury and create an environment where creative businesses thrive. A place where they want to establish themselves, talented people want to stay, and the next generation can have a bright future,” says Meg Huston.

"We're working to put the right foundations in place, build momentum and showcase the depth of talent capability we have here in Canterbury. The production grant is an important step toward strengthening our industry and creating more opportunities for local people and businesses.”

Key takeaways

• Screen funding is growing Canterbury's economy by attracting productions, investment and opportunities for local businesses.
• Māui and Elvis showcases local talent, creating jobs, skills development and career pathways for Canterbury crew and creatives.
• Kōawa Studios is strengthening Canterbury's screen capability, helping attract major productions and positioning the region as a hub for screen and creative technology.