Taika Waititi (left), Jason Momoa and Cliff Curtis have purchased a West Auckland film studio. Composite photo / Oliver Rusden
Taika Waititi (left), Jason Momoa and Cliff Curtis have purchased a West Auckland film studio. Composite photo / Oliver Rusden
Āriki Group, the company owned by Jason Momoa, Taika Waititi and Cliff Curtis, has acquired West Auckland film studio Studio West in a move described as “hugely positive” for the industry.
Screen Guild NZ announced the deal on Wednesday.
Founded by Momoa, Waititi and Curtis last year, Āriki Group’spurchase of the long-running studio is expected to support indigenous storytelling in Aotearoa and expand the facility into a hub for domestic and international productions.
Kay Howe and her husband Glenn had owned Studio West for the past decade and the studio has supported several high-profile projects, including recent Apple TV+ series Chief of War.
Jason Momoa (left) Taika Waititi and Cliff Curtis in a celebratory mood. Photo / Jason Momoa
Howe said the pair were glad to pass the studio over to a group “who have the ability to bring projects to Aotearoa, New Zealand and who are genuinely invested in the growth of the film industry”.
After starring in several local productions, Momoa said New Zealand feels like home to him creatively, culturally and spiritually.
“There’s a deep respect for story, for land, for community, and that’s something I am drawn to.
“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.
“I am proud to be part of that journey, and to help champion stories that deserve to be seen and heard around the world.”
Taika Waititi and Cliff Curtis both got their start in the New Zealand film industry. Photo / NZ Herald
Curtis, who first shot to fame in the acclaimed Kiwi flick Once Were Warriors, said the move was a full-circle moment.
“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,” he said.
“What unites us is a shared commitment to telling authentic local stories alongside independent artists from our own communities.”
After relocating to the US for his career, Waititi also said he was “thrilled” to be a part of the local endeavour.
“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.”
Regional Film Offices of New Zealand chairwoman Jade Kent told the Herald the acquisition is “hugely positive for Aotearoa’s screen industry”.
“What it reinforces is that world-class studios like Āriki are critical and that the value of our industry is realised when production connects with the entire country.”
She was hopeful that Āriki’s continuing expansion will foster film-making opportunities beyond main centres and into the regions.
“The fact that they’re investing back into infrastructure, that’s the kind of leadership that lifts the whole sector.”
