Round Rua Information for Applicants
In Round Rua we will accept applications across the following audiences and content genres: Drama, Comedy, Documentary and General Factual, Journalism, Children, Youth, Podcasts, Content Development, Capability and Discoverability.
Allocations for this round are:
- Approximately $11m for Non-fiction projects
We will accept Non-fiction applications for documentaries, general factual, podcasts, national event coverage, comedy panel shows, unscripted comedy shows, journalism (see below), and partial financing of feature films supported by the New Zealand Film Commission (NZFC).
We will consider Journalism applications for:
- Specialist current affairs and investigative projects responding to current events.
- Reporting on public institutions.
Please refer to our Round Rua Information for Funding Applicants for more detailed information.
- Approximately $8m for Scripted projects
- We will prioritise applications for projects seeking $1m-$3m in this round and welcome well-developed projects intending to access the New Zealand Screen Production Rebate (NZSPR). Drama, comedy, children's content and partial financing of feature films supported by NZFC are all eligible.
- Approximately $2m for Rangatahi content
- We welcome applications for bold and innovative Scripted and Non-fiction projects that will reach rangatahi audiences (15 – 24-year-olds). While we encourage local platform support, projects will ideally have a multi-platform distribution strategy.
- Approximately $3m for Tamariki content
- We welcome both Scripted and Non-fiction children’s projects. Applications will ideally be tailored for multiple platforms, with well-defined strategies for engaging the target audience.
The Round Rua Information for Funding Applicants is now available here on our website.
Timeline
Applicant information webinar: Thursday 14 August from 3-4pm on Zoom.
- To register, see below.
Applications Open: Thursday 21 August
- All applications must be made through our NZ On Air Portal. Only applications submitted through this portal will be accepted.
Applications Close: Thursday 11 September 2025, 4pm
- Late applications will not be considered. In very exceptional circumstances, we may consider an out-of-time application for time-sensitive projects agreed prior by a Co-Head of Funding.
Decisions confirmed, applicants notified: Friday 21 November 2025
- This date may be extended at NZ On Air’s sole discretion.
Webinars
Tomorrow, Thursday 14 August from 3-4pm, we will be hosting an Applicant Information webinar for Round Rua on Zoom, where you can hear from the NZ On Air Funding team and ask any questions you might have. Email funding@nzonair.govt.nz to register, with the subject line ‘Applicant Information webinar Round Rua’ and we will forward you the Zoom link.
Irirangi Te Motu | NZ On Air - Te Māngai Pāho Reo Māori Content Co-Fund
NZ On Air and Te Māngai Pāho have once again joined forces on a Reo Māori Content Co-Fund and are inviting proposals from applicants creating high-quality reo Māori screen content for a broad audience.
The content we are looking to support is Aotearoa-centric, engaging and will also positively impact on New Zealanders’ attitudes toward te reo Māori by giving the audience an experience of the language that is inclusive and within their reach.
Applications for the co-fund will be managed and processed by Te Māngai Pāho. You can find the RFP with all the eligibility guidelines here on our website.
Up to $8m has been allocated for the co-fund which will give preference to ambitious Scripted projects with scale.
- These may be projects looking to access the NZ Screen Production Rebate (NZSPR), to offset the ask of our agencies, or those that seek full funding.
- It will also accept applications for ambitious Non-fiction projects with scale, however priority will be given to Scripted kaupapa.
- Applications seeking less than $1m from this co-fund will not be accepted unless it is an NZSPR project that requires a lesser amount of gap financing.
To apply, you need to do so through Te Puahatanga, the Te Māngai Pāho funding portal.
Timeline
Applications open – Thursday 21 August 2025
Applications close – Thursday 11 September 2025
Decisions announced – Friday 21 November 2025
Webinar
There will be a webinar from 11am– 12pm on Friday 22 August, hosted by Nadia Marsh from Te Māngai Pāho and Kelly Davis from NZ On Air, where you can find out everything you need to know about the co-fund and ask any questions you may have.
If you would like to register for the webinar, just email funding@nzonair.govt.nz with the subject line ‘Reo Māori Content Co-Fund webinar’ and we will send you a Zoom link closer to the time.
Questions or to apply
For more information on the co-fund, or if you have any questions about eligibility or submitting an application, you can contact nadia@tmp.govt.nz or email the NZ On Air funding team at funding@nzonair.govt.nz.