Photo caption: Digital Screen Kōawa Studios Industry Advisory Board members, from left to right: Chelsea Rapp (guest), Nikora Ngaropo, Michelle Walshe, Brian Finn, Ingrid Taylor, Sam Witters, Juliet Rogers, Ahren Morris, Janine Morrell-Gunn, Kevin Watson. Absent: Catherine Warren, Martin Cudd, Rachel Raimist, and Saurabh Sinha.
The new Digital Screen Kōawa Studios Industry Advisory Board will provide strategic insight into Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury (UC)’s programme development, student recruitment and industry collaboration.
Chaired by Ingrid Taylor, a Christchurch-based commercial property lawyer with extensive governance experience, the Advisory Board also boasts award-winning film director Michelle Walshe, Whitebait Media founder Janine Morrell-Gunn ONZM, media-tech entrepreneur and Emmy judge Catherine Warren, creative technologist Nikora Ngaropo – whose past work at Wētā Digital included major productions such as Avatar, The Hobbit trilogy, and Iron Man 3 - among leaders from ChristchurchNZ, and the global screen and technology sectors.
The Advisory Board’s role will be pivotal in ensuring UC’s offerings are future focused, industry-connected, and globally relevant, as well as supporting the growth of the University’s Kōawa Studios, a purpose-built creative production hub.
“The fabulous UC Kōawa Studios are the springboard and perfect pipeline for the convergence of world class education, technology and creativity right here in Waitaha - where Aotearoa’s talented young people get to collaborate to create screen magic and take their stories to the world,” says board member Janine Morrell-Gunn.
Vice-Chancellor Professor De la Rey believes the calibre of board members reflects UC’s growing reputation as a university that blends academic excellence with real-world impact.
“With the guidance of this new board, we’re strengthening our ties with industry and supporting innovation that benefits our students, our city, and New Zealand as a whole.”
Kōawa Studios was established to position UC and Ōtautahi Christchurch as a centre of excellence for digital screen production and creative technology education. With state-of-the-art facilities and co-location opportunities, it’s already attracting industry engagement - including recent work on feature film Holy Days and children’s clay animation series Kiri and Lou, as well as a renewed partnership with UK-based Aardman Animations.
Director of Kōawa Studios Sam Witters says the board builds on real momentum.
“We’ve brought together some of the best minds in screen and creative tech. With partners like Aardman Academy and feature film Holy Days, things are already humming at Kōawa Studios — and this Advisory Board takes it to the next level.”
UC’s Digital Screen programme, including the Bachelor of Digital Screen with Honours, prepares students to thrive in a rapidly evolving global industry that fuses creativity and technology. Students have access to world-class facilities, including a virtual production stage, motion capture studio, green screen room, and post-production suites. Learning alongside industry professionals and globally renowned academics, students develop the skills and experience needed to succeed in a competitive, collaborative sector.
“We’ve designed a programme that covers the full spectrum of digital screen — from animation and game design to virtual production,” Professor Kevin Watson, Executive Dean of the University’s Faculty of Arts, says. “This Advisory Board will help us strengthen industry ties, bring global perspectives into the classroom, and continue developing Kōawa Studios as a hub for learning, collaboration, and creativity.”
The Advisory Board came together in Ōtautahi Christchurch for the first time earlier this week, kicking off an exciting new chapter of collaboration between UC and creative tech leaders.
Chair Ingrid Taylor says she joined the board because of the potential she sees in both the programme and the people behind it.
“There’s something incredibly energising about what UC is building. I’m excited to contribute to an environment that empowers young people, connects sectors, and creates space for innovation and growth.”
Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4 - Quality Education.
