April 26, 2023
Hapū drive away film pūtea
New Zealand First Northland candidate Shane Jones says the younger generation of three Northland hapū has shown all the judgment of barroom brawlers in chasing away a television production that would have created jobs in their area.
Aquaman star Jason Maimoa has scrapped plans to film a battle scene at Kauri Mountain Beach on the Whangarei Heads for his Apple TV + series Chief of War: Yenedakine.
The two week shoot would have employed up to 300 locals as extras and support positions.
Mr Jones says the producers through go-between Cliff Curtis has secured the support of kaumatua Taipari Munro and Hori Parata, but objections emerged from a new group under the banner of Te Waiariki, Ngāti Kororā, Ngāti Takapari Hapū Trust.
Shane Jones says some of the young people involved in the Kaitaia production have found other opportunities in the film world.