Government announces NZ On Air to deliver gaming rebate

Through Budget 2023, new funding of $40 million per year was allocated to deliver and administer a rebate scheme for the game development sector. This funding will enable a 20% rebate on eligible expenditures for game development studios who qualify and meet the minimum $250,000 expenditure threshold per year. Individual studios will be able to receive up to $3 million per year in rebate funding, and the scheme will be made effective as of 1 April 2023.

Today, consultation opened on the design features of the rebate scheme. These details include:

• eligibility criteria
• elements of the scheme administration
• application process
• governance.

MBIE is seeking input and feedback from key industry representatives and interested parties on the design features of the scheme, to ensure they’re fit for the sector. Finalised design features will be published from September, and from October NZ On Air will communicate deadlines for year 1 applications.

Submissions close 11.59pm (NZT) 6 July 2023.

Further information is available on MBIE’s website:

Game development sector rebate design features