The hunt for the new head of Aotearoa's leading film industry entity is over.

The New Zealand Film Commission (NZFC) has confirmed the appointment of Taima Anne (Annie) Murray (Te Arawa) as its new Chief Executive Officer on a five year contract.

The role has been one of the highest profile positions in the creative sector up for grabs for more than half a year - after the conflict of interest controversy caused David Strong to step down from the role in August 2022. Mladen Ivancic has been operating as NZFC's Interim Chief Executive during that time.

Murray's CV includes a nine year stint at Sky TV - starting as a Senior Commissioner in 2014 and since 2020, working as Head of Sky Originals - as well as a spell as Head of External Programming at Māori Television. 

Among her highlights in a 23 year career in the New Zealand screen industry, Murray also serves as Interim Co-Chair of the Toi Mai Workforce Development Council Board, a member of Te Kāhui Ahumahi, and is a member of the Bay of Plenty Regional Skills Leadership Group - as well as a Trustee of Ngā Taonga.  

She has also worked in the public sector with the Broadcasting Commission (NZ On Air), Māori Television and had two stints at TVNZ.  Academically she holds a Master of Education (First Class Hons) from Waikato University and a Diploma in Bicultural Journalism from Waiariki Institute of Technology.

Murray will step into the NZFC position on 19 June  - giving her time to relinquish all professional roles by her start date to focus full time in the position and ensure no conflict of interest.  

In a statement, Murray explains "I am honoured and humbled by the Board’s decision to entrust me with this opportunity to lead Te Tumu Whakaata Taonga.  

"The Film Commission’s role is to champion exceptional storytellers to create enduring taonga for Aotearoa.  I have dedicated my career to empowering the stories and storytellers of New Zealand and I am privileged that in this role I can continue to do that."

She adds "We have a New Zealand and global audience that wants high impact, authentic and culturally significant screen stories.  New Zealand’s population is becoming more diverse, which creates rich opportunities for screen stories that reflect our many and varied communities.  

"I look forward to working with the team, the wider screen sector and international partners to explore exciting and new opportunities for the Film Commission now and in the future."

NZFC Board Chair Alastair Carruthers, in making the announcement today, said “I am delighted that we have found someone of Annie’s calibre to lead the Commission. She has exceptional experience and a deep commitment to stories from the diverse voices of Aotearoa.  I have no doubt she will have a positive impact on filmmakers and the organisation in years to come”.