Will the cameras keep rolling? Waikato Screen chases council funding to survive after 50% cut

Wednesday, 10 June 2026

Waikato Screen is staring down the camera at a fight for survival after losing 50% of its funding.

The film office helped bring two Minecraft movies and Avatar: The Way of Water to the region but won’t get cash from Waikato Regional Council next year.

That funding used to cover half of its operational base, leaving the group looking for $400,000 from district councils to cover the loss.

Waikato Screen co-director and film office/account manager Tracy Hampton believes the group proved its worth by exceeding deliverables and creating a worthwhile return on investment dollars. With restructuring of local council looming large however, she said it's made an impact on funds.

'I think it's more central government that has impacted the purpose of regional council [so] we have been impacted by that directly.'

The funding uncertainty is reflected in a Hauraki District Council agenda which read “some Waikato councils have no funding allocated to Waikato Screen in their annual plans and are not planning to change this”.

Hauraki District won’t confirm any funds unless Waikato Screen can line up proof of enough other funding to keep operating, the agenda continued.

When asked if council amalgamation talks will hamper Waikato Screen’s efforts, Hampton said they have 'really good relationships' with district councils across the region, adding most have identified the 'significance and importance of what we do'.

'This is an opportunity now for councils to acknowledge the benefits of the screen sector and it being a significant $3.5 billion sector nationally,“ she added.

To ensure fair funding among all nine Waikato councils, Waikato Screen proposed a hybrid model that sees every council giving the same 'base' amount ($20,000). After that, a 'varied' amount based on population, infrastructure and reflective of the screen sector's benefits would provided.

For example, Hamilton City Council would front up $97,000 (35% of the total funding required) while Waikato District Council would contribute $59,600 (18%).

While acknowledging councils have their own struggles in the economic climate, Hampton said the film sector returns an estimated $29.40 to ratepayer businesses for every dollar invested.

For areas like Thames-Coromandel, that number skyrockets to $168.

“For regions like ours, this is incredibly important. Once you calculate the 275 main unit crew coming in and they all stay in accommodation, they all have per diems and they go to restaurants… you've got a mini village moving in and building a whole unit base,” she added.

The potential is only set to grow, as Hollywood superstars Taika Waititi, Jason Momoa and Cliff Curtis recently acquired Auckland based and indigenous-led studio Studio West.

According to Hampton, Screen Waikato is “well-positioned to support this flow of work, ensuring direct benefit to our districts, local businesses, and communities”.

It’s an easy trip from Auckland to Waikato for filming, Hauraki District Council mayor Toby Adams said.

'When they do, they bring hundreds of people to work in these films.”

Adams, who previously held an advisory board role with Waikato Screen, said the sector is just as important as any economic development council covers.

“I’m an advocate for investing money that’s going to get a return on investment,” Adams added.

'Just recently in the Thames area Minecraft 2 was being filmed and when you look at the amount of people that are coming in there, the extras, the caterers, the drivers, the food, all of that gets spent in those towns.'

Hampton warned a lack of funding would see millions of dollars head elsewhere, making both communities and councils miss out.

“We'll continue to work tirelessly to ensure we are sustainable… the more we can facilitate as a film office the more benefits we get and in current economic times, that's more food on tables for people.'

LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.