2025-26 Funding Priorities
In response to requests for more advance information on funding round priorities, we are publishing the 2025-26 Funding Priorities: Advance Planning Guide for Scripted and Non-fiction Content which is now available here on our website.
This document outlines our key priorities and projected funding allocations for the Scripted and Non-fiction content streams for the year. This document should be read in conjunction with our Investment Strategy, which continues to guide our investment decisions.
Our thinking has been informed by discussions with stakeholders including producers, guilds and platforms. The figures in the guide represent proposed targeted investments in critical areas rather than our complete annual content creation funding allocation.
It’s important to note that the projected funding allocations are based on our 2024/25 baseline funding. Following Budget 2025/26 being released, any changes to our funding will be considered and funding allocations will be updated accordingly.
Round Tahi Information for Applicants
The first funding round of the 2025/26 financial year will open next week on Thursday 1 May from 9am. It will be open for three weeks and close at 4pm on Thursday 22 May.
Round Tahi will take place fully within the new NZ On Air Portal – you’ll be able to do your funding application, manage your drawdowns, and invoice and process drawdown payments all from there.
If you plan to apply for funding in Round Tahi, you’ll need to make sure you are signed up in the new portal before you can start the application process. Only applications submitted through this portal will be accepted.
Not yet signed up in the new NZ On Air Portal?
- If you haven’t yet signed up in the portal and were previously registered with our old portal, you will have received a unique link to sign up. Check your email inbox for an invite from portal@nzonair.govt.nz.
- If you have not previously registered with NZ On Air but plan to apply for funding in Round Tahi (or a future round), just go to this portal link and click on ‘Create an Account’.
Please remember, if you are a Music applicant, signing up in the new portal only applies to New Music Project, New Music Project Kids and Music Features rounds which have been using Tahua for funding applications. New Music Single or focus rounds (New Music Kids, New Music Pasifika, New Music Pan-Asian and Waiata Takitahi) will still use the usual music portal to apply for funding.
Round priorities
In Round Tahi, we will accept Non-fiction and Scripted production applications (including Drama, Comedy, Documentary and General Factual, Children, Youth, Podcasts) as well as applications for supported Non-fiction and Scripted content development. We will also consider applications for Capability and Discoverability.
Please note we will not consider journalism applications in this round – Round Rua will be the round for journalism applications. (Please read the information in the 2025/26 Funding priorities document on journalism.)
Allocations for this round are:
- Approximately $9m for Non-fiction projects
- We will accept Non-fiction applications for screen content, including documentaries, podcasts, national event coverage, comedy panel shows, unscripted comedy shows, reality shows and partial financing of feature films supported by the NZ Film Commission (NZFC).
- We will consider applications for Non-fiction shows that utilise international intellectual property, but priority will be given to local formats.
- Approximately $9m for Scripted projects
- We will prioritise applications for larger-scale projects seeking $1m-$3m for this round and welcome well-developed projects intending to access the Screen Production Rebate (SPR). Drama, comedy, children's content, and partial financing of feature films supported by NZFC are all eligible.
- Approximately $1.5m 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 $4m for Tamariki content
- We welcome both Scripted and Non-fiction children’s projects including games. Applications will ideally be tailored for multiple platforms, with well-defined strategies for engaging the target audience.
The Round Tahi Information for Funding Applicants is now available here on our website.
Timeline
Applicant information webinar: Thursday 24 April from 3-4pm on Zoom.
- To register, email funding@nzonair.govt.nz.
Applications Open: Thursday 1 May
- All applications must be made through our NZ On Air Portal. Only applications submitted through this portal will be accepted.
Applications Close: Thursday 22 May 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 1 August 2025
- This date may be extended at NZ On Air’s sole discretion.
Webinars
Tomorrow, Thursday 24 April from 3-4pm, we will be hosting an Applicant Information webinar for Round Tahi 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 and receive the Zoom link.
We will also be hosting a NZ On Air Portal webinar next week on Tuesday 29 April from 3-4pm on Zoom so you can ask any questions you may have about applying in the new portal. Email portal@nzonair.govt.nz to register for that webinar.