A collaboration between representatives from Tāmaki Makaurau iwi and hapū, Tātaki Auckland Unlimited’s Screen Auckland and the screen industry will lead to a more streamlined approach to filming on sites and places of significance to mana whenua.
Auckland Council’s Policy and Planning Committee gave the approach the green light at its meeting in August. Brought about by a change to the Auckland Unitary Plan (Plan Change 106), it means most short-term film projects on publicly managed sites and places of significance will follow the film permit process, rather than requiring resource consent.
Chair of the Policy and Planning Committee, Cr Richard Hills, says any kaupapa involving places that hold deep cultural and historical significance must be done with the guidance of mana whenua.
“In this case, robust engagement and collaboration has ensured iwi and hapū are involved in ongoing decision-making; and that filming protocols put in place maintain the respect, care and cultural integrity these special places deserve – while helping to boost the screen industry in Tāmaki Makaurau,” he says.
An industry with a world-class reputation
Screen Auckland Manager, Matthew Horrocks, says Tāmaki Makaurau is the epicentre of the country’s film industry. In 2024 alone, screen production in Auckland generated $940 million in GDP employing 4300 people across 1700 businesses.
“Our stunning landscapes attract film productions from around the world,” he says. “This plan change is a practical step towards the sector’s long-term sustainability, keeping Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland accessible, agile and competitive on the world stage. It allows all Aotearoa storytellers to showcase their work authentically, reinforcing Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland’s identity as a global hub for culturally rich screen content.
“Through working together collaboratively with mana whenua representatives over the last two years, we’ve been able to strengthen our film permit process and open the door to film on these incredible sites, while ensuring that they remain honoured and protected.”
He says there is a range of initiatives underway and being planned for strengthening relationships and engagement between the film sector and iwi following the change to the unitary plan.
Sites protected by planning rules
Sites with significant mana whenua values are protected in Auckland’s planning rules. This is to acknowledge their historical and cultural importance and help prevent inappropriate use and development.
The Auckland Unitary Plan change relies on the film permit process under the Public Trading, Events and Filming Bylaw 2022 to ensure mana whenua participation in decision-making. It aims to ensure appropriate tīkanga and kawa are followed, and that tangible and intangible values of these sites and places are protected.
While the change removes the need to get resource consent for short-term filming on publicly managed sites of significance to mana whenua, there are still firm rules to protect the environment. Each application is handled on its own merit, and in some instances, resource consent could still be required.
Anyone wishing to film on a site must apply for a film permit, and:
- not disturb the land
- consult mana whenua
- maintain access for customary activities
- be in accordance with a site plan and any conditions of an approved film permit
- make sure the filming is done in line with any iwi film protocol, planning document, or cultural impact assessment.
The film permit application process provides guidance for this process.
Additional sites and places of significance to mana whenua are added to Schedule 12 of the Auckland Unitary Plan periodically. Recently, ten more sites were added to the Auckland Unitary Plan (Plan Change 102) and Hauraki Gulf Islands Plan (Plan Modification 15).
FAQs
Before this Auckland Unitary Plan change, how did Schedule 12 Sites and Places of Significance to Mana Whenua impact the screen industry?
Sites and Places of Significance to Mana Whenua provided that temporary filming activities on sites of significance were a 'restricted discretionary' activity – meaning a resource consent was required. Resource consenting introduced additional time and cost requirements to screen productions.
How were mana whenua involved in the plan change? What was the process?
A collaborative working group made up of iwi and hapū, Screen Auckland, film industry and Tātaki Auckland Unlimited representatives was established in July 2023. It held regular wānanga (forums for learning) and kanohi ki te kanohi kōrero (face-to-face conversations) to discuss individual aspirations and develop a proposed Auckland Unitary Plan change and film permit process to meet the needs of iwi, hapū and the screen sector. Screen Auckland also engaged a Māori facilitator to facilitate feedback with individual iwi and hapu.
Ahead of public submissions (September 2024) feedback had been received from 17 of 19 mana whenua, which informed the wording of the plan change.
Will the plan change make filming on all Schedule 12 sites and places of significance to mana whenua a permitted activity?
The plan change makes filming on sites that are on council-controlled public places a permitted activity because filming permits are required under the Public Trading, Events and Filming Bylaw 2022. Filming on all other sites and places of significance to mana whenua will still require resource consent.
On publicly managed sites, filming for periods of 31 consecutive days or longer will still require resource consent.
Does this include tūpuna maunga?
The plan change also applies to sites on public places administered by the Tūpuna Maunga Authority.
How will sites be protected?
The film permit application process requires all regulatory requirements to be met unless an exemption is approved.
The film permit applicant will need to provide a site plan, which will include any special requests outside of the normal conditions imposed under filming for sites and places of significance to mana whenua. The usual requirements such as waste management plans are also required.
The Screen Auckland facilitator will identify special conditions or notes that reflect agreements made between the applicant and iwi and hapū for inclusion on the permit. There will also be a special condition included in the permit that restate the Auckland Unitary Plan permitted standards.
