It’s a Big Week for New Plymouth

From filming to an international concert, it is all go in New Plymouth this week.


On Thursday a full house is expected at the TSB Bowl of Brooklands for the only New Zealand show by one of the world’s greatest musicians, Sir Elton John.

The show will attract one of the largest crowds ever seen at the outdoor venue since it opened 25 years ago.

Meanwhile on Thursday and Friday the city’s main streets in the CBD will be the site of daytime and night-time filming for Anthony McCarten’s latest movie Show of Hands.

The film stars New Plymouth’s Melanie Lynskey, and movie crews will be on Currie and Devon streets to shoot scenes right in the central city.

Retailers in these areas have been advised of the various times of the road closures and traffic delays, says Endurance Films Production Manager Michelle Turner.

“People will still be able to shop on Currie and Devon streets while we are filming, and any cars still parked on the streets will be able to leave during the road closures,” she says.

“We appreciate people’s patience with these traffic interruptions. The CBD is an integral part of the movie and I’m looking forward to hearing people’s reactions when they recognise the city on the movie screen.”

NPDC Assistant Chief Executive Frank Versteeg advises the public to park in an off-street car park, such as beneath the Warehouse, behind The Mill or in the Downtown Car Park, during the road closures.

“We will also have our covered car park buildings open for free on these nights,” he says.

From 5pm on Thursday through to 8am on Friday the Lower Courtenay Car Park, beneath the Warehouse, will be open free of charge, while from 5pm on Friday through to 8am on Saturday both the Lower Courtenay and the Downtown car parks will be open for free.

“The filming and the Elton John concert are both high-profile events that will make it particularly busy in the central city near the end of the week, and the free car parking should help manage the traffic.

“The council has been liaising with Endurance Films about the movie shoot and with TAFT about the venue management for the Elton John concert, and we’re confident that both events will run smoothly.”

The schedule of road closures and temporary traffic stoppage for the filming is:

Thursday December 6:


Temporary traffic stoppage at all intersections on Currie St from 4.00pm to 8.00pm.
Road closure of Devon St East between Liardet and Gover Streets from 8.00pm to 3.00am. Any cars parked in this area will still be able to leave during the road closure.

Friday December 7:


Temporary traffic stoppage at all intersections on Currie St from 7.30am to 6.00pm.
Road closure of the Currie/Devon St East intersection from 9.00pm to 3.00am. This closure will affect Devon St East between Liardet and Brougham streets, and Currie St between Gill and Powderham streets. Any cars parked in these areas will still be able to leave during the road closure.