Steambox, a Māori film collective, is partnering with Film Bay of Plenty to make Rotorua a hub for New Zealand's film industry. The existing Waiariki Film Studio on White St will move to a larger 5000sq m building, equipped with sound stages, film studios, a green screen and an education facility. Waiariki Film Studio also provides training, employment, and opportunities for young people through Tohea, a short, intense educational programme aimed at helping young people into internships in the film industry. "Building a studio here means not only attracting large-scale productions, it also means that we can develop a workforce." Apprentices will further develop their skillset this June shooting Kairakau, a historical action series telling the stories of battles fought by tūpuna.

Source: New Zealand Herald March 11, 2021 22:52 UTC