NZ On Air will partner for the first time with Netflix to fund an NZQA-recognised screen workforce development programme to produce industry-ready screen production crew through classroom and on-the-job training.
The one-year programme Kahurangi Toi Ātea addresses a documented gap between training pathways and industry employment in the New Zealand screen sector. It was created by Share The Knowledge and co-developed with Toi Mai Workforce Development Council and Te Wānanga Whare Tapere o Takitimu.
Over 2026–27, up to 45 participants will complete intensive classroom training across five professional strands. Up to 12 of them will gain paid on-set placements on two New Zealand series productions, mentored by working Heads of Department, to earn the “New Zealand Certificate in Screen Skills”.
A successful pilot was run in late 2024 with participants gaining on-set experience on the feature film Holy Days. Kahurangi Toi Ātea has now been expanded to cover two series productions.
NZ On Air Head of Funding Amie Mills says there has been a documented crew shortage for some time, and the agency has a role to play in uplifting capability. This aligns with the Government’s ambitions in the Amplify creative and cultural strategy.
“There is no substitute for learning your craft on a real production alongside senior practitioners who've built their careers doing this mahi. Kahurangi Toi Ātea gives that experience formal structure, an NZQA credential, and a clearer pathway into the industry. We hope to see production companies building their crew pipelines through it, and education providers connecting into it. The talent is here. We want to see this programme taken up by the whole sector, and to grow with it,” says Mills.
Debra Richards, Director, Netflix APAC Studio Policy and Production Affairs says: “Behind every great film or series is a talented crew bringing stories to life. We're proud to partner with NZ On Air on Kahurangi Toi Ātea to help create more pathways into the screen industry and ensure emerging practitioners can develop their skills in real production environments. Investing in local talent is essential to the long-term success of New Zealand's screen sector, and we hope this programme helps equip the next generation of crew with the experience, confidence and connections they need to build lasting careers.”
Applications for the 2026–27 classroom cohort will open soon to all interested applicants. The initiative will be reviewed in 2027, with the goal of establishing a repeatable national model that production companies, broadcasters, and education providers can deploy across future film and series projects.
For more information on Kahurangi Toi Ātea, go here.
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For further information contact:
NZ On Air
Allanah Kalafatelis
Head of Communications and Research
Phone +64 021 585538
Netflix
Claire McAdams
Share The Knowledge:
Victoria Dabs
victoria@sharetheknowledge.co.nz
OR
Emma Slade