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Waves

Niu Waves 2026

Series Development

NIU Waves 2026 is a Development initiative created by Pacific Islands Screen Artists Inc. (PISA) and supported by NZ On Air. It has been designed by PISA from the ground up with a dedication to creating and consolidating a Pasifika approach to screen development. 

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NIU Waves 2026 will focus on supporting FOUR teams through a focused development process with each team receiving Development Funding of NZD$25,000 each.

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APPLY HERE

 

The outcome for each team is to develop their idea into a complete treatment, pilot script or proposal by 28 February 2027. 

 

OVERVIEW:

 

FEE: There is no fee to apply or attend. This programme is supported by NZ on Air.

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TRAVEL: Travel assistance will be available for all successful teams based outside of Auckland. There is also a budget for childcare allowance for participants who require this.

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KEY DATES:

  • Applications open: 08th August 2026

  • Applications close: 07th September 2026, 1pm (NZST)

  • Successful teams notified: 21st September 2026

    IMPORTANT: Teams must be available to attend both the NIU Waves workshops on the following dates:  

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WORKSHOP 1: A Rising Tide Lifts all Vaka Workshop

Date: 3rd October 2026 (in-person Auckland or Online - for successful Teams and also open to all Pacific screen practitioners)

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WORKSHOP 2: NIU WAVES Story Intensive.

Dates: 16th & 17th  & 18th October 2026 (Auckland - only successful teams will be able to attend this workshop.)

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Further details are outlined below and we encourage interested applicants to attend our:

NIU WAVES 2026 Q&A Zoom: Thurs 13th August  2026 - 6:30pm 

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Register Here for this Zoom Call.

 

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA:

  • Teams must have two of the three Above the Line roles (i.e. Producer, Writer, Director) filled by a person who is of Pacific Islands descent.

  • The team's writer, director and producer are New Zealand citizens or permanent residents of New Zealand.

  • The producer attached to this project must be separate from the director attached.

  • This initiative is aimed towards mid-career practitioners, but a team with emerging talent partnered with experienced practitioners will also be considered. (Examples of how we define 'Mid Career': A practitioner who has had experience working in the Screen industry but has perhaps not applied for funding before. A practitioner who may have made their own content/work and has not come through the NZ On Air funding route.) - If you are unsure please get in touch.

  • Projects must be Scripted Series projects.

  • Applications close 07 September 2026, 1pm (NZST). No late applications will be accepted.

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 HOW TO APPLY & APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS:

To apply for NIU Waves you will need to complete the Application Form:

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APPLY HERE

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The application will require the following:

 

  • Key Contact Details: First & Last Name, Role, Email Address, Phone Number

  • Team Video - Please submit a 2minute (max. 2mins) Team video outlining the following:

    • A brief introduction of your team

    • Why your team wants to make this project and why you want to make it now?

    • *Please ensure your file size is no more than 10MB or submit your video via a link (please include Password)

  • Team Bios and CVs - Each team member is required to submit their Bio and CV.

  • Team Details: Production Company – Is your team applying under a Production company? If so, please include the company name.

  • Projects – All teams are required to submit the following information for TWO scripted projects:

    • Title of project​

    • Genre.

    • Logline - A logline is a focused summary of your story and is no more than one sentence.

    • Synopsis (max. 500 words) – A synopsis is a summary of your story. It should give us a short outline of the story and include the ending.

    • Format e.g. 6 x 15min episodes

    • Indicative budget – How much do you think your project will cost? We know it can be a difficult question to answer but we just want your best guess at this stage, research funding for shows similar to yours on the NZ on Air website.

    • Audience - Who is your audience and on which platform do you think they will watch this on? (one paragraph).

    • Visual Treatment (optional) – (x1page max.)

    • Similar Shows/Content – Give three examples of shows/content similar to your proposed project.

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If you have any questions (whatever it maybe) regarding NIU WAVES 2026 please email General Manager - Stallone Vaiaoga-Ioasa: info@pisa.org.nz 

 

We look forward to receiving your applications!

 

 

 

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