The decision to purchase Avalon Studios as an operational studio made Lower Hutt a vital link in the creation of film and television projects within the Wellington region.
The studios were purchased from TVNZ by Avalon Holdings Ltd, a consortium headed by businessman John Feast and two Avalon staff members, Paul Mainwaring and Gary Watkins. I had the opportunity to personally thank them for their commitment to Lower Hutt’s future.
I was delighted with the outcome as I had fought hard to keep the studios as a working studio here in Lower Hutt. At one stage I feared Avalon would be converted into office blocks or industrial use.
I lobbied hard through various channels among them the Minister of Broadcasting, TVNZ itself, and hosted film companies to assess the potential of Avalon for future projects – among them interests from China and India.
The decision to keep Avalon operational is a significant opportunity to attract major film and television interests to the city as we build on existing strengths across the Wellington Region.
This confidence in the future of Avalon Studios is a big boost for Lower Hutt and offers potential to encourage young people to develop new skills in film and television.
Avalon is another high profile world class facility that is located here in Lower Hutt along with international companies and science – based industry where people are living local and trading globally.
Lower Hutt is a city with lots of appeal and is attracting young families and professionals looking for a mix of opportunities for local jobs, recreation, and good education for their children within close knit communities.
Avalon is a good example of local enterprise and investment for future growth and development in the area of film and television. I applaud the intiatiive taken by Avalon Holdings Ltd and theier confidence in our shared future..
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