Movie Stars Momoa and Waititi Buy Auckland Film and TV Studio

Actors Jason Momoa and Cliff Curtis, along with director Taika Waititi, have acquired Studio West, a film and television production facility based in Tāmaki Makaurau, Auckland. The acquisition was made through Āriki Group Ltd, a company owned by the three founders.

The move is described as an indigenous-led push to increase ownership and creative control within the screen industry. The founders aim to create a platform that provides greater opportunities for Māori and Pacific creatives, as well as the wider New Zealand industry.

A New Era of Indigenous Ownership

The studio was established in 1997 and was previously owned and operated by Kay and Glenn Howe of Enki Enterprises. The previous owners stated they are excited to pass the facility to the Āriki Group, citing the group’s investment in the growth of the industry.

The ownership group represents a diverse range of indigenous backgrounds, including Momoa (Kānaka Maoli), Waititi (Te Whānau-ā-Apanui), and Curtis (Ngāti Hauiti, Te Arawa).

At its core, this is about ownership, creative control, and building a strong economic base – creating a platform where our communities can lead, shape, and share their stories with the world

Cliff Curtis

Waititi told RNZ’s Sunday Morning on April 5, 2026, that the goal is to build a space where New Zealand talent can thrive, and grow. He noted that the industry has been under pressure and has been suffering, and the focus of the indigenous-owned studio is to uplift people within the industry.

Waititi expressed hope that bringing more work to the country will spark interest among young people who want to enter the industry, particularly after opportunities for filmmaking and acting had become dwindling or limited to specific regions.

Studio West Production History

Located in Glen Eden, Studio West has a history of hosting both domestic and international productions. The facility’s portfolio includes several high-profile projects:

• M3GAN 2.0
• Chief of War (Jason Momoa’s Apple TV+ series)
• Disney’s Zombies 4
• Power Rangers
• Xena: Warrior Princess

The Apple TV+ series Chief of War, which is scheduled to launch on August 1, was based at the studio. The production is described as a triumph of Hawaiians telling their own stories, despite current struggles regarding the viability of the Hawaiian film and TV production industry.

Commitment to Local Talent

Jason Momoa has stated that he views New Zealand as a home creatively, culturally, and spiritually, citing a deep respect for community, land, and story.

What excites me the most is the opportunity to build something lasting that supports local crews, nurtures talent, and creates pathways for the next generation of storytellers

Jason Momoa

The founders intend to leverage their international experience to create jobs and opportunities specifically for Polynesian talent and creators within the local screen industry.

Waititi described the ultimate dream as keeping the workforce growing and ensuring that more productions continue to come to the region so that everyone in the industry can remain employed.