Budget 2026 Highlights Urgent Need for Modern Streaming Framework, Says SPADA

The NZ screen producers guild Spada says Budget 2026 underscores the urgent need for a modern regulatory framework for international streaming platforms operating in New Zealand, following the announcement of reduced funding for the country’s screen agencies.

Spada President Irene Gardiner says cuts to funding for NZ On Air, and the New Zealand Film Commission will place further strain on an already under-pressure sector.

“We appreciate the economic climate we are all operating in, but decreased funding for NZ On Air and the New Zealand Film Commission is extremely tough for our industry,” she said.
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“The screen sector is already dealing with major structural change. Just over two years ago, broadcasters significantly reduced local production spending following declining advertising revenue. Spada estimated more than $50 million came out of local production investment and there has been no meaningful recovery since.”

Gardiner says the conversation can no longer be about whether streaming regulation is needed, but how quickly it is implemented:

“Spada has advocated for modern streaming settings for several years, but the focus must now shift to how New Zealand responds.
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“Domestic production funding remains under pressure while audience behaviour continues to change. The challenge is ensuring local storytelling, jobs and production capability remain sustainable.”

She says international policy shifts are accelerating the urgency for reform:

“Australia has acted. Additional international streaming platforms are entering the New Zealand market. Yet our funding settings remain largely unchanged. The gap is widening and the cost of delay is increasing.
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“In January Spada warned Australia’s new streaming legislation would change the competitive landscape for screen production across the region. That is now a reality, while New Zealand still has no contribution mechanism in place.
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“Other countries have already introduced local content requirements, revenue contribution models, or hybrids of the two to support domestic production.”

Spada continues to support a levy-based model for New Zealand:

“International streaming services are now a major part of how New Zealand audiences consume content and an established part of our screen ecosystem. The next step is ensuring policy settings evolve alongside that growth.

Spada’s research indicates a five percent levy on New Zealand revenue from major streaming platforms could generate approximately $25 million annually for reinvestment into local production via NZ On Air, the New Zealand Film Commission and Te Māngai Pāho.

“This is not about penalising streaming services,”

Gardiner said.

“It is about modernising settings for a changed market and ensuring New Zealand stories continue to be made.
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“The industry has been discussing this issue for years. It is now time to move from discussion to policy.”

Gardiner said that while cuts to screen funding agencies were very challenging, there was some good news for the screen industry in the budget with the continued commitment to the Domestic Screen Production Rebate, and the announcement of some enhancements to the settings.

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