Waikato Screen

11/06/2026

As the screen sector continues to grow, the Waikato has an important role to play in supporting film and television production to create direct benefits for our economy and communities.

Over the past three years, foundation funding from Waikato Regional Council, plus contributions from Wel Energy & District Councils, has enabled Waikato Screen to establish the systems, return on investment, develop relationships and visibility needed for a regional film office and to build Waikato's reputation as a film-friendly region.

We are proud to be part of the region's screen growth journey - attracting and facilitating productions, supporting local crew and suppliers, and connecting the Walkato with national and international screen opportunities.
This article highlights the next phase as we build on the foundations already established and continue growing screen opportunities across the Waikato.

There is more work ahead, and more to come.

It looking for $400,00 0 from district councils to cover the loss.

11/06/2026

Independent Together celebrates filmmakers backing themselves to get feature films made outside traditional funding pathways.

Join Daniel Betty, our very own Matt Hicks, Tom Levesque and Eva Treblico for an honest conversation on self-funding, collaboration, creative control, and what it really takes to make the thing — and get it seen.

Not every feature begins with institutional investment. For many, the path to the screen is forged through resourcefulness, self-investment and a determination to make the work on their own terms. This session, Independent Together, brings together indie filmmakers Daniel Betty (What Lies Between), Matt Hicks (The Tavern), Tom Levesque and Eva Treblico (Shut Eye), working outside traditional funding pathways to explore what it takes to get a feature made independently, and why independence does not have to mean working alone. From alternative financing models and crowdfunding to pooling personal resources, skills and networks, they share how constraint can become a creative driver, and how collective momentum can carry a project from idea to completion. In the tradition of Aotearoa’s No. 8 wire mentality, the conversation examines the practical and creative trade-offs of working independently, from maintaining creative control and sustaining collaborators to the challenge of getting the work seen. For storytellers ready to make the leap, this session offers a clear-eyed view of the risks and rewards, and a grounded look at what it takes to back yourself, build with others, make the thing, put it on screen and get it seen 💡

05/06/2026

Huge congratulations to Matt Hicks and the brilliant cast and crew of The Tavern.

This hilarious independent Kiwi film has gone from packed cinema screenings to now streaming on TVNZ+ — such a fantastic achievement.

Grab a drink, settle in and watch The Tavern on TVNZ+ now! 🎬🍻

Five Small town guys have a race against time to save their beloved, yet run down Tavern from an evil big city property developer with sinister plans.

02/06/2026

Go for it!

30/05/2026

A little more of the secret is out… 👀

Warner Bros. has shared a new glimpse featuring Jack Black and Jason Momoa — and if you watch closely, you’ll spot Thames in the mix.

Even better, Minecraft builders are being invited to create a set that could appear in the film credits.

From local locations to the global stage — this is exciting for our region. 🎬✨

29/05/2026

What an incredible milestone for Cambridge and for everyone involved in bringing The Tavern to life.
As a locally made film achieving national recognition and securing a place on TVNZ+, this is a fantastic example of the talent, creativity and storytelling coming out of our region. We are incredibly proud to see a Cambridge production reach such a significant audience and celebrate the people and places that make our community unique.
Congratulations to the filmmakers, cast, crew and supporters who helped make this achievement possible. Stories like this shine a spotlight on our region and demonstrate the strength of Waikato’s screen industry.

It was the little pub movie that could and The Tavern could soon be seen by the entirety of the country.

28/05/2026

This is a powerful reminder of what the screen sector can bring to regional communities. Productions of this scale don’t just arrive with cameras — they bring jobs, accommodation bookings, hospitality spend, local contractors, energy, excitement and opportunity.

For Thames and the wider Coromandel, this is more than a moment on screen. It shows the real value of investing in a film-friendly region — one that welcomes production, supports local business, and creates meaningful economic and community benefits.

Waikato Screen is proud to support productions filming across our region and to help showcase the incredible locations, people and communities we have here in Waikato and the Coromandel.

Crowds lined Thames’ Pollen St as filming for the Minecraft sequel began.

28/05/2026

Can’t keep a secret when the community celebrates film ! 🎬 we’ve loved supporting the production to ensure our people and businesses are sharing in the benefits and positive outcomes, when feature films come to rural towns in the Waikato. 👏🎬👍

Crowds lined Thames’ Pollen St as filming for the Minecraft sequel began.

24/05/2026

Check this out!

Season 5 of the Practical Producing is around the corner and it's shaping to be a great one 🤩

Our first session brings together experts Lani-Rain Feltham and Emily Anderton to share their insights into an important creative relationship, the producer and writer. From communication and trust, to development and decision-making, this is a session designed to help creatives right from the get-go.

This session will be on:
📅 When: June 4th 2026
⏰ Time: 8:00 PM NZT
📍 Online (zoom)

👉 Sign up via the link below or in our bio
https://www.sharetheknowledge.co.nz/courses/p/session-1-working-with-the-writer

24/05/2026

When a local Cambridge film sells out in the local cinema on the 1st year anniversary after a massive nationwide success. Playing throughout the country, into rural towns, and yes, including Auckland. This fantastic film that’s kept the audience dancing in the front rows, congratulations to Matt Hicks, the amazing cast and crew and a huge thank you to everyone that went out and enjoyed the genuinely hilarious film The Tavern feature film, with the branded beer P**s, now sitting at the Cambridge Museum. It’s been a corker of a complete successful New Zealand Film! 🎥 👍🎬👏