Barnett was born to a Jewish Family 17 August 1945 in
Auckland, and studied at
Victoria University of Wellington for a commerce degree. In 1970, he, with fellow graduates, invested in the first financial publication in New Zealand, the
National Business Review (
NBR). Barnett was an
NBR director for several years. He spent years leading one of most successful production companies in New Zealand,
South Pacific Pictures. During his career, he produced a number of feature films, including
Strange Behavior, ''
Footrot Flats: The Dog's Tale, Whale Rider, and Sione's Wedding.
He also worked as an executive producer for television series including Shortland Street''. ==Honours and awards==