Collins is committed to supporting the creation of vital jobs in the local film industry

Collins pledges to support the creation of vital jobs in the local film industry as Brown says he will cut financial support from Auckland’s economic development agency

Responding to Wayne Brown’s call to end funding for economic development agency Tātaki Auckland Unlimited, Efeso Collins said he would be a mayor who values ​​local jobs and economic development, such as those created in the ‘Film Industry.

“Tātaki Auckland Unlimited has done a fantastic job supporting regional economic development in our city.

“A particular example is the work he has done to support job creation in our film industry, primarily in West Auckland, with 7,900 employees now in this sector and growing every year thanks to film studios expanded at Henderson.”

Collins says this industry not only creates more jobs to keep highly skilled workers in Auckland, but can also provide training and development opportunities for our national workforce as film productions foreigners are brought to this city.

“Our film industry is not just an asset, but something that sets Auckland apart and enhances our international reputation. It is important that we do not allow our city and its economy to set back by canceling support funding that allows this valuable sector to thrive and retain a highly skilled workforce in our city. »

Actor Robyn Malcolm has also expressed concern about Brown’s plans.

Malcolm said: “Wayne Brown wants to shut down Auckland Unlimited, which includes Screen Auckland, which has been integral to building the film industry here and putting it on the international map.”

She added: “This is an organization responsible for so many jobs, livelihoods, careers and an exponentially growing reputation around the world with real results for people, especially in the world. ‘west.”

Malcolm said: “I have worked in industry here in Tāmaki Makaurau for most of my life and have seen generations of screen industry workers build their livelihoods around it . If you work in the screen industry or are proud of what we do, please vote to stop Brown from tearing down the scaffolding of our industry.

Tātaki Auckland Unlimited, which includes Screen Auckland, recently spearheaded a $35 million project to transform the historic film studios at Henderson in west Auckland.

Screen Auckland has calculated that Auckland contributes 74% of the national screen industry’s overall revenue and $1.2 billion of Auckland’s GDP each year. In 2021, 2100 screen companies were operating in Auckland’s screen industry.

Notes to Editors

Wayne Brown pledged to defund housing regeneration body Eke Panuku and Tātaki Auckland Unlimited in a recent interview: https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/auckland-mayoralty-wayne-brown-on- slashing-council-salaries-and -acceleration-of-bus-travel/BG6HJCSKYHGASXA2XYKJWJHY44/

Tātaki Auckland Unlimited’s role in transforming the historic studios in Henderson is detailed here: https://aucklandunlimited.com/news/auckland-film-studios-expansion-a-major-boost-for-the-regions-screen- industry?fbclid= IwAR3lVUfN7WayKLSAR_u1F424dXjHNXCXPnUTPpUqHWpFNcDiJK88GvW76dw

The Auckland display industry contribution is presented here: https://infocouncil.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/Open/2022/08/UH_20220818_AGN_10294_AT_files/UH_20220818_AGN_10294_AT_Attachment_89878_2.PDF

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