2 Mar 2025

Turning the Aotearoa screen industry green

From Culture 101, 2:33 pm on 2 March 2025

Have you ever considered how green that TV show or movie you're watching is? Non-profit organisation, Greenlit is now working alongside Aotearoa productions leading the screen industry towards a greener and more sustainable future. The organisation and method is also grounded in te ao Maori principles; Raupī, (to protect), Raupā, (to work with care), and Rauora (to conserve well-being). Since starting 18 months ago, Greenlit has worked with more than 50 productions ranging from small shoots and local projects to international large-scale dramas. There can be a huge amount of waste during productions and one of those shows was able to recycle 390 kilograms of fabric scraps, 10 kgs of batters and 290 kgs of polystyrene. There are now 15 sustainability managers across the country. Chairperson Craig Gainsborough-Waring spoke to Culture 101.