Koāwa Studios Joins Forces with Major Auckland Film Studios

The agreement, led by UC’s Koāwa Studios, creates stronger links between education and industry - making it easier for producers to access both North and South Island facilities while giving students real-world, on-set experience.

AFS and KFS, home to projects like Power Rangers, The Rings of Power, and A Minecraft Movie, bring international-scale capability with world-class sound stages and Australasia’s largest water tanks. Through the new partnership, UC’s Bachelor of Digital Screen (Hons) students will gain direct exposure to professional productions, building practical skills before graduation.

“This partnership strengthens our national footprint and signals to the global screen community that New Zealand is building a truly integrated, future-facing production pipeline,” says Sam Witters, Director of Koāwa Studios.

For our emerging crew, this move means a more connected, talent-ready workforce - and a smoother path between training, production, and employment across Aotearoa’s growing screen sector.

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