Image of a Kōawa Studios flag on a pole, seen through the trees.
Image of a Kōawa Studios flag on a pole, seen through the trees. Koawa pattern

About Us

15 April 2025

Kōawa Studios is the South Island’s premier commercial production facility, uniquely positioned within Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury in Ōtautahi Christchurch New Zealand.

HOW TO APPLY
Where storytelling, creative technology, education, and industry converge

Just minutes from both the city centre and Christchurch International Airport, Kōawa Studios offers world-class, state-of-the-art facilities that support a wide range of screen production disciplines.

These include sound recording studios, edit suites, motion capture and stop-motion animation studios, green screen and virtual production sound stages, computer labs, mill space, and a multipurpose 165 seat theatre. Additionally, a 1400sqm production and post-production facility is set to open in 2026.

Kōawa Studios also supports UC’s Bachelor of Digital Screen programme, empowering students to explore the cutting edge of film, animation, gaming, sound, indigenous storytelling, and immersive technologies. As a hub for innovation and collaboration, we bridge the gap between education and industry - attracting both local and international partners to co-create the future of screen and creative technologies.

Image of a studio technician working in front of Kōawa Studios virtual production screen
Image of Director of Kōawa Studios, Sam Witters
Our Vision

At Kōawa Studios, we envision a future where storytelling and technology merge seamlessly to redefine the global screen and creative industries. Our mission is to foster a collaborative ecosystem where students, creators, and industry leaders co-create groundbreaking work using advanced production tools and technologies to enhance the craft of world-class storytelling.

By integrating education, innovation, and world-class infrastructure, we're building a sustainable creative industry in Aotearoa - anchored in Waitaha Canterbury and connected to the world.

"Kōawa Studios brings top talent in film, animation, game development, and digital production together; equipping the next generation of creative visionaries in Aotearoa New Zealand with the skills and knowledge to thrive in the fast-evolving global screen, storytelling, and production technology industries." – Director Kōawa Studios, Sam Witters.

Our Name

Kōawa, a name kindly gifted by Ngāi Tahu, the principal iwi (tribe) of the South Island and a key part of the wider Māori and Indigenous community of Aotearoa New Zealand. It means “watercourse” or “channel”, and symbolises a life force that unites people, passion, and purpose.

This foundational metaphor guides the Studio’s philosophy and commitment to connecting students with creative professionals, providing them with exposure to the industry. The goal is to help equip them with the skills, experience, and connections demanded by global screen and creative industries.

An aerial image of Canterbury region focused on the braided rivers.
An image of the front of the Ratā building at the University of Canterbury
About University of Canterbury

Immersed in the heart of Ōtautahi Christchurch - the second largest city in Aotearoa New Zealand - Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury provides an experience unlike any other. The University offers students endless opportunities for exploration and recreation, with all the conveniences of a modern city and a region called ‘home to nature’s most diverse playground’. UC students have the space to find themselves, to connect with others and to positively contribute to a changing world.   

"As a university committed to accessible, flexible and future focused education, we’re delighted to be working with the Aardman Academy, who bring to our students over 40 years of experience and innovation." - University of Canterbury Vice-Chancellor Professor Cheryl de la Rey.

Our Values

A triangle depicting the value Whanaungatanga

He mana tō te tangata

We value people and their differences

A triangle depicting the value Manaakitanga

He kaitiaki tātou katoa

We will enhance and nurture our resources

A triangle depicting the value Tiakitanga

Kia aroha ki te tangata 

We extend care and empower others

Want to know more?

Whether you're exploring commercial use of our facilities or looking to spark a new industry partnership, we'd love to connect. Reach out to request our rate cards, book a studio tour, or simply chat through your ideas with our team.

Contact Us

About the Region

Canterbury is a filmmakers' dream, combining state-of-the-art facilities at Kōawa Studios with some of the world’s most stunning locations.

Kōawa Studios is conveniently located just 10-15 minutes from Christchurch’s CBD and 10 minutes from it’s airport. The airport is serviced by 11 different airlines, providing over 320 flights each month to 10 international destinations. 

The region offers locations that span breathtaking mountains and glacial lakes to grassy plains and farmland, from historic period buildings to modern city architecture, the possibilities are endless. These locations can be filmed on-site or recreated inside Kōawa’s virtual production studio.

In the heart of Canterbury lies Ōtautahi Christchurch

The city has the second-largest tech sector in New Zealand, contributing 17% of the country’s tech exports. It is also home to a significant portion of New Zealand’s hi-tech and specialist manufacturing firms, making it a hub of innovation and industry.

Christchurch New Zealand has an excellent screen office that can support filmmakers coming to the region. For location advice, local crew assistance, as well as access to the screen incentive programme contact Screen Canterbury for more information on regional grants and national rebates.

An image of the Grant Thornton building across Christchurch's Avon River waterfront in the CBD
An aerial image of Christchurch from across the port hills

Getting here

A world map depicting international and domestic travel times between Christchurch and other key film industry destinations

Screen CanterburyNZ

Christchurch New Zealand has an excellent screen office that can support film makers coming to the region. For location advice, local crew assistance, as well as access to the screen incentive programme contact our friends at Screen Canterbury NZ.