Posted Thursday 09 Jul 2026
SKY SPORT is continuing their commitment to commissioning Māori and Pasifika sport stories with a
third year of Te Kete Aronui.
Rangiata Sky has become the home of premium sports documentary, with titles such as Black Ferns
Wāhine Toa, Dame Valerie: More Than Gold, Wheel Blacks: Bodies on the Line, We the South:
Manukau Rovers and Forever Auckland FC.
In 2024, Te Kete Aronui was established as a fund dedicated to giving Māori and Pasifika production
professionals a platform to tell their sports stories. The first commission, Lolo: The Champion Maker,
made by awardwinning director Jeremiah Tauamiti (“Family, Faith, Footy: A Pasifika Rugby Story”),
premiered on Sky Sport, Sky Sport Now and NEON. The second commission, AIGA, is a threepart
doco series exploring how family, culture and legacy shape an athlete, produced by Tikilounge and
premiering on Sky Sport and Sky Sport Now.
In 2026, Sky is continuing this kaupapa by seeking the next great Māori or Pasifika sport story.
What’s the brief? | He aha te whakatakotoranga?
They want to see pitches that tell Māori and/or Pasifika sporting stories and drive engagement on Sky
Sport social and digital platforms. The primary consideration is the strength of the story; it must
have a compelling hook.
Your idea should reach and engage with Sports fans in the target demo of 18-34, have evidence of
capacity building and ensure there is a proposed cultural strategy.
Genres | Momo
For this RFP, they are interested in non-scripted digital first projects that serve to amplify and
promote Sky Sport codes.
Duration | Te Roanga
The RFP is open to all episodes and durations. Think about what the best format for your project is, if it’s episodic it should have a bingeable quality
or a hook to take viewers to the next episode.
Platform | Pae
They are open to ideas that appeal to audiences on all digital platforms (Sky Sport Now, Sky Go,
YouTube, Instagram and/or TikTok). Please clearly articulate the primary platform you believe your
project will reach the biggest audience on.
Budget | Mahere Pūtea
This year Te Kete Aronui fund is up to $180k. This can be for one project or Sky may choose to fund
multiple smaller budget projects. They are also open to projects that can increase their budget with
third-party funding. They welcome projects at all budget levels, including lower-cost digital opportunities. Sky Sport Production may also be able to provide additional resources to maximise your budget.
Eligibility | Māraurautanga
This RFP is open to both established and emerging production companies, as well as independent
filmmakers.
Proposals | Tono
Initially, Sky is looking for short proposals (2-5 pages) that outline the idea in a clear and succinct
way. A catchy title, clear logline and riveting synopsis are essential. Please also clearly describe the
style and tone – how do you want viewers to feel when watching the content. Please include short bios or CVs for key production personnel. An indicative budget figure and an approximate delivery date is also required.
Key Timings | Wātaka
2 Page Proposal Due – by 28 July 2025
Shortlist Notified– 7 August
Full Proposal Budget Due – 28 August
Final Decisions – 4 September
How to Submit | Pēhea te tāpae atu
Please email your proposal to TKA@sky.co.nz
Any questions please reach out to mariarangi.carkeek@sky.co.nz
Terms and conditions
Editorial Control: As commissioning editor, Sky shall hold final editorial approval rights over
the content and shall be provided opportunities through production and post-production of
the content to feed into the final cut. There will also be an evaluation of content during post-
production to ensure quality assurance and broadcasting standards compliance.
Intellectual Property: Intellectual property in the content shall be owned by the applicant
and licensed to Sky on Sky’s usual commercial terms, unless the successful applicant is a Sky
employee or as otherwise agreed.
Successful Applicants: Successful applicants will be notified by email and a longform
agreement confirming the terms of Sky’s commission shall be entered into at that point.