11 Mar 2010 :: Store Report - Addition to adidas Products
One notable addition to yesterday's report - it wasn't clear at the time, but has been confirmed that the Death Star Vintage Superstar shoes will also be available.
Matt G
One notable addition to yesterday's report - it wasn't clear at the time, but has been confirmed that the Death Star Vintage Superstar shoes will also be available.
Matt G
The following update has come in from adidas, to announce the latest items from Star Wars range, due in New Zealand this Friday:
I just want to inform SWNZ readers that we have the next installment of footwear due to drop in store this Friday March 12th, 2010.
We have hitting the floor, in adidas Originals Wellington and adidas Originals Christchurch, the following:
- AT-AT Forum Mid
- Tie Fighter Nizza Hi
- Millennium Falcon Stan Smith
- X-Wing Samba
Check out www.adidas.com to get a full appreciation of the range!!
We have a healthy amount of pre-orders already but if you would like to be first or next in line for a pair of sneakers, please email me at ana.tewhaiti@adidas.com and I will put you on our ever growing list for a pair of these sneakers.
Alternatively drop into the respective stores:
adidas Originals Store
Cnr of Willis & Mercer St
Wellington CBD
(04) 472 9412
adidas Originals Store
Shop 264, Westfield Riccarton
129 Riccarton Rd
Riccarton
Christchurch
(03) 348 0237
Ana Te Whaiti
Adidas Originals Wellington Manager
The SWNZ Message Boards are accepting new members who want to join in on the discussions about Star Wars hobbies in New Zealand. The following are amongst the popular topics and sections:
- Store Reports / Latest Finds
- Gavin Bocquet pod racer drawings
- Haul Thread
- Wellington Armageddon
- Star Wars Sudoku Puzzles
- Cool Star Wars Online Videos
- Live Action Star Wars Television Series
Come on over and join in the conversation! Read the 'Welcome' message for more details.
Matt G
CoolCollectibles.com.au pass on the following development in their shipping policy: "We now offer standardised shipping to New Zealand starting from just AU$8.90! In the past we had to base our postal charges to NZ customers on the weight of an order, but we have been able to negotiate a new agreement which now allows us to base shipping on order value just as we do for all regions of Australia. Now New Zealand customers will be offered the same rates as our WA and Northern Territory customers. To see our our new standardised rates please go to: bibyco.com.au/secure/catalog/shipping.php".
Secondly, they have recently re-introduced pre-orders - "Pre-ordering with Cool Collectibles is easy, effective and earns customers a discount off the subsequent in-stock price. What's more, customers' credit cards will never be charged for pre-order items until the they come into stock! A list of upcoming products can be viewed here"
Cool Collectibles have grown, in their 10 years of business, to become the largest collectibles business in Australasia and can validly boast of having one of the largest Star Wars ranges on the planet. Check out their full range at CoolCollectibles.com.au.
Discuss this topic in the SWNZ Message Boards.
Matt G
As well as being able to join up to the Star Wars New Zealand Facebook page as a means to keep up-to-date, and interact, with SWNZ news items, you can also follow SWNZ using Twitter - click here (Twitter.com/StarWarsNZ) to follow us!
Matt G
SWNZ-X1a
There're a couple of Indiana Jones specials in ToyWorld's "Mad March Mark
Downs" catalogue...
- 90% off 3 3/4" Figures: 5 for $10: Indiana Jones, Wolverine, and GI Joe only.
- 65% off Indiana Jones Sound FX Whip & Hat: $12.99.
The only problem might be actually finding five Indiana Jones figures in
the one branch.
Buzz Bumble
Kiwi actress Keisha Castle-Hughes played a brief but memorable role as the Queen of Naboo in Revenge of the Sith. Her latest project has her joining the cast of Legend of the Seeker, in an episode late in season 2 (not yet screening in New Zealand), as no less than "The Creator" - deity of that fictional world. Fans of Legend of the Seeker will realise that this makes her the third Star Wars alumnus to make an appearance in the adpatation of Terry Goodkind's novels - Jay Laga'aia (Captain Typho) has had a recurring guest role across both seasons, and Bruce Spence (Tion Medon) perfectly enacts the last Wizard of the First Order.
The above image of Keisha comes via the internet's Legend of the Seeker fan network, having originated from an issue of 'Entertainment Weekly'.
