Establishing Te Puke region as a film production location

11 April, 2014

Establishing Te Puke region as a film production location

The Te Puke Economic Development Group, today announced details of an ambitious initiative to establish the Te Puke region as the preferred production location for New Zealand film.

In making the announcement, Managing Director Mark Boyle, said this new initiative was inspired by the recent filming in Te Puke of the community resourced movie ‘The ZNail Gang’. This project captivated our community, People from all walks of life contributed to it’s production. Te Puke responded to the producers call for our community to connect, create, celebrate and participate in a project of national significance.

The Te Puke region is strategically located and well resourced. Within a small geographic region we have mountains, native flora and fauna, forests, geothermal activity, Marae, superb coastline, rivers and streams, pristine agricultural and horticultural land, industrial activity, townships, villages and multicultural communities all with superb infrastructure. We are minutes away from international & domestic airports, New Zealand’s premier sea port and two significant cities in Tauranga and Rotorua.

We are infinitely more cost competitive compared with larger centres. This includes accommodation, transport, communication and service providers. Our talent pool is vast, not only in the arts but in industry and innovation. Te Puke has pioneered significant industry over the last 150 years. The Kiwifruit industry is testament to that. Small community values often differ to those of our city cousins. People like to contribute and don't expect big pay packets. We are not distracted by hustle and bustle, we don't stress and we take a more measured rural approach to planning and implementation.

Over the coming weeks, Mr Boyle will be making representations to NZ film industry executives on the Te Puke value proposition. Our natural resources, our capability, our efficiencies and our easy access to everything a film maker would want at a more competitive cost make a compelling case. Te Puke is New Zealand’s home of Goodness. Kiwifruit, Manuka Honey and High Quality Dairy Products are grown here in abundance, Our people are innovative, skilled and passionate. Goodness really does grow here.

First we had Hollywood, then Bollywood and Wellywood. It’s time for TePukeWood. Whilst this initial initiative was domestically focused there is undoubtedly an opportunity to promote Te Puke to the international film industry. The economic benefits for our region would be significant.

ENDS

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