The Screen Auckland Protocol replaces the Auckland Film Protocol 2019 and is no longer a formal Auckland Council policy. It is now an operational document maintained by Screen Auckland, which means it can be updated as the industry evolves without a full elected member approval process. This change creates more access to filming in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland.
The core purpose stays the same – enabling great screen production while being a good neighbour to Auckland communities. What has changed is how this is done: a more proportionate, practical framework that reflects how the industry works today.
What’s New
Five impact levels, previously four: A new Ultra Low category covers shoots of up to seven people with handheld equipment only. No public liability insurance (PLI) is required. This makes the process simpler and faster for small-scale work.
Impact threshold realignment: Low impact increases from nine to 15 people, with some on-the-ground equipment and a small gear stash allowed. Medium impact is capped at two small temporary structures, such as ezi-ups. Truck numbers are now defined across the table: Medium up to four trucks, High up to 12, and Major more than 12, with trucks defined as three tonnes or more. Unit bases are captured under the impact criteria. Drones are also captured, with very small drones permitted under Ultra Low.
Film licences: A new licence option is available for sole operators, including photographers, content creators, drone operators and real estate agents. It is launching as a three-month licence with a $2 million PLI minimum. No individual permit is required per location within the licence conditions.
Clearer PLI minimums: Ultra Low: generally not required; Low and licences: $2 million; Medium, High and Major: $5 million; Drone aviation: $2 million.
Updated drone requirements: These are now tiered by weight and aligned to Civil Aviation Authority rules. A permit is only required if the drone is launched or landed in a public place, or flown over roads.
Property and building inspection filming: No film permit is required where Appendix A conditions are met and the property itself is the subject of filming. A permit is required for any filming around the property to showcase the surrounding area or lifestyle.
Expanded location-specific guidance: New sections cover closed landfills, Watercare assets, Ports of Auckland, Waitākere Ranges Heritage Area, co-governed parks, campgrounds, city centre retail areas, and more.
Fees
This year’s annual fee increase includes a structural change reflecting the updated impact table, which now includes unit bases. Bump-ins and bump-outs can now be charged at a half-day or full-day rate.
Film licences are priced at the Ultra Low permit rate for an initial pilot period.
Extended facilitation will now incur an additional fee for major productions where facilitation extends significantly beyond the standard permit process.
| Fee type | Half day | Full day |
|---|---|---|
| Ultra Low impact | $75 | $75 |
| Low impact | $150 | $150 |
| Medium impact | $265 | $525 |
| High impact | $525 | $1055 |
| Major impact | $1055 | $2110 |
| Cancellation fee | $75 | $75 |
What Hasn’t Changed
Film permit applications still need to be made through FilmApp. The permit process is the same. These changes allow Screen Auckland to operate more dynamically, aligned to the actual impact of the activity.
Visit https://screenauckland.com