Discuss this topic in the SWNZ Message Boards.
Related article: Keisha Castle-Hughes as Queen of Naboo
Matt G
Borders in Albany (Auckland) has another new paperback at the now-usual $29 price (one copy left at that branch, when I was there):
The Clone Wars: Wild Space
by Karen Miller
ISBN: 978-0-099-53318-4
342 pages.
Buzz Bumble
The above animation is further Star Wars humour, created by New Zealand group Mukpuddy.com, to promote the Armageddon Expo events.
Discuss this topic in the SWNZ Message Boards.
Matt G
Today's update of the R2-D2 Space Ice Stickers article features some nice pictures (thanks Nick) of an intact R2-D2 Space Ice wrapper. Quite a rarity!... ...MORE
Discuss this topic in the SWNZ Message Boards.
Matt G
Note: Amazon.com prices are in US dollars.
For a wide range of Star Wars books, CDs and DVDs, visit the SWNZ @ Amazon store.
Matt G
The Remix magazine website is running a competition with a prize of a Star Wars Stormtrooper Bobble Head and an Adidas Star Wars T-shirt.
"Be in to win a Star Wars Stormtrooper bobble head (collectors item) and an Adidas Originals Star Wars T-shirt" (competition page).
Buzz Bumble
Whitcoulls in Westfield Albany (Auckland) also has one copy of each of the two paperbacks books from last week. Plus on the bargain tables in the doorway they have a "4 in 1" kids' try jigsaw set priced at $12.99 and a couple of the 3 3/4" keyring figures. (They might have the same in the other Albany Whitcoulls branch across in the old shopping centre.)
I had another quick look in K-Mart and they now only have two of the Geonosis Arena Galactic Heroes packs left.
Discuss this topic in the SWNZ Message Boards.
Buzz Bumble
The new SWNZ Message Boards are accepting new members who want to join in on the discussions about Star Wars hobbies in New Zealand. The following are amongst the popular topics and sections:
- NY Toy Fair 2010
- New larger scale AT-AT announced
- Store Reports / Latest Finds
- Star Wars Adidas products
- Star Wars Novels
- Cool Star Wars Online Videos
Come on over and join in the conversation! Read the 'Welcome' message for more details.
Matt G
Borders has two new paperback books:
- "Millennium Falcon" by James Luceno, $28.99. 364 pages, ISBN: 978-0-099-54259-9 (There's only one left at Albany).
- "Imperial Commando: 501st" by Karen Traviss, $28.99. 434 pages, ISBN:978-0-099-54282-7. Sorry, I think I bought the last one at Albany.
Both books also have the same excerpt from "Darth Bane: Dynasty of Evil".
On the Farmers bargain shelves there are some older 3-3/4" figures priced at $12 and some Mighty Muggs priced at $15 (as well as a couple of Indiana Jones Mighty Muggs at $10).
Upstairs in K-Mart there are a few boxes of two new Galactic Heroes diorama sets - "Geonosis Battle Arena" and "Escape From Mos Eisley". None of them have price stickers, but the customer scanner prices them at $14 each!! They also have some Galactic Heroes figures and 3-3/4" figures, but I'm not sure if any are new.
Buzz Bumble
Here's something a little different, available on DVD through SWNZ affiliate MightyApe.co.nz: Heart Of An Empire (2 DVD Set). HoaE is a documentary investigation into the genesis and motivation behind the Fighting 501st Legion imperial costuming group. "Hear from the general members, representatives of Lucasfilm Ltd, actors of the original trilogy and a professor of psychology who try to shed light on the phenomenon. Finally we bare witness to an incredibly ironic twist of fate that will reveal what really lies at the Heart of an Empire."
Each purchase made via a link on the SWNZ website helps contribute to the running costs of SWNZ!
The following links will help you peruse MightyApe's Star Wars range:
- Star Wars books
- Star Wars music
- Star Wars games
- Star Wars toys
- Star Wars DVDs
Matt G
I don't know how large your library would be if you tried to archive every Star Wars-related publication every issued, but there's no sign that release of Lucas-approved literature is slowing down, so you'd better leave room for future expansions. SWNZ affiliate Fishpond.co.nz has all the latest releases - here are some of the titles that have come out more recently:
- Star Wars: Crosscurrent, paperback, 352 pages, $18.95.
