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Making cool stuff since 1987

Wētā Workshop is an award-winning concept design and manufacturing facility founded by Richard Taylor and Tania Rodger.

For over 30 years, we have applied our innovation and artistry to the world’s creative industries. We take on exciting projects of any size, scope, or scale, from the earliest stages of creative development through to manufacture and delivery almost anywhere in the world. We love working collaboratively with clients to bring their ideas to life.

From humble beginnings in the back room of their Wellington flat, Richard and Tania have built Wētā Workshop into what it is today. Our 58,000 square foot facility is home to a tight-knit creative crew and houses a comprehensive range of design and manufacture departments across multiple disciplines.

Owners

Co-founders Richard Taylor and Tania Rodger are the creative duo who have built Wētā Workshop into what it is today.

With more than thirty years’ experience, Co-founder and Creative Director Richard Taylor is the passionate creative at the core of Wētā Workshop. Richard has built a culture of enthusiasm and excellence that is brought to bear in every project that enters the workshop.

Richard Taylor & Tania Rodger Tommyknockers

Additionally, Richard undertakes many other responsibilities and endeavours. Richard has spent over 20 years working regularly in China and has built a highly respected relationship with local and central government, educational facilities, and the creative industries, and has nurtured many strong business collaborations. In 2010 Richard was made a Knight Companion of the NZ Order of Merit for his services to film, and in 2012 he was named New Zealander of the Year. Richard has won over 30 national and international awards for his work within the creative industries. He was also a founding board member of Florida-based mixed reality technology company Magic Leap.

Richard Taylor Knighthood ceremony

Regardless of these extensive endeavours, Richard is still found on the workshop floor nearly every day with sleeves rolled, mucking in with the team.

Thirty years in, and now with two wonderful children in tow, Tania focuses her efforts on managing crew induction, health and safety, and archiving at the workshop. She also applies her passion for creativity, artistry, and professionalism in associated businesses on the Miramar Peninsula, including as a partner in the iconic Roxy Cinema.

Together, Richard and Tania (along with friend and colleague Martin Baynton and Chinese company Shambala) co-own the children’s IP development and TV production company Pukeko Pictures. Tania and Richard are also co-owners and directors of Stardog LP, their IP development company best known for Greg Broadmore’s The World of Dr. Grordbort’s. As patrons of The Little Miracles Trust, the pair are also heavily involved in the Wellington community and regularly contribute their time to charity projects and initiatives.

Richard Taylor, Tania Rodger and Martin Baynton Wot Wots

Both Richard and Tania have had the great fortune of working with and meeting many wonderful people throughout their career. Says Richard:

“When I reflect on what Wētā Workshop’s team have grown to become, it is one of a collective of creative thinkers and doers, all driven by an affinity towards the process and love of making. Like myself, our team are inspired by the creative challenge of the projects we have the good fortune to be involved in.”

 

Senior leadership team

RiStreeter SLT Portrait

Ri Streeter

Executive Manager to CEO

Ri is responsible for wrangling and supporting Wētā Workshop CEO Richard Taylor, making her the hub around which creativity and business swirl in finely balanced symbiosis.

RichardTaylor SLT Portrait

Richard Taylor

Creative Director & CEO

With more than 30 years’ experience, five-time Oscar winner Richard Taylor is the creative lead of Wētā Workshop, injecting passion and enthusiasm into every project we work on.

TaniaRodger SLT Portrait

Tania Rodger

Co-founder & Workshop Manager

Since co-founding the business with Richard Taylor in 1987, Tania now applies her talents to managing the workshop, from induction to archiving, as well as our associated businesses.

Dave Wilks

David Wilks

General Manager

David is the business-focused right-hand man of the creative owners of Wētā Workshop, ensuring everything we do matches the quality of our creative endeavours.

RaashiSheehan SLT Portrait

Raashi Sheehan

EA to General Manager

Raashi is the right-hand to Wētā Workshop general manager David Wilks, working behind the scenes to ensure David’s day-to-day runs like a well-oiled machine.

Tania Smith

Tania Smith

Chief Financial Officer

Tania leads our Finance, Procurement and IT teams, ensuring the workshop runs like a well oiled machine.

Grant Bensley

Grant Bensley

Head of Screen and Location-based Experiences

Grant manages all new business requirements. He and his team work with clients to resolve the brief, budget, and schedule so the client gets exactly what they need, when they need it.

Kelly Tyson

Kelly Tyson

Group Manager: Product

Kelly drives the strategic direction behind our Product Division; guiding our Collectibles, Game Studio & Tourism teams.

RobGillies SLT Portrait

Rob Gillies

Head of Manufacture

Working with a vast network of talented crew, Rob spearheads the manufacturing process from quoting and planning through to art direction, fabrication, and onto delivery and support on-set.

Weta Workshop Jessica Wallace

Jessica Wallace

Chief Marketing Officer

Jessica spearheads our dynamic marketing, communications and media production teams - sharing Wētā Workshop's awe-inspiring creations with the world.

RikAthorne SLT Portrait

Rik Athorne

Senior Creative Business Director

Rik leads the Workshop’s fastest-growing division, championing and articulating the Workshop’s vision for the future of location-based experiences and emerging entertainment platforms.

Mel Brandon v2

Mel Brandon

Head of People and Culture

Mel works in partnership with senior leaders on all aspects of strategic organisational development, change leadership, and people management and leads the P&C team.

Awards

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awards 01

Across our 30 years of operation, we have been privileged to be recognised for our contribution to the creative industries and to our community. Each award is the result of a phenomenal team effort, won through working alongside and collaborating with all sorts of clever people, all over the world. Among our proudest achievements are five Academy Awards® and four BAFTAs.

Latest Projects

LBE

Pounamu Pathways Card Tile

Pounamu Pathway

Client: Te Ara Pounamu

Games

TOTS D2C Announce 600x850

Tales of the Shire

Development of a PC and console game.

LBE

LBE Latest Projects

New Zealand Liberation Museum - Te Arawhata

Design and manufacture for the New Zealand Memorial Museum Trust.

Film & TV

2023 The Creator 2023

The Creator

Design and manufacture of hero costumes, props and more.

Film & TV

2023 Foe

Foe

Film & TV

2023 Rebel Moon 2023

Rebel Moon

Film & TV

2023 Dune Part 2

Dune: Part Two

Film & TV

2023 Meg 2 The Trench 2023

Meg 2: The Trench

Concept design

Film & TV

2023 The Tank

The Tank

Creature design & manufacture

Film & TV

2023 Cocaine Bear

Cocaine Bear

Bust for lighting reference & gore prosthetics

Film & TV

2023 Wandering Earth 2

Wandering Earth 2

Specialty costume

Get in touch

If you’re looking for an award-winning creative workshop for your next project, we’d love to chat.

  • 17+ creative departments
  • Over 30 years’ experience
  • Highly awarded
  • Design to manufacture
  • Innovation and creativity
  • Government incentives may apply