Kōawa Studios is an initiative by Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury (UC) in Christchurch, New Zealand. Kōawa aims to forge partnerships between Digital Screen degree students and the creative technology sector including film, sound production, animation, game development, and virtual production.

Key to attracting commercial interest in Kōawa Studios was the provision of state-of- the-art facilities including a Virtual Production Stage. Multiple years in the planning, the opportunity went out to tender in 2023 under the leadership of Mike Forrester, Kōawa Studios Programme Manager. A collaboration between Futureworks, Gencom, ULA Group, Zhanxin and Bartons Sound was successful and together with UC they designed and installed the most advanced VP Studio in New Zealand. Completed in October 2024, the studio is already making waves in the sector and providing students invaluable exposure to industry.