Waikato Screen Charitable Trust

Empowering education, creativity & community through storytelling

who we are

We are an independent charitable trust dedicated to growing the screen industry from the ground up.

Through education, mentoring, cultural storytelling, scholarships and community connection, we create pathways for people to learn, upskill and participate in film, television and digital screen production.

Our work spans the Waikato, supporting emerging talent, strengthening local capability, and opening doors into the screen industry.

We exist to build opportunity, grow confidence, and help more people across our region take their next step in the screen sector.

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, the Trust operates alongside Waikato Screen NZ Ltd – a not-for-profit company – with its own governance structure.

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 upholding mana, equity, inclusivity, and the cultural values of our region in everything we do. This is delivered through:

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.

our programmes

Practical, community centred programmes that open doors, build skills, and strengthen the screen industry across the Waikato

Mentoring and Creative Development Pathways

Provide 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.

Public Education, Events & Outreach

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

Creative Wellbeing Programmes

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

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.

Scholarship & Barrier Removal Support

We aim to reduce barriers to participation by offering subsidised access, complimentary places, and practical support where possible, ensuring opportunities remain accessible to those who need them.

built on trust

Genuine partnership, transparent governance, and open collaboration guide everything we do.

Our Commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi

The Waikato Screen Charitable Trust’s kaupapa informs all aspects of our mahi, expressed through:

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

Governance & Accountability

The Board of Trustees governs the Trust to ensure:

Transparent decision-making
Responsible stewardship of funds
A clear distinction between charitable and commercial activities
That all work delivers genuine public benefit

The Trust may contract Waikato Screen NZ Ltd and/or independent contractors to deliver charitable programmes. All delivery arrangements are undertaken transparently, on fair-value terms, with a clear separation between governance and operational delivery.

How you can Support our Work

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

We welcome opportunities to collaborate with:

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

our Trustees

Our Trustees bring experience across screen production, governance, community development, education, regional relationships and creative-sector pathways. Together, they guide the Trust’s charitable purpose and ensure its programmes deliver clear public benefit.

For programme enquiries, community partnerships, school workshops or general Trust enquiries, please contact us at charitabletrust@waikatoscreen.nz

Erin Griffiths

Trustee | Production Attraction & Facilitation | Locations | Production Services | Regional Screen Development

Tracy Hampton

Managing Trustee | Executive Producer | Business Management | Screen Sector Development | Training & Mentorship

Rachel Adams

Trustee | Business Development | Creative Producer | Strategy | Funding & Partnerships

Vea Mafile'o

Trustee | Director & Producer | Pacific Storytelling | Creative Leadership | Screen Talent Development

Piripi Curtis

Trustee | Film & Television Producer | Māori & Indigenous Storytelling | Māori Screen Leadership | Industry Development

partner with us / make a koha

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