FILMING IN NEW ZEALAND

LETTERS OF NON-OBJECTION

Immigration Instructions for entertainers, Performing Artists and Associated Entertainment Personnel

All non-New Zealand individuals performing their occupation in New Zealand for any period, and regardless of whether they are being paid in New Zealand or elsewhere, are required to hold a Work Permit or Residency Permit issued by the New Zealand Immigration Service (NZIS) or a New Zealand High Commission, Embassy or Consular Office (Australian citizens or residents are exempt).

As of 07 February 2011 new forms and guidelines have been introduced to make it clear that the intention of the Specific Purpose or Event work instructions is a 'silent approval' process for guild/union involvement. The onus is on an industry guild or union to object to a visa application (they have three working days to do so after they receive the information from the employer, production company or promoter), rather than on the employer, production company or promoter to seek prior guild or union approval through a letter of non-objection.

A minor amendment has also been made to the instructions to clarify that applicatns can rely on one of the evientiary requirements listed below, and do not need to meet all three:

1. that the applicant is of international distinction or merit, or particular ethnic significance, or is manifestly essential to the presentation or production OR

2. that the applicant's employment does not put at risk the employment of New Zealand entertainers or professionals in equivalent work unless the wider benefits to be obtained from the applicant's employment outweigh the loss of job opportunities for New Zealanders OR

3. that appropriate consideration has been given to employing available New Zealand entertainers or professionals.

Frequently Asked Questions

* Production Companies/Promoters' FAQs
* Visa Applicant's FAQs

Performing Artists, Entertainers and Entertainment Industry Personnel Work Visa Application Form


Can Production Companies/Promoters still provide a letter of support from the relevant professional association, union or guild with the visa application?

If a letter of support from the relevant professional association, union or guild is submitted with the application, it will be assumed that there is no objection and that the application can be processed immediately (with no 3-day period for guild consideration).

SPADA assesses temporary work permit applications for non-New Zealand producers working on international productions in New Zealand.

In assessing applications, the following key points are taken into consideration:
  • Will the project employ New Zealand production personnel where possible?
  • Does the production company have an established reputation?
  • Has a local line producer/production manager been employed who is familiar with required protocol and filming permit requirements (especially important when filming is planned in conservation or heritage areas)?;
  • If a local line producer/production manager is not employed, the production company may be required to supply further evidence that they have adequately researched filming requirements.

How to apply
Download this Application Form and ensure all fields are completed before faxing to the SPADA Office on +64 4 939 6935.

Letters of Non-Objection are generally processed within 48 hours of receipt. If SPADA requires further information from the applicants this timeframe will be extended.

Processing Fee
Letters of Non-Objection are issued at no charge to SPADA members, as part of their annual membership fee. Non-members are charged an administration fee of NZD405.00 including 15% GST (NZ Goods and Services Tax).

Further Information
For further information on work permits visit New Zealand Immigration Service's website (www.immigration.govt.nz) or contact the nearest New Zealand High Commission.