SPI to Conduct Analysis of Screen Production Infrastructure Capacity in Auckland

Olsberg•SPI (SPI) has been appointed by Auckland Council to provide a clear picture of current and forecast screen infrastructure capacity and needs in Tāmaki Makaurau.

SPI’s findings, and other information, will lay the groundwork to determine how NZ$30 million of funding earmarked for Auckland’s screen-sector infrastructure might be invested.

Pam Ford, Auckland Council’s Economic Development Office General Manager, says it’s exciting to have a strategic fund available to benefit the industry. 

“For decades now Tāmaki Makaurau has been a place for local and international production, from television, commercials and film to new forms of content, enjoyed by a global audience. The screen industry is a crucial part of our region’s creative sector; it has delivered so much for Auckland over the past 30 years and continues to be an engine of activity, jobs and exports, particularly for west Auckland. It’s vital that we have a careful and considered approach to support the industry’s infrastructure needs.” 

Ford says SPI can provide an independent, international, big-picture view of market trends and opportunities.

“SPI is very familiar with the New Zealand and Australian screen environment, having worked on economic impact assessments and other industry analyses over decades. The SPI team is well respected by international studio clients, investors and production partners who are important to the industry here in Aotearoa.”

The $30 million fund is available following Auckland Council’s sale of Auckland Film Studios (AFS) in Henderson to Xytech Group in late January 2026. The sale settled on 27 February and triggered an agreement that released $30 million provided by the New Zealand Government in 2022 to support the development of two new sound stages at Auckland Film Studios. The agreement stipulated that when AFS sold, the money would go to Auckland Council to be held in a fund for investment in Auckland’s screen infrastructure.  

The fund is being managed by council’s Economic Development Office on behalf of Auckland Council.

As part of the first phase of its study in Auckland, SPI consultants will speak to screen-industry stakeholders this month to conduct in-depth research into Auckland’s screen sector, within the context of New Zealand and global trends. 

Read Auckland Council’s press release here.

Further information on SPI’s Sector Research and Analysis here.

For more information on this study, please contact SPI Consultant Joe Stirling Lee on joe@o-spi.com