News
Councils key to film industry success
The film industry has given New Zealand a huge boost in recent years and it now has the support of 15 councils who have been accredited with a Film Friendly status from Film New Zealand.
These councils have formally adopted the New Zealand Local Government Filming Protocol and developed policy, planning and processes to support film-makers and film co-ordination in their regions.
"Overseas companies are now realising the benefits of filming in New Zealand. We want to encourage film-makers to come to New Zealand and view us as a film friendly country. We are encouraging councils to support the film industry by making planning approval, street access, parks and amenities more accessible to film crews," says Mayor Sukhi Turner, Local Government New Zealand National Council Spokesperson on Economic Development.
"Councils are aware of what the film industry can do for their local communities and economies and have recognised that filming is no longer an occasional event. It is an industry in its own right and the fact that we have 15 accredited councils and others starting procedures for accreditation reflects this.
"As a country, we are equipped to provide a full range of services to film-makers. New Zealand has a burgeoning post-production film industry, with expertise developing in many areas of the country and often rivalling the best in the world. Councils are now seeing the value in supporting services such as these and some regions have opened regional film offices, dedicated to supporting the local and international film industry," Mayor Turner said.
The New Zealand Local Government Filming Protocol (the Film Friendly Guide) describes best practice for issuing district, city and regional council approvals needed to undertake location filming such as television commercials, feature films and documentaries.
"For areas that have already experienced considerable filming, the Guide provides the opportunity to review and fine tune procedures. For areas yet to experience significant filming activity, it will help councils put in place effective procedures ahead of demand," says Mayor Turner.
Many local authorities are now committed to supporting the film industry in New Zealand and the following councils have been accredited with a Film Friendly status:
Auckland City Council
Christchurch City Council
Dunedin City Council
Far North District Council
Hauraki District Council
Hutt City Council
Manukau City Council
New Plymouth District Council
Porirua City Council
Queenstown Lakes District Council
Selwyn District Council
South Taranaki District Council
Timaru District Council
Waitakere District Council
Wellington City Council
The following councils are close to attaining Film Friendly status:
Franklin District Council
North Shore City Council
Taupo District Council
Ends
Local Government New Zealand is the national voice of all 86 councils of New Zealand.
For more information contact:
Meredith Barker
DDI: (04) 924 1217
Mobile: 029 924 1202
Email: meredith.barker@lgnz.co.nz
5 December 2003