- Knights of the Old Republic volume 7: Dueling Ambitions, graphic novel, 144 pages, $44.97.
- Darth Bane - Dynasty of Evil, hardback, 320 pages, $56.95.
- Legacy volume 7: Storms, graphic novel, 128 pages, $46.95.
- Scavengers Guide to Droids, roleplaying game supplement, $64.97.
- Clone Wars: Wild Space, paperback, 352 pages, $24.97.
- Clone Wars: Pirates... and Worse!, paperback (kids), 32 pages, 12.99$.
- Luke Skywalker and the Shadows of Mindor, paperback, 400 pages, $19.97.
- Fate of the Jedi: Backlash, hardcover, 352 pages, $49.95.
- Clone Wars Gambit: Stealth, paperback, 432 pages, $31.99.
- Star Wars: Blood Oath, paperback, 448 pages, $29.97.
Check out Fishpond's full range of Star Wars products by clicking here.
Discuss this topic in the SWNZ Message Boards.
Matt G
Longstanding SWNZ readers will recall that we used to have a Classified Advertisement section, which ultimately proved to be too cumbersome a format to be really useful. With the launching of the new SWNZ Message Boards, however, you can now post and manage your own advertisements for Star Wars collectibles that you are hunting down, have to sell, or are looking to trade: SWNZ Message Boards - Buy, Sell, and Trade.
Matt G
The following announcement comes in from YodasNews.com: For the entire month of February, Yodasnews is celebrating its sixth anniversary, a milestone that is especially rewarding to our dedicated staff. As with previous anniversaries, we will give away TONS of amazing prizes for both casual readers and forum members, and there will be special events that will test your creativity, competitive trivia nights, and much more.
Some of the items up for grabs include: eFx Artist Proof Mark Hamill Signature X-Wing Prop Replica, Sideshow Commander Cody Legendary Scale Bust, Gentle Giant Darth Vader Statue as well as GG Mini Busts and Maquettes, Gift Certs to BBTS, Sideshow 12" Lando Exclusive, Clone Wars Hasbro Figures, Target Exclusive Rancor, Hasbro Battle Packs and Exclusive Figures, FX Sabers and MR Mini Sabers, Bust Ups, Character Keys, T-Shirts and much, much more!
You can see these as well as other prizes right here and more will be added throughout the month. Of course, none of this could be possible without the generosity and support of our Anniversary Sponsors, so be sure to check them out on our prize page.
Matt G
NiubNiub's Universe reports that they have put up Celebration III's Step by Step Making Of instructions for The Death Star Falcon Docking Bay.
This HUGE Playset can be recreated in your own home following the more then 25 pages and 255 pictures at this link. EVERY DECAL that you will need is available in the NiubNiub Download Section. Simply Download and Print the sheets as you follow the building instructions.
This is an amazing scene for those lucky enough to have gotten the GIANT FALCON for Christmas! ;)
Matt G
The SWNZ group on Flickr is an aggregation of images representing "Star Wars" in New Zealand. Photos that qualify include pics of:
- NZ Star Wars events
- NZ exclusive Star Wars collectibles
- Star Wars collections belonging to NZers
- Star Wars celebrities in NZ
Join up, and contribute: Flickr.com/groups/SWNZ
Matt G
Hallmark Cards NZ Ltd has held the license to produce Original Trilogy themed products a couple of times in its history. In 1983/84, in conjunction with Hallmark Cards Australia Ltd, they made available a range of Return of the Jedi greeting cards and wrapping paper. Information available suggests that the range was identical in both countries, but branding information on some items indicates that a proportion of the merchandise was made specifically for the New Zealand market. Those who were around in the early 80s will likely remember the quite common ROTJ wrapping paper that featured characters and costumes unique to that third movie... ...MORE
Matt G
James Earl Jones, the voice of Darth Vader, is guest starring on House next week (TV3, 8:30pm, Tuesday, 9 February). It looks like he's playing a nasty dictator type of person.
