Wētā Workshop partners with New Zealand Story for FernMark stamp of trust

Wētā Workshop has joined New Zealand Story’s FernMark Licence Programme – a government-backed accreditation designed to help New Zealand businesses stand out in global markets. The FernMark is an official stamp of quality that recognises Wētā Workshop as a trusted creative brand worldwide.  

David Wilks, General Manager, says while we already have a great reputation for producing quality work across screen, design, game development, location-based experiences, and collectibles, the FernMark gives clients added assurance that we are a business that successfully delivers on the international stage.

Richard Taylor, Wētā Workshop Co-Founder and Creative Director says having the status of the FernMark, which endorses and embellishes the relevance and commercial standing of what we make, is very important and is something we are incredibly proud to be a part of,” says Taylor.

David Downs, CEO New Zealand Story, says he is thrilled to see Wētā Workshop join the FernMark Programme.

“It is a business that is known for its creativity, its innovation and its challenging of the norms. That is why it is often heroed as one of the leaders in New Zealand’s creative-tech space – it is a sophisticated and complex business, but absolutely creative at its heart.

“The value of New Zealand’s arts and creative sector is not widely appreciated. It contributed $14.9 billion to New Zealand’s GDP in the year to March 2022, which is 4.2% of our total economy. Wētā Workshop is a great example of how to increase the value of New Zealand’s exports, not just volume.

“We are fortunate that New Zealand has built a strong reputation for our ingenuity, as well as our care for people and place, which makes us a trusted market. That is a real opportunity when it comes to the growing overlap between the tech and creative sectors.

“More and more, people are looking at New Zealand for our creativity and innovation. Wētā Workshop has been part of New Zealand’s story for not just making films, but for leading their industry, globally – from New Zealand,” he says.

Richard adds, the FernMark will provide Wētā Workshop with the opportunity to align with a mark of authenticity that is recognised around the world.

“Wētā Workshop hopes to leave a creative legacy for all New Zealanders to enjoy and be proud of. Our partnership with New Zealand Story supports this vision and will allow us to collaborate with other fabulous local exporters to build New Zealand’s profile as a country of origin for innovation and creativity,” he says.

Find out more about the New Zealand Story Group.