NZ On Air has published the 2025-26 Funding Priorities: Advance Planning Guide for Scripted and Non-fiction Content : Available here
This document outlines their key priorities and projected funding allocations for the Scripted and Non-fiction content streams for the year. This document should be read in conjunction with the Investment Strategy, which continues to guide their investment decisions.
It’s important to note that the projected funding allocations are based on anticipated annual baseline funding. These allocations will be subject to review once TVNZ receives official confirmation of their funding.
Round priorities
In Round Tahi, they will accept Non-fiction and Scripted production applications (including Drama, Comedy, Documentary and General Factual, Children, Youth, Podcasts) as well as applications for supported Non-fiction and Scripted content development. We will also consider applications for Capability and Discoverability.
Allocations for this round are:
Approximately $9m for Non-fiction projects
They will accept Non-fiction applications for screen content, including documentaries, podcasts, national event coverage, comedy panel shows, unscripted comedy shows, reality shows and partial financing of feature films supported by the NZ Film Commission (NZFC). They will consider applications for Non-fiction shows that utilise international intellectual property, but priority will be given to local formats.
Approximately $9m for Scripted projects
They will prioritise applications for larger-scale projects seeking $1m-$3m for this round and welcome well-developed projects intending to access the Screen Production Rebate (SPR). Drama, comedy, children's content, and partial financing of feature films supported by NZFC are all eligible.
Approximately $1.5m for Rangatahi content
They welcome applications for bold and innovative Scripted and Non-fiction projects that will reach rangatahi audiences (15 – 24-year-olds). While they encourage local platform support, projects will ideally have a multi-platform distribution strategy.
Approximately $4m for Tamariki content
They welcome both Scripted and Non-fiction children’s projects including games. Applications will ideally be tailored for multiple platforms, with well-defined strategies for engaging the target audience.
Click here, to view NZ On Air website
Applications Close: Thursday 22 May, 4pm
Decisions confirmed, applicants notified: Friday 1 August
NZ On Air Portal
If you haven’t yet signed up in the portal and were previously registered with the old portal, you will have received a unique link to sign up. Check your email inbox for an invite from portal@nzonair.govt.nz.
If you have not previously registered with NZ On Air but plan to apply for funding in Round Tahi (or a future round), just go to this portal link and click on ‘Create an Account’.