Buzz Bumble
From the selection of SWNZ Feature Articles:
'Empire of Dreams' is a feature length examination of the people behind the Star Wars Original Trilogy: a candid and honest analysis with contributions from cast and crew themelves, laid out in... ...MORE
SWNZ-X1a
From time to time we highlight and link to the TradeMe auctions of Star Wars items, at the sellers request. Below are some examples of interesting collectibles, available to bid on:
- Star Wars AT-AT Imperial Walker
- Darth Vader's Interceptor Starfighter
- Imperial V-Wing, "Shadow" Pilot
- Star Wars Darth Vader Bobble head
- Star Wars Order 66 clonetrooper print
- Star Wars Calendar 1999 heroes & villians
- Star Wars Episode 3 double sided theatre poster
- Star Wars Episode 3 double sided teaser poster
- Star Wars Saga Edition Monopoly
You can find more trade and purchasing opportunities in the SWNZ Message Boards.
Matt G
The above photograph of a New Zealand edition of an advertising poster takes us back to 1985...when 'Return of the Jedi' had just becomed available to borrow from your local rental store (in VHS, or Beta).
Matt G
The new SWNZ Message Boards are fully up and running, and accepting new registrations. The following are the topic categories available:
- Toys and Collectibles - Star Wars action figures, models, statues, stickers, cards, promotional items, and other collectibles.
- Conventions and Events - Preparation for events/appearances, and discussions + photo-sharing afterwards.
- Costumes and Props - Ideas, tutorials, questions relating to armour, costumes and replica props from the Star Wars universe.
- Literature - Star Wars comics, novels and non-fiction books.
- Games - Star Wars games discussion: console, PC, retro-video, board, trading card, miniatures and roleplaying.
- Behind the Scenes - Discussion related to the production of the Star Wars movies and television series, cast members, crew members, designers, and filming locations.
- Miscellaneous Star Wars Discussion - Star Wars discussions that don't fit into the other forums.
- Buy, Sell & Trade - This section is for member-to-member 'for sale', 'wanted to buy' and trade listings for Star Wars collectibles and merchandise.
Come on over and join in the conversation! Read the 'Welcome' message for more details.
Matt G
This competition is from the kids' pages of today's Herald on Sunday...
"We have a collectable Star Wars Stormtropper Bubble Head and Originals Star Wars T-shirt to giveaway.
To enter, email your name, address and phone number to kids@heraldonsunday.co.nz with 'Star Wars' in the subject line.
Entries close Wednesday, 27 January, 2010."
Buzz Bumble
The above animation is a short piece of Star Wars humour, created and sent in by New Zealand group Mukpuddy.com. Hopefully it will be the first in an ongoing series!
Discuss this topic in the SWNZ Message Boards.
Matt G
The latest Famers junk mail catalogue has the Star Wars 3 3/4" figure Battle Packs advertised at 60% off, now only $23.99 each! The picture shows the "Training on the Falcon" and "AT-TE Assault Squad" packs (we've also received confirmation that other sets - Hoth Recon, Endor Bunker etc- are available at this price).
Discuss this topic in the SWNZ Message Boards.
Buzz Bumble
You can now subscribe to the SWNZ, Star Wars New Zealand mailing list, in order to receive email notifications of major stories on the SWNZ website (service provided by FeedBurner.com). Simply click the email icon above this message...or click here.
Matt G
A couple more photos have just become available to round out this archival gallery - pics of the large vinyl banners, used in Burger King branches, that described the Episode 3 promotion and prices. Click on the above thumbnails to view the full size images.
Matt G
The new SWNZ Message Boards are accepting new members who want to join in on the discussions about Star Wars hobbies in New Zealand. The following are amongst the popular topics and sections:
- Store Reports / Latest Finds
- Star Wars Adidas products
- Star Wars Novels
- The Best Star Wars Game of All Time
- Buy, Sell & Trade
Come on over and join in the conversation! Read the 'Welcome' message for more details.
Matt G
In the last couple of days, Fishpond.co.nz has dropped the price on all of its Star Wars/Clone Wars action figures - they are now $18.98 each: click here to view their figure range.
Check out Fishpond's full range of Star Wars products by clicking here.
Matt G
The latest K-Mart catalogue shows two new Lego Star Wars sets (as well as new Lego Toy Story sets). Rebel Trooper Battle Pack (#8083) and Snowtrooper Battle Pack (#8084) are both priced at $18, saving $4 until Wednesday, 27 January. I have also seen both sets at Farmers as well.
