Waikato Screen Charitable Trust

Empowering education, creativity & community through storytelling

our mission

The Waikato Screen Charitable Trust exists to provide inclusive, accessible education and creative opportunities across our region. Established as an independent charitable entity alongside Waikato Screen NZ Ltd (a not-for-profit company), the Trust has its own governance and ensures that every dollar received directly supports public benefit, learning pathways, and community development.

Our mission is simple:

To advance education and strengthen communities through screen, storytelling, cultural connection, and creative expression.

We work with people of all ages and backgrounds – including Māori, Polynesian, rural communities, under-represented groups, newcomers to the industry, and established creatives seeking to grow their practice.

our purpose

The Trust is committed to:

Advancing education in screen production, storytelling, and creative industries
Creating accessible learning pathways for communities across the Waikato
Supporting cultural storytelling and preservation, working in partnership with iwi and hapū
Removing barriers to training through scholarships, grants, and travel support
Strengthening wellbeing and confidence through creative engagement
Developing the next generation of screen practitioners, storytellers, and creative leaders

All activities are delivered in a way that upholds mana, equity, inclusivity, and the cultural values of our region.

what we do

Screen Education Workshops

Practical training in screen production, digital storytelling, film facilitation, creative technologies, and industry knowledge - delivered across the Waikato in community venues, schools, marae, and online.

Mentoring & Creative Development Pathways

One-to-one mentoring, coaching, and structured training pathways that help learners of all ages progress into creative careers or develop new skills.

Cultural Storytelling & Community-Led Creative Projects

We support Māori, Pacific, and diverse communities to share their stories through culturally grounded, community-driven screen initiatives.

Iwi Engagement & Sites of Significance Education

Partnerships with iwi and hapū to provide training and guidance on tikanga, cultural protocols, IP protections, and education around culturally significant sites.

Scholarships & Barrier-Removal Support

Financial assistance, travel grants, and funded educational opportunities that open doors for those who would otherwise be unable to participate.

Creative Wellbeing Programmes

Workshops and projects that use creativity to build confidence, resilience, social connection, and positive mental wellbeing.

Public Education, Events & Outreach

Screenings, Q&As, panel discussions, and community events that grow public understanding of screen careers and celebrate local storytelling.

Our Commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi

The Waikato Screen Charitable Trust is committed to:

Working in genuine partnership with iwi and hapū
Supporting the protection and expression of cultural narratives
Honouring tikanga and culturally grounded approaches
Uplifting Māori creatives and community aspirations

This kaupapa informs all aspects of our mahi.

Governance & Independence

The Trust is governed by an independent Board of Trustees who ensure:

Transparent decision-making
Responsible stewardship of funds
Clear separation from Waikato Screen NZ Ltd
That all activities remain strictly charitable and publicly beneficial

The Trust may contract Waikato Screen NZ Ltd and/or independent contractors to deliver charitable programmes. All delivery contracts are managed transparently, at fair-value terms, with conflicts of interest declared and properly managed.

How You Can Support Our Work

We welcome opportunities to collaborate with:

Councils and local government
Iwi and hapū
Education providers
Community organisations
Philanthropic partners
Industry stakeholders

Every partnership helps expand access to learning, supports cultural expression, and strengthens our region’s creative future.

waikato screen trust

Our experienced team at Waikato Screen is dedicated to providing you with the guidance and connections needed to achieve optimal production support across the Waikato region. With knowledge in film attraction, facilitation, and talent development. Contact us to see how we can assist you.

Erin Griffiths

Trustee

charitabletrust@waikatoscreen.nz

Tracy Hampton

Trustee

charitabletrust@waikatoscreen.nz

Rachel Adams

Trustee

charitabletrust@waikatoscreen.nz

contact the trust

For partnership enquiries, programme information, or to discuss how you can support our work, please contact us EMAIL@waikatoscreen.nz