Our strategy
We are a key funder of drama and comedy in New Zealand.
The Broadcasting Act gives special emphasis to drama as an appealing way to reflect and develop New Zealand culture and identity.
Head High, South Pacific Pictures
Drama and comedy are high-risk genres because of their production complexity, cost, and heavy international competition.
We fund high-quality local drama for adults and children, innovative webseries, quirky animation, and many types of comedy.
In September 2017 we brought together 130 members of our industry to discuss the future of local drama and comedy.
Amid a backdrop of changing viewing habits by audiences, we wanted to work with the industry to come up with solutions for drama that audiences will love.
As a result of those conversations we developed our Scripted Roadmap.
You can check out a range of recent drama and comedy we've funded over on our Watch and Listen page.
What we fund
Westside, South Pacific Pictures
Westside
From the award-winning creators of Outrageous Fortune, Westside is a drama series that takes the West family's large and loyal fan-base on a journey back to where it all began.
Westside is a significant investment by NZ On Air in outstanding local drama heading into its sixth and final season in 2020.
Outrageous Fortune co-creators James Griffin and Rachel Lang are the talent behind this classic drama that combines real events and the rich folklore of the West family and associates.
Check out more local drama series we have invested in on our Watch and Listen - Drama page.
Wellington Paranormal, NZ Documentary Board
Wellington Paranormal
From the minds of Taika Waititi and Jemaine Clement comes a What We Do In The Shadows spinoff with serious bite.
Wellington Paranormal is a mockumentary series set in New Zealand's capital that follows the misadventures of police officers O'Leary and Minogue as they battle with the city's forces of supernatural darkness.
Check out more local comedy series we have invested in on our Watch and Listen - Comedy page.
Runaway Millionaires, Fearless Productions
Runaway Millionaires
When Petrol Station owner Leo Kao and his girlfriend Kara Hurring discovered millions of dollars deposited into their bank account in error in 2009, the pair did what most of us would only dream of doing: they ran.
The captivating true story of an ordinary New Zealand couple who fled the country for a new new life in China with ten million dollars of stolen money, Runaway Millionaires reveals the truth behind the international manhunt that gripped the nation.
Check out more local drama series we have invested in on our Watch and Listen - Drama page.