Our funding strategy reflects our values. We look for: innovation and creativity in programme proposals; for diversity of faces, stories and storytellers to reflect all New Zealanders; and value for money.
What we fund
The Broadcasting Act 1989 determines our genre priorities. Within each genre we fund projects that the market alone would not support. Before applying you must secure a commitment from a free-to-air New Zealand broadcaster to screen your programme.
Drama & Comedy
Drama and comedy are important genres because they provide unique opportunities to tell New Zealand stories creatively. They receive significant support from us because production costs are high compared to other genres, despite being very competitive by international standards.
Documentary
New Zealanders have a strong appetite for local documentaries. We work to extend diversity by funding a mix of one-off programmes and series, designed to appeal to a range of tastes.
Children’s
We fund series for preschool, primary and secondary students. Every programme has, at its heart, the drive to develop positive young New Zealanders.
Arts, Culture & Performance
We help celebrate creativity and success by supporting programmes featuring dance, music, fashion, sport and art. We also support programmes that commemorate events of national importance.
Special Interest
Our funding serves audiences of different ethnic backgrounds, religions and physical abilities. From time to time we support community and rural programming.
Maori Programming
We support Māori programming that is predominantly in English, broadcast in prime time and aimed at both Māori and pākehā audiences. Find out more about our Māori strategy. Programmes made specifically for Māori audiences are funded by Te Māngai Pāho.
Regional Television
We fund regional television programmes of a type not found on the national channels, with a focus on regional news and information programmes. Find out more.
Platinum Fund
This is a special fund for free-to-air quality television programming, appealing to a variety of audiences. Find out more.