Jason Momoa and Taika Waititi Acquire Studio West: A New Era for NZ Film

AUCKLAND, NZ – In a move that has sent shockwaves through the global entertainment industry, Studio West, the iconic West Auckland film facility, has been officially acquired by Āriki Group Ltd. The consortium is led by three of the biggest names in modern cinema: Jason Momoa, Taika Waititi, and Cliff Curtis.

Announced on April 1, 2026, the acquisition marks a historic shift for New Zealand’s screen sector, moving from international service provision toward Indigenous ownership and creative control.

A Polynesian-Led Production Powerhouse

Located in Glen Eden, Studio West has been a cornerstone of the Auckland film scene since 1997. According to a statement from the Screen Guild NZ, the facility is set to become a world-first: an Indigenous-led production hub designed to bridge the gap between Aotearoa and the global stage.

Taika Waititi expressed his excitement about bringing international experience back to New Zealand:

“We’re bringing our experience from working overseas back home to create jobs and opportunities for the industry here, and importantly, for Polynesian talent and creators. It’s about ownership and building a space where our community can lead.”

 

Jason Momoa’s Deep Connection to West Auckland

For Jason Momoa, this acquisition is personal. The Aquaman star has spent significant time in Tāmaki Makaurau in recent years, filming the Apple TV+ series Chief of War—a production that was based at Studio West.

“New Zealand has become a place that feels like home to me: creatively, culturally, and spiritually,” Momoa told the NZ Herald. “What excites me most is the opportunity to build something lasting that supports local crews and creates pathways for the next generation of storytellers.”

What This Means for the NZ Economy

The deal is being hailed as “hugely positive” by industry leaders. By owning the infrastructure, the Āriki Group can now:

• Attract High-Value Blockbusters: Stabilizing the flow of international work to Auckland.

• Support Local “Independent” Cinema: Providing a base for authentic, local stories.

   

• Infrastructure Reinvestment: This follows the sale of Auckland Film Studios in Henderson to the Xytech Group earlier this year, showing a massive 2026 trend of private reinvestment into New Zealand’s “Screen Capital” in the West.

The Future of Studio West

The previous owners, Kay and Glenn Howe, who operated the studio for the past decade, expressed their joy in passing the torch to a group “genuinely invested in the growth of the film industry.”

As the global demand for blockbuster content grows—fuelled by massive 2026 hits like The Super Mario Galaxy Movie—New Zealand’s newest “Polynesian-led” studio is ready to lead the charge. Families heading to the Auckland Easter Show this weekend in Epsom are just a short drive from where the next generation of Kiwi cinema is being built.