There’s a lot to love about New Zealand. Whether it’s their breathtaking landscape, their ability to grasp and make the most of new technology, or some of the young bands that this country is producing – one thing is for sure, New Zealand is making waves in all corners of the entertainment industry. We’re going to take a look at some of the areas where it’s particularly flourishing to see what lessons we can learn.
A Growing Film and TV Hub
Ever watched Lord of the Rings? Practically everybody has. And, famously, it was filmed in New Zealand. Why? The breathtaking landscape of course! As such, one of the most significant contributors to New Zealand’s flourishing entertainment industry is its film and television sector. The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies, both helped to solidify this. Not only does New Zealand benefit from a breathtaking landscape (and still retains Hobbiton to this day), it also has a more lenient tax structure for this kind of enterprise.
In recent years, New Zealand has continued to draw major productions, with more streaming services and networks choosing to film in its diverse locations. TV series like The Power of the Dog have benefited from the country’s skilled crews and state-of-the-art facilities. This steady stream of international interest has bolstered the local economy, New Zealand’s screen industry earned over NZD 3.3 billion in revenue in 2022! Not only this, but such huge hits have helped to position New Zealand as a key player in the global film and television industry. So, estimates say this industry will only continue to grow.
The Casino Industry is Poised for Growth
The casino industry in New Zealand is also undergoing a transformation. Although the country’s physical casino landscape remains relatively small, with just five land-based casinos, the potential for growth is immense.
Online casinos are beginning to fill this gap, offering New Zealanders access to a wider range of gaming experiences from the comfort of their homes. Wildz NZ is an excellent example of how the entertainment industry is looking increasingly towards New Zealand. The country’s current casino landscape is a little underdeveloped. However, online options, like Wildz, are beginning to make themselves available to New Zealanders ahead of legislation which is set to arrive in 2026.
This shift towards digital gaming is set to expand significantly. Estimates say that the industry can expect to see 11% year on year growth, making New Zealand an emerging market to watch in the global online casino space.
Music and Live Entertainment in New Zealand
Music and live entertainment are areas where New Zealand already shines. The country has produced a wealth of talent that has achieved global recognition, from pop sensation Lorde to indie favorites The Naked and Famous. Believe it or not, Lorde became the first New Zealander to have a number one song on the Billboard Hot 100 with her hit ‘Royals’ in 2013. That’s right! Before this, no New Zealander had ever made it to number one. As well as internationally, the local music scene is vibrant, with festivals like Rhythm and Vines and Splore attracting huge acts and huge-er audiences every year.
New Zealand’s live entertainment sector has also adapted well to the changing times, embracing new formats such as virtual concerts and live-streamed events. Six60’s live-streamed concert from Eden Park in April 2021 made history, not just as the first band to perform at the iconic stadium, but also the first band to live-stream the whole thing worldwide. This flexibility has allowed artists to reach wider audiences, both domestically and on the international stage.
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