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.

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 180 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, AI-driven production tools and technologies.

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

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

Our Name

Kōawa, a name 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), means “watercourse” or “channel.” It symbolises a life force that unites people, passion, and purpose. This metaphor beautifully captures how students and industry professionals engage at Kōawa, providing students with regular access and exposure to the industry. This connection is vital for their success, equipping them with the skills 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.   

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

Our People

The team at Kōawa is a vibrant mix of experienced industry leaders, project managers, and skilled technicians. We work closely with our academic colleagues to foster strong partnerships, collaborate effectively, and deliver exceptional projects within the screen, education, and creative technology sectors. Our collective expertise and commitment to industry-driven innovation have the students of the Bachelor of Digital Screen programme at its heart.

Sam Witters

Director

Heather Schluckebier

Associate Director Operations

Shelley Winsor

Head of Partnerships and Marketing

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

The Canterbury region, known as Waitaha and "home to nature’s most diverse playground," boasts over 660,000 residents, making up 13% of New Zealand's population. At its heart lies Ōtautahi Christchurch, a city embraced by grassy plains, clear lakes, and snow-capped mountains.

Christchurch is a compact and easily accessible city, offering an ideal blend of productivity and quality of life. Kōawa Studios is conveniently located just 10-15 minutes from the CBD and 10 minutes from Christchurch Airport. The airport is serviced by 11 different airlines, providing over 320 flights each month to 10 international destinations. In 2021, Christchurch was honored as one of Time Magazine’s top 100 places to visit.

As the city with the second-largest tech sector in New Zealand, Christchurch contributes 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.

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

A Film Makers' Dream

Combine the state-of-the-art facilities at Kōawa Studios with some of the world’s most stunning locations, and you have a filmmaker’s paradise.

Canterbury, New Zealand’s largest region, offers every type of location you can imagine. From 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.

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.