Mō ngā tono - Funding

Everything you need to know about what we fund, how to apply for funding, and upcoming funding application deadlines.

We fund public media content across various platforms, including television, radio, music, and digital media. Our goal is to support content that reflects Aotearoa New Zealand's diverse communities, culture, and stories – ensuring it’s accessible to all New Zealanders. It is frequently also internationally enjoyed and acclaimed.

Content must be intended for a New Zealand audience, with a clear plan to reach that audience on platforms they use. Our purpose is to reflect and develop the identity and culture of Aotearoa New Zealand. The content we fund aims to inspire, engage and entertain.

Applications are reviewed by our funding teams and sometimes external assessors. We evaluate proposals against our strategic goals and available funding.

Read our investment strategy

Applying for funding?

Applications are made online through our funding application portal. First time applicants must register first.

Apply or register here

Funding types

We invite applications for funding throughout the year for different types of content or initiatives. Each funding round has its own set of deadlines, guidelines and criteria dependent on the type of content being funded.

Scripted and Non-fiction funding

Funding to create Scripted and Non-fiction content that will engage audiences

Music funding

Funding to develop, record and promote single songs, and multi-song projects.

Game Development Sector Rebate

Supporting local game development studios through a rebate on expenditure.

Platform funding

Closed funding for targeted platforms and services to create and deliver audio/visual public media content.

Sector Support

We have modest funding available for capability-building initiatives, and sponsorship for events and awards with strategic importance to the media industry. You can read more about this here.

Requests for Proposals

From time to time we issue a Request for Proposals (RFP) outside of a general funding round to meet a specific need. RFPs can be found here.

Deadlines and decisions

Get dates for upcoming funding rounds and learn about our funding decisions.

Upcoming deadlines

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All upcoming NZ On Air funding application deadlines collected in one place.

Funding decisions

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Our funding decisions database is fully searchable for transparency

Kōrero Whakamārama - Our funding strategy explained

As a public funder we are clear about our priorities and strategies, which are underpinned by research and insights, and deliver on our mandate under the Broadcasting Act.

Our funding strategy explained

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NZ On Air is strategic in making sure our funding supports New Zealand stories, songs and perspectives to reach local audiences.

Resources for funded projects

If your funding application is successful you’ll get a letter of offer and will sign a contract with NZ On Air. It includes project milestones, deliverables and obligations, and reporting requirements. Find logos, guidelines and other resources to help you navigate this.

Scripted and Non-fiction producers

Templates and guidelines to help navigate the funding process, meet your obligations and receive your funding.

Music artists

Logos and guidance on the next steps if your application for new music funding is successful.

Game Development Sector Rebate

Get GDSR logo assets and other resources you'll need if successful in claiming the rebate.

Additional resources

We have a range of tips and resources available to help promote your content.

Social media tips for tamariki producers

Strategies to help you reach your audience and engage them with your content on social media platforms.

Music promotion

Find out how to promote your music to your audience, and how we can help

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Sign up to receive communications such as media releases, newsletters and funding decisions.

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