Young Pacific people will have the opportunity to enter New Zealand's growing $750 million gaming sector through Game On, a programme to support them into the industry, Pacific Peoples Minister Dr Shane Reti says.

"Game On will support up to 57 Pacific youth to turn their interest in gaming into real employment opportunities in an industry facing ongoing skill shortages," says Dr Reti. "It will open doors and create long term opportunities for our Pacific communities."

Game On is delivered in partnership with NGO The Cause Collective, Tupu Toa, industry leader PikPok and the New Zealand Game Developers Association.

The Ministry for Pacific Peoples will be the key funder, investing $1 million over four years, matched by industry partners.

"Young Pacific people bring creativity, fresh perspectives and strong collaborative strengths to industries like gaming and technology," Dr Reti says.

Through school outreach, studio visits, mentoring and internships, Game On will support Pacific learners explore Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) careers in real studio environments.

Dr Reti says: "Game On builds on the Ministry's wider work to improve Pacific outcomes in STEM - another way the Government is fixing the basics and building the future.

"Game On extends the reach of the Toloa programme and gives studios access to diverse Pacific talent."

The first cohort will begin their training in July 2026.