Āriki Group Acquires Studio West, Marking a Milestone for Indigenous Leadership in Global Screen Production

The acquisition represents a defining moment for the screen industry, with Studio West to be led by Indigenous creatives at a global scale - strengthening Aotearoa, New Zealand’s position as a hub for culturally grounded, internationally connected film and television production.

Previously owned and operated by Enki Enterprises’ Kay and Glenn Howe for the past decade, Studio West is one of the country’s longest-standing production facilities, having been established in 1997.

Studio West vendor, Kay Howe says:

“We are excited to be passing the studios over to the Ariki Group who have the ability to bring projects to Aotearoa, New Zealand and who are genuinely invested in the growth of the film industry,”

Jason Momoa, who has played a key role in bringing several large-scale international productions to Tāmaki Makaurau, Auckland in recent years, also signalled his enthusiasm for the region’s continued growth.

“New Zealand has become a place that feels like home to me: creatively, culturally, and spiritually. There’s a deep respect for story, for land, for community and that’s something I am drawn to.

What excites me the most is the opportunity to build something lasting that supports local crews, nurtures talent, and creates pathways for the next generation of storytellers. I am proud to be part of that journey, and to help champion stories that deserve to be seen and heard around the world.”

Over the years, Studio West has supported a wide range of local and international productions. Recent credits include Momoa’s 2025 Apple TV+ series Chief of War, which was based at the studio and went on to receive the 2026 Spirit Award for Best Ensemble Cast in a New Scripted Series.

Under Āriki Group’s stewardship, Studio West is expected to expand its role as a hub for both domestic and international productions, while fostering opportunities for Indigenous storytelling, talent development, and long-term industry growth.

Taika Waititi added:

“I'm thrilled to be a part of this exciting venture, especially with this being a Polynesian-led studio. We’re bringing our experience from working overseas back home to create jobs and opportunities for the industry here, and importantly, for Polynesian talent and creators. It’s about ownership, creative control, and building a space where our community can lead in the industry.”

Cliff Curtis says the acquisition holds personal significance.

“Jason and Taika have achieved remarkable success on the global stage, reaching audiences worldwide and bringing more than a billion dollars of production revenue into our economy. What unites us is a shared commitment to telling authentic local stories alongside independent artists from our own communities.

Studio West is the natural home for this vision. With some of the newest studios, offices and facilities in the country, it provides a strong foundation for what we are building. For me, this journey also comes full circle - I first worked here nearly 30 years ago, and more recently returned for Chief of War.

At its core, this is about ownership, creative control, and building a strong economic base - creating a platform where our communities can lead, shape, and share their stories with the world."

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