A new approach led by iwi and hapū, Screen Auckland and the screen industry is opening more doors for filmmakers – while ensuring that some of Auckland’s most significant cultural and historical sites are respected and protected.
What’s changed
Auckland Council’s Policy and Planning Committee has approved a change to the Auckland Unitary Plan (Plan Change 106), making it simpler to film on publicly managed sites of significance to mana whenua.
Instead of applying for resource consent, most short-term filming on these sites can now be managed through the film permit process. This creates a faster, more agile pathway for production, while still ensuring robust cultural oversight.
Collaboration at the heart
The change sees iwi and hapū directly involved in ongoing decision-making and puts filming protocols in place to ensure respect, care and cultural integrity are upheld during shoots.
Edward Ashby, CEO of Te Kawerau Iwi Tiaki Trust, says the plan change ushers in an important new era for the region’s scheduled wāhi tapu and wāhi tūpuna (cultural heritage sites).
“This is an important step in bringing the film industry and iwi closer together by developing best practice film protocols around our wāhi tapu and wāhi tūpuna. It better enables productions to film on and around these sites while also ensuring this is done in a culturally informed and respectful manner.”
Why it matters for screen
Location manager Clayton Tikao says the change represents an opportunity to foster relationships and understanding between the screen sector and mana whenua.
“There will be learnings on both sides, but this has the potential to lay the foundations for a really beneficial relationship – one that opens up more filming opportunities while ensuring wāhi tapu and wāhi tūpuna are treated with respect.”
Screen Auckland Manager, Matthew Horrocks, says the change strengthens Auckland’s position as a world-class screen destination.
“This is a practical step towards the sector’s long-term sustainability, keeping Auckland accessible, agile and competitive on the world stage. Through two years of collaboration with mana whenua, we’ve created a stronger permit process that allows filmmakers to access incredible sites while honouring and protecting them.”
How it works
Anyone wishing to film on a site of significance must apply for a film permit and:
- not disturb the land
- consult mana whenua
- maintain access for customary activities
- be in accordance with a site plan and any conditions of an approved film permit
- make sure the filming is done in line with any iwi film protocol, planning document, or cultural impact assessment.
Applications are assessed case by case. In some situations, resource consent may still be required.
Looking ahead
The new framework is just one part of a wider programme to strengthen engagement between mana whenua and the screen sector. Additional sites are being added to the Unitary Plan over time, ensuring cultural heritage is acknowledged while keeping pathways open for storytellers.
For filmmakers, it means greater certainty, faster access, and a continued ability to tell stories in landscapes that are uniquely Tāmaki Makaurau.
Find out more about mana whenua consultation when filming here.
