The New Zealand Film Commission is facing scrutiny after the Taxpayers’ Union revealed the agency spent over $145,000 to send four staff members to the Cannes Film Market in France.
The costs, disclosed through the Official Information Act, include $24,329.08 for accommodation, $24,525.36 for food and drink, and $21,704.54 for travel expenses, covering a two-week trip.
James Ross, Policy and Public Affairs Manager for the Taxpayers’ Union said, “Last year, the Film Commission was called out for wasting $73,000 at the Cannes Film Festival. This year, they’ve blown more than double that.”
Ross also highlighted previous concerns about the Commission’s use of taxpayer money, referencing reports from July where the agency was criticised for holding four staff parties over a span of two weeks, costing over $16,000.
“Even if attracting film productions to New Zealand is successful, taxpayers still end up paying millions in film subsidies,” Ross noted, calling into question the agency’s fiscal responsibility. “It’s time to roll credits on the Film Commission.”
