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).
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 the PDF form above, 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 NZD393.75 including 12.5% GST (NZ Goods and Services Tax).
Do you Require other Letters of Non-Objection?
Production companies seeking letters of non-objection for:
- Crew Members:apply ONLINE from the New Zealand Film and Video Technicians Guild
- Directors:contact the New Zealand Screen Directors' Guild: office@sdgnz.co.nz
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.
