Taika Waititi, Jason Mamoa, Cliff Curtis team to acquire Auckland’s Studio West

New Zealand has its first creatives-owned and Polynesian-led production studio, with NZ director and actor Taika Waititi teaming with actors Cliff Curtis and Jason Mamoa to acquire Auckland-based film studio Studio West under their investment company Ariki Group.

Taika Waititi

The trio acquired the studio from Enki Enterprises, which has been operated for more than a decade by Kay and Glenn Howe and is one of the country’s oldest ongoing film and television production studios having originally been established in 1997. Transaction details have yet to be disclosed.

Waititi said: “I’m thrilled to be a part of this exciting venture, especially with this being a Polynesian-led studio. 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, creative control, and building a space where our community can lead in the industry.”

Studio West has survived the contractions of the competitive New Zealand production sector, attracting a range of recent international and local projects including Apple TV+ commissioned series Chief of War, starring Mamoa; Disney series Zombie4; Kevin and Co’s series Taskmaster and Blumhouse feature M3GAN2.

“We are excited to be passing the studios over to the Ariki Group who have the ability to bring projects to Aotearoa, New Zealand and who are genuinely invested in the growth of the film industry,” said Studio West vendor, Kay Howe.

It is understood that the Ariki Group’s vision is to expand Studio West as a hub for both domestic and international productions and attract more inbound projects while also strongly supporting opportunities for developing indigenous storytelling, talent development, and long-term industry growth.

The studio facility spans eight acres with three sound stages, two warehouse stages, production and location offices, art department with offices and prop storage, wardrobe/costume and laundry, make up, greenroom, workshops for construction, paint and prop-making and base camp area.

Momoa, who has been a key international advocate in bringing productions to be filmed in New Zealand said of the venture: “New Zealand has become a place that feels like home to me: 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,” Mamoa said.