By Mary Afemata of Local Democracy Reporting
Lights, camera, action, Ōtāhuhu! Hollywood star Jason Momoa is coming to the South Auckland suburb to film his latest action movie, The Wrecking Crew, over the next few weeks.
“How cool is that,” says Manukau ward councillor Alf Filipaina.
“It really is [cool] not only for Ōtāhuhu, but also I think for Tāmaki Makaurau and New Zealand, because the more movies getting shot here, the better for New Zealand.”
And it’s not the first time the area has featured in the big screen, given Once Were Warriors was also filmed in the area.
“That’s how old I was,”’ he says, acknowledging his age, adding that some of the fight scenes from the iconic Kiwi film were also filmed at a pub in Ōtāhuhu.
“Apparently there have been other movies as well that have been shot here. You know, so it’s going to be good for the Ōtāhuhu, Tāmaki Makaurau, and New Zealand, again highlighting the special character that we have here for movies to be shot.”
Expected road and footpath closures and possible Momoa
The community has been notified that filming will take place from October 23 to November 6, resulting in some road and footpath closures. To ensure safety during action sequences, several roads, including Queen St, Park Ave, and the east side of Hall Ave, will be fully and partially closed around the clock.
Access will be maintained for businesses, medical facilities, pharmacies, and residents within the designated area, with the church remaining accessible on weekends.
Filipaina says the key thing is to keep the community informed, amidst all the excitement.
The community is informed not to be alarmed by amplified sounds like screeching tires, vehicle impacts, and small explosions, as these are part of the production. Police are also aware and will be monitoring the activity.
“Keep them also advised around some of the noise that will come through and also keeping the blocked roads and everything else to a minimum. You know, that whole disruption,” he says.
Public transport will remain unaffected. However, drivers should expect detours, which will be marked vividly to guide them to their destinations.
Putting Ōtāhuhu on the map
Filipaina says this initiative could also attract more projects to local communities like Ōtāhuhu as the backdrop for Hollywood blockbusters while providing valuable work opportunities.
“They’re employing some of the locals, [like] Mealamu Security with Luke Mealamu. They’ve got him and his security firm with the staff. They’re working with Auckland Transport. They’re working with the business association. They’re working with the MP’s office who covers Ōtāhuhu and the local boards,” he says.
He says it’s great to see the community collaborating to ensure everything goes smoothly – and to see Ōtāhuhu put up in lights.
“So, that’s what’s so cool about this whole thing. I mean, yes it’s for … a couple of weeks or so, but I think for, you know, watching it on TV and then saying, ‘that’s where we live.’ That is so exciting as well, you know, for the locals.”
Putting a little back into Ōtāhuhu’s economy [italicise sub heading]
The chair of the Māngere-Ōtāhuhu Local Board says this opportunity also means a lot for the local economy.
“We understand that they will be purchasing food from local businesses … so they’ve engaged some of our local caterers.”
Tauanu’u adds that he’s quite chuffed they’re putting a little back into the pockets of local businesses.
“A film of this magnitude being filmed in Aotearoa is pretty cool. I mean, they could have gone elsewhere in Auckland, but they’ve chosen here. So yeah, like I say, the local talk’s pretty exciting, and whether or not people get a glimpse of the man (Jason Mamoa) himself is interesting.”
The Ōtāhuhu Community is Awesome
And in an email sent to businesses and local leaders, The Wrecking Crew’s location manager, Taulua Moimoi, expressed appreciation for everyone’s support.
“It is an exciting project, and we are very proud that Ōtāhuhu is going to make it to the big screen.”
Moimoi and her team have been working with those directly impacted by the filming and reaching out to the community to share their plans.
“The support from the Ōtāhuhu community has been awesome, and we are really grateful. We want to ensure everyone has all the information they need, so please share this with anyone else you think should know,” says Moimoi.
“It is a privilege to have the opportunity to put Ōtāhuhu on the map as a location for future film projects, not just in Tāmaki Makaurau or Aotearoa, but internationally, and we are pleased to be contributing to the local economy. We look forward to seeing your Ōtāhuhu shine on the big screen.”
