Source: Auckland Council
A significant Government and council investment in Auckland-Council owned Auckland Film Studios (AFS) in Henderson has been hailed as “transformational” by Waitākere Ward Councillors Linda Cooper and Shane Henderson.
The funding, made up of $30million from the Government and $5million from Auckland Council, will see two new sound stages and other buildings added to the site and will be driven by Auckland’s economic and cultural agency Auckland Unlimited.
AFS is well established in Henderson and has had a number of high-profile productions filmed there, including Adrift; Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon: Sword of Destiny; The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe; Emperor; and famously, Xena: Warrior Princess.
Councillors Linda Cooper and Shane Henderson
Delighted
Councillor Linda Cooper says she is delighted at the news.
“AFS has become synonymous with top-quality film production that is known around the world. It’s reputation and excellence precedes it and brings in valuable economic benefits to the area.
“This announcement will not only help to cement that value, but construction will help to drive local employment and business development, which is fantastic news.”
Transformational
Councillor Henderson says the announcement is transformational.
“This is a tremendous announcement for Henderson, the Government-council funding for AFS is brilliant news for both the New Zealand film industry and Henderson itself.
“With the expansion of AFS the studio will be able to host big productions on a single site or host multiple smaller projects at the same time.
“It ramps up the action and gives the local economy a shot in the arm at the same time.
“West Auckland has long been a hub for creativity and innovation, and AFS has been delivering consistently for decades now. This next stage in its development will reinforce that reputation and expand on it into the future.”
