Before you apply
Before you apply here's some essential information that will help you understand how we invest in Scripted and Non-Fiction content.
Our core functions are set out in the 1989 Broadcasting Act. In simple terms, we invest in valued, diverse and discoverable public media.
Our strategy for investing is set out in the NZ On Air Investment Strategy and in our About- Our funding strategy section.
How to apply
To apply for funding you must first register as an applicant with our online applications system.
Once you're registered you can manage your tono through your personal dashboard, nominate supporting platforms, and update your business information.
Any applications not submitted online will not be considered. Please note: all material submitted to NZ On Air is covered by the Official Information Act.
Funding deadlines
These are the application deadline dates for Scripted, Non-Fiction and Platform applications. Please be familiar with the General Application Guidelines.
- Applications for Māori Content, Content Development and Industry Development can be received at any round unless we specify otherwise.
- Round Information will be issued at least one month before the deadline and will be available on our website and online application system. We’ll also advise by a shorts newsletter.
- You must read the current Round Information before applying as we may change any of the rounds described below, depending on funding trends.
- We may also issue specific project RFPs during the year: deadlines for these will be specified in the RFP.
- If in any doubt, please contact a Funding Advisor.
Round Rua
Targeted and General Audiences round
Applications open: 22 August 2024
Deadline: 4:00 pm, 12 September 2024
Applicants informed: 22 November 2024
Round Toru
Priority and General Audiences
Applications open: 17 January 2025
Deadline: 4:00 pm, 7 February 2025
Applicants informed: 9 April 2025
Current rounds
There is no round currently open for applications. See above for the next available round.
RFPs
From time to time we issue a request for proposals separate to a funding round.
For information on the funding details of our recently closed RFPs please check the media release page here.
Creative New Zealand, NZ On Air and RNZ are working together to support the development of new podcasts in response to research that shows a deficit in media coverage about arts and culture in Aotearoa.
The New Mirrors research, undertaken by Rosabel Tan and James Wenley, shows a lack of arts and culture media across New Zealand, while also outlining ways to address the problem; in response, our three agencies have created a one-off fund to generate new arts media opportunities.
For more details on the Expressions of Interest (EOI), go here to the Creative New Zealand webpage.
What we are looking for
We are looking for fun and juicy podcast concepts about artists and cultural life in Aotearoa. This is a fairly open brief: your idea could be narrative non-fiction, documentary or docu-drama, interview-focused or panel-based.
Whatever the form, it should be conversational, intimate, and make for great ongoing listening. We want listeners who are eager to keep coming back for more - whether they’re into the arts, or new to the stories.
In short, we are open to hearing from you about what you think would make a good arts and culture podcast, and what makes you excited.
Timeline
9 July 2024 - Expressions of Interest open for the Arts and Culture Podcast.
(All applications must be made through Creative New Zealand. Click here to access the EOI).
9 August 2024, 1pm - Deadline for Expressions of Interest
Please note that those who are shortlisted will be invited for further conversation and to put together an indicative budget. See the EOI for more details.
22 October 2024 – Final decisions made
Helping you to apply
Applications can be made by using the online application form available in the CNZ portal here.
You will be asked to answer questions that speak to the following:
- Your concept
- Who the podcast is for (ie. the target audience)
- Why you want to make this podcast and why now
- A couple of episode examples and how the series might develop over time
- A bit about the team that would be working on the podcast
You can also read more on the co-fund in the News section of our website.
Youth content
NZ On Air is piloting a new approach to funding content for young people in Aotearoa New Zealand. Based on extensive research and a profound understanding of the rapidly changing media landscape that individuals aged 15 to 24 are engaged with, the strategy is titled Within My Reach. We recognise the need to provide a more adaptable and accessible approach to funding youth content – making it within reach of younger creators, and of greater resonance to younger audiences.
You can read about this initiative and the projects we funded in the media release here.
Children's content
In April 2023 NZ On Air updated our Children’s Content Strategy – with some key changes to how we plan to reach and strengthen onscreen representation of tamariki and rangatahi aged 0 – 14 years in Aotearoa.
This strategy is led by audience research and is actively seeking ways to be present in more places where children spend time consuming media. This includes local platforms like HEIHEI Games and TVNZ On demand as well as YouTube Kids and other digital-first platforms.
