Filming in public spaces
If you’re going to film in public places, such as parks, roads, footpaths or berms and other council-owned public spaces, you’ll need a permit from Screen Auckland.
We’ll need the following information when you apply:
- planned location(s)
- planned filming dates
- shoot information, including equipment to be used
- production details
- supporting information such as traffic management plans or consultation plans.
Important note: You may also need special consent to film at sacred spaces such as churches, memorials, cemeteries and Māori marae.
Public liability insurance is also required for filming in public spaces.
Filming in private property or residences
Even if you’re filming on private property, your shoot may require parking permits from Auckland Transport. You’ll need to apply online at least two weeks before any planned filming.
[Button: Get a parking permit]
Not all shoots need a permit
If your shoot meets the following criteria you will probably not need a permit:
- a small crew (fewer than nine people)
- will only use hand-held equipment
- no interference with public access.
However, we recommend you Contact Screen Auckland if you intend to film on roads or other public places.
Filming fees
The size and impact of your production will determine how much your film fees will be. These fees are a guide only. Each film shoot is assessed on a case by case basis – what may be considered medium impact in one location could be deemed high impact in another.
|
|
Low impact (NZD$) |
Medium impact |
High impact |
Major impact |
|
Parks |
$0 - $50 |
$200 - $400 |
$400 - $800 |
$750 - $1500 |
|
Roads |
$0 - $50 |
$200 - $400 |
$400 - $800 |
$750 - $1500 |
|
Footpaths and berms |
$0 - $50 |
$175 - $350 |
$350 - $700 |
$650 - $1300 |
|
Other |
$0 - $50 |
$200 - $400 |
$400 - $800 |
$750 - $1600 |
|
|
Low impact |
Medium impact |
High impact |
Major impact |
|
|
No permit required |
Permit required |
Permit required – other consents may be required |
Permit required – other consents may be required |
|
Number of people on site |
Up to 9 crew/talent. News crew and documentary. |
Up to 30 crew and 1 to 20 talent. |
Up to 50 crew and 1 to 100+ talent. |
50+ crew and 1 to 100+ talent. |
|
Number of equipment vehicles |
No trucks. |
No more than 6 trucks. |
No more than 12 trucks. |
12+ trucks |
|
Unit base/ catering area |
No unit base/catering area required. |
Small unit base/catering area required. |
Unit base/catering area required. |
Large unit base/ catering area required. |
|
Structural requirement |
No structures. |
Minimal structures e.g. two 4mx4m ezi-ups. |
Some structures including ezi-ups. |
Significant structures and construction. |
|
Equipment requirements |
Handheld camera and sound equipment. 1 camera on tripod. No lights on stands or generator. |
Minimal equipment e.g. camera tracks and two lights on stands. |
Equipment used, eg camera tracks, lights on stands, medium-sized cranes, jibs. |
Extensive equipment. |
|
Traffic management (footpaths and roads) |
No filming on roads. Footpaths and public walkways unblocked. No temporary traffic management. |
Minimal temporary traffic management required/minor roads/standard TMP templates appropriate. |
Temporary traffic management required, including road closures – site-specific TMP required. |
Significant temporary traffic management required/multiple roads or main roads – site-specific TMP required. |
|
Environmental impact |
No environmental effect. |
Potential to have minimal impact |
Potential to have some impact |
Potential to have a significant impact |
|
Impact on the public and consultation requirements |
No disruption is caused to council stakeholders, businesses, residents, motorists or other events in the vicinity. No consultation required. |
May be some minor disruption to council stakeholders, businesses, residents, motorists or other events in the vicinity. Key stakeholder approval required. Local area letter drop. |
Likely to be disruption to council stakeholders, businesses, residents, or motorists. Key stakeholder approval required. Local area letter drop. Some individual consultation. |
Likely to be significant disruption to council stakeholders, businesses, residents or motorists. Wider stakeholder group approval required. Significant letter drop area and local consultation. |
|
|
Cost (NZD$) |
|
Parking permit fees (for essential vehicles) |
$16 per site per 24 hour period (in Auckland suburbs). |
|
Additional service charges (such as locking and unlocking gates) |
$25 per call out. |
|
Resource consent costs |
$2500 deposit for a non-residential application. Further charges are based on an hourly rate of $139 to $177. |
|
Building consent costs |
$415 deposit to apply for an exemption. |