Media release below and attached:

Media Release

Cancellation of “Movies In Parks” Detrimental for North Shore Communities

“The cancellation of the Movies in Parks program is a big hit against the community and a scar on the face of the supercity which is trying to achieve the title of ‘world’s most liveable city’,” said John Gillon, Member of the Kaipatiki Local Board and former Chairperson of the Glenfield Community Board.

North Shore screenings had already reduced in frequency and locations under the Auckland supercity to allow for screenings in other parts of Auckland. On 23rd May, Councillors decided to cancel the Movies in the Parks program altogether by voting to remove funding for the next ten years from the Long Term Plan.

“Movies in Parks, formally known as Movies by Moonlight in North Shore City, had been hugely beneficial as a family event, for bringing neighbourhoods together, as an investment in enhancing the wellbeing of communities, and for showcasing our local parks,” said John Gillon.

“Unfortunately the program was gutted under the Auckland Council from 21 screenings on the North Shore to 4 screenings. I had recently been led to believe that screenings would be increasing in the Kaipatiki area (Western North Shore) next year, but instead councillors cancelled the program without warning.”

Movies in Parks had been budgeted to cost $151,240 per year.

Movies by Moonlight, North Shore:

In 2008 there were 21 movie screenings in 8 North Shore locations. Approximately 18,250 people attended with 2000 each recorded at Browns Bay Beach, Fort Takapuna in Devonport and Killarney Park in Takapuna.

Source: http://www.northshorecity.govt.nz/YourCouncil/News/MediaReleasesArchive/Documents/2008/March/movie-audiences-measured-in-thousands.pdf

Movies in the Park, Auckland-wide:

In 2012 there were 24 movie screenings in 12 locations across Auckland. Only 2 locations were on the North Shore (4 screenings).

Source: http://www.moviesinparks.co.nz/films/docs/download.pdf

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