Buzz Bumble
JB Hi-Fi will have an exclusive 2-disc edition of the "Fan Boys" DVD in about a week's time... unfortunately there are two adverts with different prices and dates for the release. According to their monthly catalogue it will be available on 21 January priced at $26.98, but according to their free "Stack" magazine it will be available on 20 January priced at $29.98.
Buzz Bumble
SWNZ has been reporting on products from affiliate Fishpond.co.nz for a number of years now, mainly books, DVDs and music. Recently, however, Fishpond has expanded their range to include toys...including Hasbro and Lego Star Wars merchandise. This might mean you can get your hands on an action figure or Lego set that you haven't otherwise been able to find at your local department store (they do offer a price match service, but I don't know for certain if it applies also to toys).
Here are some examples:
- Lego 8037 Clone Wars Anakin's Y-Wing Starfighter, $99.95.
- Lego 7674 Star Wars V-19 Torrent Starfighter, $106.95.
- Clone Wars Basic Figure - Arf Trooper, $20.99.
- Clone Wars - Argyus, $20.99.
- Play-Doh Star Wars Playset, $32.95.
- Lego 8015 Assassin Droids Battle Pack, $22.96.
- Lego 8014 Clone Walker Battle Pack, $22.95.
- Clone Wars Basic Figures - Luminara Unduli, $20.99.
- Star Wars Clone Wars Ultimate Lightsaber, $83.97.
- Star Wars Mr Potato Head - Artoo Potatoo, $26.99.
- Tag Activity Story Book - Star Wars The Clone Wars, $21.98.
- Clone Wars Basic Figure - Super Battle Droid, $20.99.
- Lego 8017 Star Wars Darth Vader's TIE Fighter, $54.98.
- Clone Wars Basic Figure - Echo, $20.99.
- Clone Wars Basic Figure - Kenobi, spacesuit, $20.99.
- Clone Wars Basic Figure - Yoda, $20.99.
- Lego 8019 Star Wars Republic Attack Shuttle, $116.95.
- Clone Wars Basic Lightsaber - Red, $21.99.
- Clone Wars Basic Figure - Jawas, $20.99.
- Clone Wars - Electronic Command Helmet, $71.99.
Check out Fishpond's full range of Star Wars products by clicking here.
Matt G
The new SWNZ Message Boards are fully up and running, and accepting new registrations. The following are the topic categories available:
- Toys and Collectibles - Star Wars action figures, models, statues, stickers, cards, promotional items, and other collectibles.
- Conventions and Events - Preparation for events/appearances, and discussions + photo-sharing afterwards.
- Costumes and Props - Ideas, tutorials, questions relating to armour, costumes and replica props from the Star Wars universe.
- Literature - Star Wars comics, novels and non-fiction books.
- Games - Star Wars games discussion: console, PC, retro-video, board, trading card, miniatures and roleplaying.
- Behind the Scenes - Discussion related to the production of the Star Wars movies and television series, cast members, crew members, designers, and filming locations.
- Miscellaneous Star Wars Discussion - Star Wars discussions that don't fit into the other forums.
- Buy, Sell & Trade - This section is for member-to-member 'for sale', 'wanted to buy' and trade listings for Star Wars collectibles and merchandise.
Come on over and join in the conversation! Read the 'Welcome' message for more details.
Matt G
As well as the Wellington adidas Star Wars launch event discussed immediately below, the details for the Christchurch equivalent has just come through.
Click on the above thumbnail to view the official flier.
Date: Friday 15th Jan 2010
Time: 6pm-8pm
Venue: adidas Originals Concept Store, Shop 264, Westfield Riccarton. 129 Riccarton Road, Christchurch.
RSVP: to Ana Te Whaiti by Wednesday 13th January (phone 04-4729412 email ana.tewhaiti@adidas.com)
Dress up and be in to win spot prizes!
Matt G
In addition to our earlier post about the imminent (January 15th) release of the adidas Star Wars range, further details are available about the launch event in Wellington.
Click on the above thumbnail to view the official flier.
Date: Friday 15th Jan 2010
Time: 6pm-8pm
Venue: adidas Originals Concept Store, Ground Floor, Cigna House. 28-48 Mercer Street, Wellington.