It is important New Zealanders know what their taxpayer dollars have funded. Consistent accreditation also helps reinforce the cultural value of this funding to Aotearoa.
There are specific requirements for the accreditation of funded children's content when it is broadcast or uploaded/published, and in publicity and promotional material. These accreditation requirements form part of the contract for pūtea tautoko.
Should you have further queries relating to these requirements or the NZ On Air tamariki logo assets, please contact: communications@nzonair.govt.nz
Our new content strategy for children's content (and soon for youth content) recognises the fundamental shift in the way these audiences find and consume content. They are online-centric and they're spoilt for choice. We're now encouraging content that is on multiple platforms at once - available where the viewers are. But this requires really good marketing and promotion.
We held a workshop in August 2023 with our partners at Contagion and Totally Awesome which focuses on what NZ On Air is doing to help increase discoverability, and provide great information to producers about creating promotional content themselves that will help drive audience discovery.
The workshop was livestreamed and recorded and the link is below. The presentation slide deck is also below.
****Please note the livestream audio drops out at about 14 minutes in and comes back at 16.40 - so hang in there- its worth coming back!
In the missing audio we emphasised the importance of thinking ahead and building a collection of owned media (your content, downloadables, behind the scenes footage, audio etc) to help feed the audiences' desire to engage with the content. You need to be doing this while you are making your funded content. While NZ On Air is funding some discoverability campaigns via Contagion, we can't afford to do this for all content. However if you've created the assets we can still help you to spread the word - our Comms team will work with you to promote your content on social media, via e-newsletters and media reviews.
If you have questions please contact Sarah Donaldson, Audience and Media Strategist at NZ On Air. sarahd@nzonair.govt.nz
Or our comms team communications@nzonair.govt.nz
On March 26 2018, NZ On Air and TVNZ launched HEIHEI as a free website, iOS app and Android app. The website featured newly-funded local content and a range of hand-picked international titles for primary-aged children.
On May 12 2020, it was announced that the underlying software platform supporting HEIHEI would no longer be available, and so HEIHEI video content was moved to its new home on TVNZ + and HEIHEI Games moved to a new digital platform.
More information about the history of HEIHEI, children's research, and HEIHEI brand assets for children's content funded prior to September 2022 is available here.
Sync Licensing
NZ On Air’s remit is to fund public media content that reflects the cultural identity of Aotearoa and connects with audiences. This includes Non-Fiction and Scripted content as well as music.
As well as seeing ourselves on screen, we are committed to showcasing outstanding New Zealand music and songs within our wonderful local screen offerings, thereby enhancing the experience for our audiences. With our dual role as a funder of both content types, NZ On Air is ideally positioned to promote the increased integration of local music into Aotearoa New Zealand's screen productions.
In 2020, we commissioned a piece of research to understand why we weren’t hearing more New Zealand music featured in our local screen content, and to identify opportunities for upskilling our screen producers and encouraging greater use of local music in our funded screen productions.
That piece of research – NZ On Air and the New Zealand Sync Licensing Sector 2020/21 – led to NZ On Air announcing in 2023 that we would begin funding certain productions specifically to adequately plan and budget for the integration and licensing of New Zealand music and songs as an integral part of the creative development process for screen productions.
Sync licensing is when music is used within a piece of visual content, such as film, television, digital or games content. There are specialists, called Music Supervisors, whose role it is to work with the production to find where music can be used within that content. These specialists, work on these productions to bring together music alongside the visual content. Essentially the supervisors identify where in the script and/or the edit will music be heard or used, and recommend the best options for each scene within the production’s music budget. They also manage the agreements between the artists (sound recordings) and the writers (publishing rights), as well as the production company to obtain the "sync licensing" rights to the music.
Another specialist is Music Clearance, whose role it is to clear songs, both the publishing and sound recording rights, with rights owners and manage the licensing process and agreements. They are not involved in the creative.
Does sync licensing only refer to specially commissioned music or does it also include an existing New Zealand track?
Sync licensing can be specially commissioned music, specially composed music, licensing an existing music track, or licensing production music.
