Entertainment Industry Job

Have you been offered a job in the New Zealand entertainment industry as an overseas worker?

Working in New Zealand’s Entertainment Industry

New Zealand has a structured visa pathway for overseas entertainment industry workers. The correct visa depends on the nature and duration of your engagement.

Who Is Covered

The entertainment industry work visa pathway applies to: performers and performing artists, vocalists, musicians, and comedians, film and video production crew, screen directors and editors, film and television producers, technical personnel working at live events, and associated support personnel for any of the above.

Visa Pathway: Specific Purpose or Event Work Visa

Overseas entertainment industry workers who intend to engage in any form of private or public performance in New Zealand, or work on a film or video production in New Zealand, may be eligible for a Specific Purpose or Event Work Visa

This visa is granted for the period of the engagement. A further visa may be granted if the engagement is extended and there is a genuine need to complete the original purpose. The work must be time-bound — this visa is not available for open-ended or permanent employment.

Industry Body Endorsement Requirement

Before an employer can offer you a role in the New Zealand entertainment industry, they must obtain support from the relevant New Zealand entertainment industry organisation representing workers with your skills. This is a mandatory step in the visa process.

Contact the appropriate organisation below based on your role:

Comedians and comedy acts New Zealand Comedy Guild | laugh@comedyguild.org.nz PO Box 5064, Wellesley St, Auckland 1141

Performers or vocalists who play musical instruments and support staff Note: The SFWU Musicians Branch has undergone union restructuring. Contact FIRST Union for current guidance on musicians’ representation.

Other performing artists (singers, musicians) and support staff New Zealand Actors Equity — Media, Entertainment & Arts Alliance | imports@actorsequity.org.nz 195 Ponsonby Road, Ponsonby | Phone: +64 9 360 1980 | Freephone: 0800 33 44 70

Screen directors — film and TV directors and editors Directors & Editors Guild of New Zealand | admin@degnz.co.nz PO Box 47-294, Auckland 1044 | Phone: +64 9 360 2102

Film and television producers Screen Production and Development Association of New Zealand (SPADA) | Info@spada.co.nz PO Box 9567, Te Aro, Wellington | Phone: +64 4 939 6934

Film and video production and post-production New Zealand Film & Video Technicians’ Guild | info@nztecho.com PO Box 68294, Newton, Auckland | Phone: +64 9 302 2022

Technical personnel working at live events New Zealand Actors’ Guild | info@actorsguild.org.nz PO Box 27 396, Marion Square, Wellington 6141

Entertainment Technology New Zealand | etnz.admin@gmail.com PO Box 19 108, Wellington 6149 | Phone: +64 27 280 8180

Short-Term Performers and Visiting Acts

Performers and support staff attending festivals or short-term entertainment events may not require a work visa. Depending on your nationality and the nature of the engagement:

• A NZeTAmay be sufficient if you are from a visa waiver country and hold a letter of invitation or support from an approved promoter.
• An Arts and Music Festival Visitor Visaor Short-term Entertainment Act Visitor Visa may apply if you are not from a visa waiver country or have character concerns.

Apply early — INZ recommends at least 4 weeks before your intended travel date.

How We Can Help

Our licensed immigration advisers can assist you in identifying the correct visa pathway, determining which industry body to approach for support, and preparing a complete application. Contact us to discuss your specific circumstances.

This content is provided for general information purposes only and does not constitute immigration advice under the Immigration Advisers Licensing Act 2007. Immigration instructions are subject to change.