Film Commission launches probe, CEO on 'special' leave

As Wellington mayor in 2003, current film commission chair Kerry Prendergast (second from right, standing) hosted the Lord of the Rings premiere. (Image: Getty)

Pattrick Smellie

Thu, 05 May 2022

The New Zealand Film Commission board has launched an internal probe into its handling of conflicts of interests involving its recently appointed chief executive, David Strong, in response to a furious reaction from the country’s lead film producers’ guild.The Screen Production and Development Association (SPADA) has been pressing for action on Strong’s appointment since March after a letter from the NZ Film Commission (NZFC) chair, Kerry Prendergast, to senior film industry figures acknowledging that Strong’s interest i...

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