Why is NZ On Air encouraging greater use of local music in screen content?
Sync licensing is a huge paid opportunity for our local music and songs to be used to enhance the quality and reach of our local screen projects. It allows local artists to reach a wider national and international audience, and at the same time, build recognition for Aotearoa New Zealand’s wider music industry.
What is NZ On Air doing to increase the level of local music used in funded screen content?
We have recently begun funding specifically for sync licensing in Scripted applications. At present, sync licensing funding requests for Non-Fiction projects are not eligible due to funding constraints. While music can still play a role in Non-Fiction productions to set the tone or complement the storytelling, it is arguably not as integral to the overall narrative as it is in Scripted projects. We may make an exception for music-related projects that are able to make a strong case for funding, such as a music documentary, however those projects would need to seek an exemption from the Associate Head of Funding or Head of Funding at NZ On Air prior to submission.
How can I access this funding and/or find out more about it?
We recommend producers sign up to our NZ On Air newsletter and keep an eye on which rounds we are open to receiving applications from Scripted projects that plan to incorporate a significant amount of local music (both track licensing and composition) into their productions.
Projects seeking sync licensing funding should at the time of application provide a clear plan indicating the likely amount and type of music required along with intended personnel and timeframes.
It is unlikely that we will be able to accommodate all Scripted projects that request funding with an additional sync licensing budget. Priority will be given to projects that present the strongest rationale for why a deeper integration of local music will enhance and elevate their project.
Does it have to be NZ-based music?
The requirement for this funding is that it contains 80% New Zealand music. While not all of that music will be NZ On Air funded, here you can find our NZ On Air definition of “New Zealand Music”.
Who should I contact to find out more?
For more information, feel free to email us at funding@nzonair.govt.nz.
Useful Links:
NZ On Air Music's NewTracks is a monthly compilation of new music from New Zealand artists which is distributed to radio stations, broadcast and online media platforms. Starting in 1990 and now with over 250 volumes, NewTracks (previously called the Kiwi Hit Disc) is a comprehensive catalogue of New Zealand contemporary music.
Resources to apply
Overview
In an environment where there are more applications than available funding, we want to show you how to submit an tono and how it will be assessed. More specific information is published prior to each round about the applications we are seeking. NZ On Air’s funding strategy is founded on core public media principles. These include enriching the New Zealand cultural experience, improving diversity of media content in many forms, ensuring kaupapa is accessible, strengthening community life, and promoting informed debate.
The resource below walks you through:
- Applying online
- General expectations of production applications
- Qualifying platforms
- Business case expectations such as co-investment
- The different levels of application requirements depending on the level of funding requested
- Applying for development funding
- How we assess proposals
- The fine print.
Scripted roadmap
We aim to invest around half our contestable funds each year in Scripted content.
This funding stream includes audio/visual drama, comedy, animation and other entertaining content requiring a planned creative approach.
Projects range from relatively large budget pouaka whakaata series and tele-features to smaller-scale quality webseries.
Non-Fiction roadmap
We aim to invest around half our contestable funds each year in Non-Fiction content.
This funding stream invests in audio/visual documentary and Non-Fiction projects for diverse audiences.
Projects may involve different New Zealand regions and cultures, investigate significant local topics, cover events or issues important to our culture and identity, or reveal an aspect of te ao Māori.
NZ On Air's Factual Roadmap FINAL.pdf
Development roadmap
Development pūtea tautoko is for researching or writing scripts or treatments.
We mostly contribute to drama; and occasionally to documentary development.
To extend the range of scripted drama and comedy development projects we now offer a pathway for a limited number of eligible projects to access first-stage development funding without the support of a platform.
Development roadmap 2022 PDF 258.3 KB
Podcast Policy
This guidance sets out NZ On Air’s approach to funding the production of podcasts.
With increasing interest in this content format, this policy is intended to help podcast producers determine whether to apply for production funding.
NZ On Air's Podcast Funding Policy.pdf
Te Pae Tata Rautaki
In 2024 we reviewed our commitment to Māori content creators and audiences. This new document not only covers how will honour this commitment in funding, but also all operational aspects of Irirangi Te Motu | NZ On Air.
