NZ Equity has expressed its disappointment at the NZ Government’s decision to change the immigration process for the entry of temporary entertainment workers into New Zealand.

“The immigration process that has been in place for decades, was there to ensure that New Zealand performers were provided with reasonable opportunities to work on all film and television productions,” said NZ Equity President Jennifer Ward-Lealand. “The new minimal process will now provide carte blanche for New Zealand taxpayer supported productions to engage non-New Zealand performers for any and every role. This is contrary to the Government’s stated election policy of ‘Kiwi’s First’.”

Actors’ unions around the world are donating vital funds to help relocate Christchurch’s Court Theatre to a former grain store in Addington, as part of a fundraising initiative led by NZ Actors’ Equity.

On Saturday, NZ Equity president Jennifer Ward-Lealand will present The Court Theatre with $37,000. The Media, Entertainment & Arts Alliance (to which NZ Equity belongs) has donated $20,000, and has secured more than $10,000 from other actors’ unions, including; the Screen Actors Guild, Dansk Skuespillerforbund, the Alliance of Canadian Cinema, Television and Radio Artists,  and US Actors Equity.

“It is with great pleasure that the acting community will donate money to help the Court Theatre establish their new quarters,” said Ward-Lealand. “The closure of the theatre as a result of February’s earthquake was devastating for New Zealand’s performing arts community, as well as for Cantabrian audiences.”

Screen Industry NZ (SINZ) invites Equity members to pre-election forums. Politicians will be speaking on their party’s policies and answering questions from the floor. Chaired by broadcaster Wallace Chapman.

Auckland Forum: Monday 5 September; 6-8pm; St Columba Centre, 40 Vermont St, Ponsonby. Attending: Steve Chadwick (Labour); Jonathan Coleman (National); Clare Curran (Labour) and a Green Party representative.

Wellington Forum: Thursday 8 September; 6-8pm; The Film School, 86 Vivian St. Attending: Steve Chadwick and Clare Curran (Labour); Catherine Delahunty (Green); Chris Finlayson (National).

Please RSVP to Frances Walsh on 0800 334470 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it Come along, be informed, and be heard. Drinks from 7.30pm.

SINZ comprises Equity; NZ Film and Video Technicians' Guild; NZ Writers Guild, Nga Aho Whakaari; Screen Directors Guild of NZ, Screen Production and Development Association, and Women in Film & Television.

Equity will host a three-hour masterclass in Auckland on Sunday July 17 for Equity members. Focusing on a song of your choice, Jennifer Ward-Lealand accompanied by Paul Barrett on the piano, will coach you to make your performance as engaging and theatrically satisfying as it can possibly be. Selection is by ballot. Details and applications here.

All Equity members are invited to attend meetings in Auckland and Wellington next week to endorse the log of claims to take to the negotiating table when we commence talks with SPADA in June. Now is your chance to have a say on a new set of conditions for performers in the screen industry.

Auckland meeting: Wednesday 25 May, 7pm, St Columba Centre, 40 Vermont St, Ponsonby.

Wellington meeting: Friday 27 May, 5.30pm, Tararua Tramping Club, 4 Moncrieff St, Mt Victoria.

For more information ring your industrial organiser Frances Walsh on 0800 334470.

All financial members are invited to apply for a two-hour workshop which will equip you with exercises to use during rehearsal, before going onset and for voiceovers. Actor and teacher Cameron Rhodes will cover off warming up, centering and grounding, breath support, connecting with text, energising words, exploring vocal range and integrating impulse, voice and movement. Selection will be by ballot. This event is part of Equity’s Professional Program and is free to financial members. 

Date: Monday, April 11, 6pm-8pm.

Venue: St Columba Centre, 40 Vermont St, Ponsonby.

Registration deadline: Wednesday, April 6

Apply here.

Our thanks to Creative New Zealand.