RSVP: to Ana Te Whaiti by Wednesday 13th January (phone 04-4729412 email ana.tewhaiti@adidas.com)
Dress up and be in to win spot prizes!
Matt G
he Sir Julius Vogel sub-committee of the Science Fiction & Fantasy Association of New Zealand is currently accepting nominations for science fiction, fantasy or horror works first published or released in the 2009 calendar year.
Nominations open on 1 January 2010 and close on 31 March 2010 at 8pm.
For more information about SFFANZ and the SJV Awards, please go to the SFFANZ web-site sffanz.sf.org.nz.
To make a nomination please email sjv_awards@sffanz.sf.org.nz. Anyone can make a nomination, and it is free of charge.
Please send one nomination per email and include as many contact details as possible for the nominee as well as yourself.
NZ citizens living locally or overseas, NZ permanent residents, and residents of NZ are eligible for nomination. You can find full details about the nomination procedures and rules, including eligibility criteria at sffanz.sf.org.nz/sjv/sjvAwardsRules_2010.shtml.
A detailed nomination FAQ can be found at sffanz.sf.org.nz/sjv/sjvAwardsNominationGuidelines.shtml.
The voting will occur at Au Contraire, www.aucontraire.org.nz - the national science fiction convention being held in Wellington, New Zealand over the weekend of the 27 - 29 August 2010.
Matt G
As a follow on from our review of the NZ Collection a little over a week ago, it's worth taking a look back at some of SWNZ's other exclusive New Zealand content... particularly for the benefit of newer and international readers, here's a look at The New Zealand Connexion: For the greater part of the Star Wars history, New Zealand has felt like the civilization farthest from the bright centre of the Universe. The dissemination of information via the internet started to change that, as did the tantalising proximity of The Phantom Menace's Sydney production, but nothing compared to the revelation that New Zealanders would be included in the cast of The Attack of the Clones. Shortland Street stars as bounty hunters and galactic miscreants? The lead actor and actress of Once Were Warriors once again playing in the same scenes on the big screen?
And now, the NZ connexion lives on in Episode 3, with the return of Bodie, Rena, Tem and Jay. And the connexion goes beyond just our favourite actors: designers, artists...want to find out a little bit more about their life before Star Wars? ...MORE
Matt G
The following announcement about the new adidas Star Wars range have just come in from an official source:
I am more than excited to tell you that there is an adidas & Star Wars collaboration of apparel and footwear that is due to drop in store on January 15th, 2010. This is an exclusive range that will only be available from:
adidas Originals Store
Cnr of Willis & Mercer St
Wellington CBD
(04) 472 9412
adidas Originals Store
Shop 264, Westfield Riccarton
129 Riccarton Rd
Riccarton
Christchurch
(03) 348 0237
Both the apparel and especially the footwear are very limited in numbers... ...MORE
Ana Te Whaiti
Adidas Originals Wellington Manager
The brand new SWNZ, Star Wars New Zealand Message Boards are now open for 2010!
In conjunction with this SWNZ website, Flickr pool, Twitter account and Facebook fan page, the Message Boards aim to expand the SWNZ network into a comprehensive set of resources.
The mission of SWNZ and its Message Boards is to provide a supportive community for all Star Wars fans in New Zealand, and for international enthusiasts who have an interest in the Star Wars New Zealand universe.
Follow this link to sign on now, and/or check out the 'Welcome' message for more details.
Matt G
Farmers in the Westfield Albany mall have got lots of new Clone Wars 100-piece jigsaws. There's a few different pictures to collect, each priced at $9.99 (not sure if that already includes the current "30% Off Toys" discount).
Buzz Bumble
SWNZ-X1a
The following message comes in from Galactic-Voyage.com: "We start off the New Year with a fresh new look for Galactic Voyage! As you will see, the Hoth theme is in celebration of the 30th Anniversary of 'The Empire Strikes Back'. The Hoth battle was and still is my favorite part of the movie. It really gave you a sense of how overwhelming the Empire really was. It is also very hard to believe that it has been 30 years. Wasn't it just 1980? Also, the 'Image Section' has returned for the New Year.".
Jedi Power
Aussiecon 4, the 68th World Science Fiction Convention ("Worldcon"), will place Australia at the centre of the science fiction and fantasy world. The convention will be held 2-6 September 2010 at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre. Guests of Honour include award-winning author Kim Stanley Robinson, award-winning Melbourne artist Shaun Tan, and dedicated fan Robin Johnson.
