87% of scripted works staged by New Zealand’s professional companies in 2024 were New Zealand works, as identified in Playmarket’s annual survey. The total number of scripted works staged was 137, a decrease from the previous year, where 187 works were staged. Nine of the 16 funded companies that presented work delivered programmes with 100% New Zealand content.
Work written by Māori creatives hit an all-time high at 28%, surpassing the record of 25% achieved in 2022 and sustained in 2023. Tawata Productions, Taki Rua Productions, Te Rākau Hua o Te Wao Tapu, Massive Theatre Company, Red Leap Theatre and Barbarian Productions all staged seasons of 100% Māori work.
The percentage of Pasifika and Asian works also increased, with Pasifika works accounting for 13% of programming and Asian works accounting for 14% of programming.
Playmarket defines Māori, Pasifika and Asian works as created with a minimum of one New Zealand citizen of Māori, Pasifika or Asian descent involved in the writing or devising of the work.
Works by NZ women also increased to 56%; works written by trans and non-binary artists increased to 12% of total programming.
For the full report see here.