Plan to change Hutt's film focus

BY NICHOLAS BOYACK

Thirteen is normally considered an unlucky number but for the city's film industry prospects, it could prove otherwise.

Hutt City Council is promoting District Plan Change 13, which it hopes will make Lower Hutt much more attractive to film-makers. If the change proceeds, filming will become a permitted activity. In simple terms, that means film-makers like Peter Jackson will not normally have to go through the sometimes expensive and time-consuming process of getting a resource consent.

Council officers believe Hutt City has missed opportunities to get films and advertisements made here and that to encourage film-makers, a plan change is required. The change also aims to make it easier for the council to approve community events such as the Jackson Street Fiesta, Hutt News Petone Rotary Fair, and Port Road Drags.

Most of the 15 submissions the council has received on the proposed changes relate to the film industry.

Under the change, film-makers would not be required to get resource consent if they comply with rules about noise, traffic, light glare maximum duration, numbers involved and hours of operation.

Film New Zealand supports the change but in its submissions seeks rules that give film-makers even more flexibility to operate without consent.

Waterloo resident Geraldine Laing says in her submission that in 2004 and 2005 TV commercials were made in a neighbouring residential property.

As well as the noise caused by 30 people, a compressor ran continuously.

"I can assure you that this type of continuous low noise induces stress and strong antagonism to the source. A security guard also arbitrarily removed locals' parking spaces."

She goes on to says she is "shocked" by the noise levels set and that film-makers will be able to film on one site for 30 consecutive days.

Residents will lose the right to enjoy their property in peace and council environmental officers will not be able to intervene on their behalf, she says.

The operators of the Belmont Quarry are also not happy with the proposed changes. Winstone has had problems when film companies have objected to the noise caused by quarrying and trucks operating. Such "reverse sensitivity" caused problems with the makers of Narnia and The Ferryman.

The company wants the council to withdraw the change or modify it so the right of the quarry to operate is recognised.

The Wainuiomata Community Board has given its support to proposed new rules, which will make it easier for community events.

"They will make it easier to hold community events that are currently not undertaken because of the cost and inconvenience of obtaining resource consent. Local events that have been discontinued under the current regime include Christmas in the Park and the annual Spring Festival.

"We agree that community events and activities are vital to the life of a vibrant community."

- Hutt News