In a move that shifts the balance of creative power in the South Pacific, global stars Jason Momoa and Cliff Curtis have joined forces with director Taika Waititi to acquire Studio West, a long-standing film and television facility in Auckland. The acquisition, made through the newly formed Āriki Group, is designed to transform the studio into a hub for Polynesian-led storytelling and Indigenous ownership.
The strategic move comes at a precarious time for the regional industry. Waititi, known for his boundary-pushing direction and wit, noted that the sector has been under significant pressure recently. By securing the means of production, the trio aims to create a sustainable environment where New Zealand talent can thrive without being entirely dependent on external studio whims.
The studio, which first opened its doors in 1997, was previously owned and operated by Kay and Glenn Howe of Enki Enterprises. The Howes have expressed their enthusiasm for passing the baton to the Āriki Group, viewing the new ownership as a vital investment in the future growth of the local industry.
A bid for creative and economic sovereignty
For the principals involved, the purchase is less about real estate and more about autonomy. Cliff Curtis, whose career has spanned decades of high-profile roles, described the acquisition as a “full-circle moment,” recalling his own early days working at the facility nearly 30 years ago.
Curtis emphasized that the venture is rooted in a desire for creative control and the establishment of a strong economic foundation for local artists. “At its core, This represents 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,” Curtis said in a statement.
He also pointed to the massive economic impact that international productions bring to the region, noting that the global success of Momoa and Waititi has helped channel more than a billion dollars of production revenue into the New Zealand economy.
Jason Momoa, who recently utilized the studio for his Apple TV+ series Chief of War, views New Zealand as a spiritual and creative home. In a statement, Momoa said, “New Zealand has develop into 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.”
Waititi’s vision for the studio extends beyond the current crop of stars. He believes that by bringing more work to Auckland and creating a dedicated Indigenous-owned space, the industry can reignite interest among young people who may have been discouraged by a dwindling number of local opportunities.
“It’s an Indigenous-owned studio and the focus for us is bringing that work and uplifting — well, actually not just our people but people in the industry, because like the industry’s been under some pressure and it’s been suffering a little bit,” Waititi said.
From ‘Wilderpeople’ to the Hollywood machine
The acquisition comes as Waititi reflects on his own journey from independent New Zealand filmmaking to the heights of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. This week, he has been celebrating the 10-year anniversary of Hunt for the Wilderpeople, a film he describes as one of his most “magical” experiences due to the little, collaborative nature of the crew.
However, the transition to large-scale American studio filmmaking introduced a different kind of friction: “studio notes.” Waititi admitted that the process of receiving feedback from corporate executives was a “real challenge” and occasionally “crushing,” though he often navigated it by maintaining a rebellious internal monologue.
“Sometimes they’re right, lots of times they’re wrong,” Waititi said, noting that this level of corporate interference is less common in the New Zealand industry. This tension underscores why the Āriki Group is prioritizing ownership; by controlling the studio, they can minimize the gap between a creator’s vision and the final product.
The next chapter: ‘James’ and beyond
The ambition of the new studio owners mirrors Waititi’s upcoming cinematic projects. He is set to direct the film adaptation of Percival Everett’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel James, a project that will be executive produced by Steven Spielberg’s Amblin Entertainment.
Waititi acknowledged the weight of the subject matter, noting that it is a “scary prospect” to tackle a story from a perspective not his own. Yet, he believes the industry is evolving past the requirement that a filmmaker must be from a specific place to authentically notify a story.
As Studio West transitions to its new leadership, the focus will remain on creating a pipeline for the next generation of storytellers. The trio hopes that by maintaining a steady stream of production, they can ensure that the dream of consistent work becomes a reality for local crews and actors.
The Āriki Group is expected to provide further updates on the studio’s operational plans and upcoming production schedules as they integrate their global networks into the Auckland facility.
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