The Taxpayers’ Union can reveal that the New Zealand Film Commission's latest trip to the Cannes Film Market in France cost taxpayers $208,747.92, with four staff and a contractor attending.
The taxpayer funding to send staffers to Cannes over the last three years is:
- $145,354.81 in 2024
- Up to $255,904 in 2025
- $208,747.92 in 2026
Taxpayers’ Union Investigative Lead, Rhys Hurley said:
“Five people, thirteen days in France and $208,000 of taxpayers’ money. It sounds like the setup to something the commission would fund, except Kiwis aren’t laughing, they’re footing the bill.”
“Last year, when the Commission’s French spending was front-footed by its Chief Executive, she also said, ‘You won’t see any photos of us drinking because there’s no time.’ The photos may be missing, but the $4,180 alcohol bill has certainly made a cameo this year.”
“And taxpayers aren’t just paying for the trip or booze-up. The films showcased also received over $12 million in public funding such as Mum, I’m Alien Pregnant receiving $1.99 million, and Big Girls Don’t Cry receiving $2,395,367."
“After three instalments of escalating costs, it’s time to cancel the series. If the Commission can’t demonstrate that this spending delivers value for money, why should taxpayers keep funding it? Abolish the Film Commission and roll credits on this taxpayer-funded production.”
Our 2024 release can be found here
Our 2025 OIA including the Chief Executives comments can be found here
Our 2026 OIA can be found here
Past Film Commission funding decisions can be found here
