Legendary BAFTA-winning New Zealand movie producer John Barnett died on Sunday, aged 80.

The Auckland-born producer began his career in 1973 and went on to run the country’s largest production company, South Pacific Pictures, from 1992 to 2015.

South Pacific Pictures confirmed Barnett’s passing in a statement: ‘It is with heavy hearts that we acknowledge the passing of John Barnett.

‘A stalwart of the NZ film and television industry, John led South Pacific Pictures for almost two decades, championing uniquely Kiwi stories to the screen and building a robust film and television business.

‘One that continues to deliver because of the incredible base he built. As one of NZ’s most prolific producers, his extensive filmography includes some of the country’s highest grossing films.’

The industry veteran produced some of NZ’s most acclaimed productions across his celebrated career, including the 2002 Oscar-nominated movie Whale Rider.

Legendary BAFTA-winning New Zealand movie producer John Barnett died on Sunday

He also helmed the 1986 animated feature Footrot Flats and was executive producer of the country’s longest-running soap opera, Shortland Street. 

His company, Endeavour Ventures, continued to develop feature films and international TV series throughout the 90s and early 2000s.

Barnett was later made a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to film and television in 2019.

He often cited his work on the groundbreaking film Whale Rider – starring Avatar actor Cliff Curtis – as one of his proudest achievements. 

The critically acclaimed film saw him win a BAFTA Award in 2003, while the movie earned an Oscar nomination for lead actress Keisha Castle-Hughes and grossed more than $40million worldwide.

Barnett was also nominated for a New Zealand Screen Award in 2006 for his work on the comedy film Sione’s Wedding, starring The Lord of the Rings actor Robbie Magasiva. 

His production company, South Pacific Picture,s also created the hit 1999 movie What Becomes of the Broken Hearted?, the sequel to Once Were Warriors. 

Heartbroken fans took to social media to pay tribute to Barnett.

The Auckland-born producer began his career in 1973 and went on to run the country’s largest production company, South Pacific Pictures, from 1992 to 2015

The industry veteran produced some of NZ’s most acclaimed productions across his celebrated career, including the 2002 Oscar-nominated movie Whale Rider

‘He was a pivotal figure and passionate champion of NZ screen. He will be missed,’ one person wrote.

‘One of the nice guys of the film business. Always had his feet firmly planted on the ground,’ a second added.

‘He was a nice man who gave very helpful advice,’ a third chipped in.

Beyond his box-office successes, Barnett was celebrated for championing projects that showcased New Zealand’s Māori, Pacific and Asian communities. 

He also established the Sundance Channel – now Rialto – the country’s first arthouse film station.

His final work was as producer of the 2024 series Dark City: The Cleaner, starring The Chronicles of Narnia actress Elizabeth Hawthorne. 

Barnett’s influence on New Zealand cinema and television was profound.

His legacy continues to shape the film and television industry in New Zealand and beyond.