NZ Actors Equity
Media Release
16 September, 2005
Major decision ahead for New Zealand actors
The New Zealand acting community is facing a major decision over its future, following a proposal from the Australian
Media Entertainment Arts Alliance to join their union as a chapter.
The proposal has ignited a significant debate within the acting community and the screen industry at large, over whether
to join the Australian union or re-invigorate the NZ Actors Equity into a stronger and more active union to promote the
interests of actors.
An industry panel has been convened to discuss the issues.
The issue at stake is the offer of financial and organisational support to help provide a unifying voice to encourage
better pay and conditions, as well as enhanced networking and training opportunities.
There are significant differences of opinion within the acting community over whether this can be achieved through
joining the Australian union or building a stronger New Zealand union.
There is also fear-driven agendas being promoted by some in the screen industry, that offshore studios would be
reluctant to film in New Zealand and use our actors because of the increased pay and better conditions that a stronger
union would help promote.
The panel includes:
Teresa Brown, Actors Equity Union Representative
Barbara Woods, Actor, Wellington Equity Executive Committee
Geoff Dolan, Actor
A Wellington Actors Agent
Major industry professionals and actors will be attending the event to question the panellists over the ramifications
for the New Zealand entertainment community.
ENDS