Te Pae Tata aims to:
- increase outcomes for Māori audiences and content creators
- measure and report annually on these outcomes
- develop a te reo Māori plan to be reviewed annually
- ensure Māori are represented and supported with the agency
- develop meaningful engagement with Māori agencies, creators, iwi, communities and audiences.
Our work complements the work of Te Māngai Pāho.
We focus on content in English for audiences interested in te ao Māori, encouraging the use of te reo as appropriate to normalise the language for non-fluent audiences.
Te Pae Tata Rautaki 2024 in Te Reo Māori
Te Pae Tata Rautaki 2024 in English
Following the 2023 review of the NZ Screen Production Grant (NZSPG), significant changes occurred, including its rebranding as the New Zealand Screen Production Rebate (NZSPR).
NZ On Air is now capable of providing funding to all categories of screen productions applying for the NZSPR. Please read our NZSPR Guidelines below carefully to understand our priorities and requirements.
Overview
Your content proposal is your pitch where you describe and define the content you want to make, how and who will make it, and how you plan to reach your intended audience.
You do not need to follow this structure directly but you should address the aspects relevant to your tono.
As a general rule, the higher the level of funding requested the more developed and detailed we will require your application to be.
That said, less is often best. Be clear and succinct - there are no prizes for applications with the most pages.
Make sure you refer to the round information that we will issue for each funding round.
The pārongo below walks you through what you will need to consider such as:
- The quality of the idea
- The platform your content will be on
- How the content will be promoted
- Budget
- Measuring success
- How the proposal meets NZ On Air's goals.
Overview
This document clarifies NZ On Air’s expectations around acceptable pūtea/line-items for funded projects. It should be read in conjunction with the advice given on our resources for producers page, particularly the contract initiation form and the producers and cost reporting documents.
This document will be reviewed and updated regularly, so please do refer to it when preparing your tono budgets.
NZ On Air tries to limit the number of rules we have around acceptable budget/line-items, as we accept that every project has its own unique situation. However there are some line items we will not accept within any funded budget. There are also some specific expectations around how certain line items should be treated.
NZ On Air’s role is to provide a production subsidy for content creation, not provide a means for commissioning platforms to defray content acquisition expenses.
Overview
As there will be more applications than available funding, aromatawai stages are tiered so that ultimately the most work and resources are spent on the applications with the most likelihood of success.
We will assess proposals using the nine investment principles set out on page 15 of the NZ On Air Investment Strategy.
These investment principles allow us to assess the business case for each application alongside the application’s cultural case and how it contributes to NZ On Air’s three funding goals:
- Quality content: New Zealand audiences enjoy well-made local content that matters.
- Diverse content: New Zealand audiences value local content made for a range of communities.
- Discoverable content: New Zealand audiences can find and appreciate local content.
The pārongo below walks you through each step of the process. It covers:
- Preliminary step - confirm eligibility
- Stage 1 Assessment- groups of individual assessors assess applications while considering the nine investment principles
- Stage 2 Assessment - funding recommendations are prepared
- Stage 3 - Decisions by the Staff Investment Committee or the Board.
Info for commissioning platforms
Overview
All applications must be able to confirm the platform where the content will appear.
This maximises the likelihood of funded content being completed and found by an audience.
NZ On Air’s funding strategy is founded on core public media principles.
These include enriching the New Zealand cultural experience, improving diversity of media content in many forms, ensuring kaupapa is accessible, strengthening community life, and promoting informed debate.
For more detail on the strategy which underpins the NZ Media Fund please read the Funding Strategy.
We also issue specific paearu for each round and guidelines to assist funding applicants.
The resource below walks you through what you will need to consider such as:
- Your financial contribution to the budget
- Free availability of the content
- Confirming support for a project
- Providing audience data
- Fine print
Funding decisions
We notify the producer and platform and/or ngā kaipāho of funding decisions within 48 hours of the Board meeting.
A full list of decisions is included in our newsletter. We may also issue a media release.
Funding is confidential until we have announced it.
All funding decisions are also available through our funding decisions search.
Resources for funded projects
If your application is successful there are a number of steps you will need to take to receive your pūtea tautoko.
Check out the resources for producers page below to find all the information you'll need for the next step in the post-funding process.