South Pacific Pictures

04/09/2025

Applications for the new season of are closing soon 🚨

Have you got what it takes to be part of the ultimate game of trust and treachery? 😈

Apply before 21st September at threenow.co.nz/thetraitors

29/08/2025

Congratulations to David White and Angus Gillies on their Ngaio Marsh Awards nomination!

Whakamihi (congrats) to our superb 2025 Ngaio Marsh Award for Best Non-Fiction finalists!

From a fascinating array of 2025 entrants - far and away the best/deepest overall group of entries we've had in the history of this category - this year’s six finalists explore some truly remarkable real-life tales, ranging from a fresh look at New Zealand’s most infamous cold case to the little-discussed deadly legacy of a 1930s Devonport nurse.

The finalists are:

• THE TRIALS OF NURSE KERR by Scott Bainbridge (Bateman Books)
• THE SURVIVORS by Steve Braunias (HarperCollins)
• THE CREWE MURDERS by Kirsty Johnstone & James Hollings (Massey Uni Press)
• THE LAST SECRET AGENT by Pippa Latour & Jude Dobson (Allen & Unwin)
• GANGSTER’S PARADISE by Jared Savage (HarperCollins)
• FAR NORTH by David White & Angus Gillies (Upstart Press)

Congratulations to our fantastic Kiwi storytellers for their compelling real-life tales.

The Ngaio Marsh Award for Best Non-Fiction is a biennial prize first presented in 2017.

It has previously been won by Michael Bennett (for IN DARK PLACES, the Teina Pora story), Kelly Dennett (for THE SHORT LIFE AND MYSTERIOUS DEATH OF JANE FURLONG), Martin van Beynen (for BLACK HANDS, reexamining the Bain case), and Steve Braunias (for MISSING PERSONS).

The 2025 Ngaio Marsh Awards finalists will be celebrated and this year’s winners announced at a special event, “The Ngaio Marsh Awards and The Murderous Mystery”, to be held in association with WORD Christchurch at Tūranga on Thursday, 25 September.

That thrilling evening includes an improv murder mystery performance by the famed Court Theatre. For more information and tickets: https://wordchristchurch.co.nz/programme/the-ngaio-marsh-awards-and-the-murderous-mystery/

25/08/2025

It is with heavy hearts that we acknowledge the passing of John Barnett. (CNZM, ONZM).

A stalwart of the NZ film and television industry, John led South Pacific Pictures for almost two decades, championing uniquely Kiwi stories to the screen, and building a robust film and television business – one that continues to deliver because of the incredible base he built.

As one of NZ’s most prolific producers, his extensive filmography includes some of the country's highest grossing films, including the acclaimed Whale Rider.

“John will be missed by all who work in film & television in NZ. He was devoted to our industry in a way that is impossible to quantify, and he shared with many different people in many different ways. He loved to nurture and grow talent, and there is a long list of NZ practitioners who John influenced. We send much love to John’s close friends and family at this time.” -Kelly Martin

“John understood audiences and what the public wanted he delivered. We are all as an industry indebted to a man who wanted to entertain all of New Zealand. He accomplished that and has left a legacy that we at SPP will continue to nourish and cherish.”-Andrew Szusterman

At this time we wish all John’s family a long life.

John Barnett ז״ל (May his memory be a blessing).

20/08/2025

Brokenwood - though not a place in reality - has certainly become a destination.

See why TV fans are flocking to the Auckland suburb of Helensville👇

Brokenwood — though not a place in reality — has certainly become a destination.

12/08/2025

TVNZ are looking for gamers over 18 to compete in a brand new series 🎮 There’s just one catch: you’ve got to team up with your mum.

Think you’ve got what it takes to win the big cash prize? 💰

🔗 Apply now at tvnz.co.nz/rpm

11/08/2025

📣The 2025 South Pacific Pictures 'BIG PITCH' IS OPEN!

📣The 2025 South Pacific Pictures 'BIG PITCH' IS OPEN❗️
Entries are now open for five-minute pitches for projects of any format and genre. The winner will be selected by a panel of live judges, which will be convened and coordinated by Spada. Pitches will be judged against the following criteria:
— Originality of concept
— Project feasibility
— Understanding of the target audience
— Understanding of financing potential
— Presentation skills
— Ability to communicate the concept

If you have a great idea, take the leap and pitch it to a room full of funders, broadcasters, producers, and South Pacific Pictures 'Big Pitch' judges!

Entry form & criteria HERE: https://www.spada.co.nz/conference/south-pacific-pictures-big-pitch/

08/08/2025

The Traitors NZ is back and we are looking for fun, smart and strategic players to take part in the ultimate game of trust and treachery! Do you have what it takes to play?

🔗 Apply now at threenow.co.nz/thetraitors

04/08/2025

It’s official: Season 3 is casting soon, thanks to the support of NZ On Air.

31/07/2025

TVNZ and SPP are pleased to announce Shortland Street's 2026 season, thanks to ongoing funding support from NZ On Air.

TVNZ and South Pacific Pictures have announced that Kiwi soap opera Shortland Street will return in 2026, thanks to funding from NZ On Air.

31/07/2025

TVNZ and SPP are pleased to announce ’s 2026 season, thanks to ongoing funding support from NZ On Air.