The Worldcon annual convention brings together people, both professionals and fans, from all over the world who have an interest in the science fiction and fantasy genres. Although the emphasis of the convention is on the literary side, all other forms, such as film, television, and comics, are included. Programming includes panel discussions, lectures, science demonstrations, films, readings, and autographings.
Find out more at www.aussiecon4.org.au.
Aussiecon 4 Communications Division
communications@aussiecon4.org.au
From the selection of SWNZ Feature Articles:
As promised I've taken some new shots of my ROTS Darth Vader mannequin which is now sporting the following upgrades: Master Replicas ROTS Darth Vader helmet; new 2-tone (black/charcoal grey)... ...MORE
SWNZ-X1a
If you are new to SWNZ's audience, you might be interested to examine the full scope and content of one of its main (and continually being updated) subsections, The New Zealand Collection: Because of its isolated location, New Zealand has traditionally not seen much in the way of locally exclusive toys or collectibles. This has appeared to change somewhat over time with the globalisation of merchandising (i.e., we are exposed to licensed items from large, international corporations like Pepsi and KFC), but the costs involved in niche licensing still limit our truly exclusive pickings compared to larger countries, in particular the USA.
Having said that we do in fact have quite an interesting history of unique product harking right back to the very beginning...1977. Geographic isolation and modest population numbers have influenced the story of NZ Star Wars collectibles in other ways: some items and sets were produced in small numbers only, and have become quite sought after due to their rarity.
This New Zealand Collection section chronicles such collectibles... ...MORE
Matt G
If you have a Facebook account, you can now join up to the Star Wars New Zealand page as a means to keep up-to-date, and interact, with SWNZ news items.
Click here to follow us!
Matt G
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays from SWNZ, Star Wars New Zealand! We hope you have a great break, and safe travels if you are on the road.
Matt G
Mighty Ape has started their Boxing Day sale early, and includes the following Star Wars items (sale ends 10am, Thursday December 31st and stock is limited. Limit of 3 per customer applies to all sale items).
- PS3 Star Wars The Clone Wars: Republic Heroes - was $119.99, now $93.48 with free shipping (save 22%).
- PS3 Star Wars: The Force Unleashed (Platinum) - was $64.99, now $44.99
(save 31%).
- Wii Star Wars: The Clone Wars - Lightsaber Duels - was $99.99, now $79.99 (save 20%).
- PC Game Star Wars Knights of the Old Republic II: The Sith Lords - was $29.99, now $17.99 (save 40%).
- PC Game Star Wars The Clone Wars: Republic Heroes - was $69.99, now $55.24 (save 21%).
- PC Game X-Wing Alliance - was $26.99, now $22.94 (save 15%).
- XBox 360 Star Wars: The Force Unleashed (Classics) - was $64.99, now $44.99 (save 31%).
- XBox 360 Star Wars The Clone Wars: Republic Heroes - was $119.99, now $93.49 with free shipping (save 22%).
- R2-D2 Laptop - was $49.99, now $38.24 (save 24%).
- SW Snakes and Ladders game - was $25.99, now $20.39 (save 22%).
- Mighty Mugg Count Dooku - was $32.99, now $28.04 (save 15%).
- Mighty Mugg Asajj Ventress - was $32.99, now $21.59 (save 35%).
- Mighty Mugg Imperial Guard - was $32.99, now $28.04 (save 15%).
- Mighty Mugg Qui-Gon Jinn - was $32.99, now $28.04 (save 15%).
- Mighty Mugg Luke Skywalker (Hoth) - was $34.99, now $29.74 (save 15%).
- Mighty Mugg C3PO - was $26.99, now $21.24 (save 21%).
- Mighty Mugg Obi-Wan Kenobi - was $26.99, now $21.14 (save 21%).
- Mighty Mugg Mace Windu - was $26.99, now $21.14 (save 21%).
Each purchase made via a link on the SWNZ website helps contribute to the running costs of SWNZ!
The following links will help you peruse their Star Wars range:
- Star Wars books
- Star Wars music
- Star Wars games
- Star Wars toys
- Star Wars DVDs
Anaria
The time is almost up to deck the SWNZ website with a bit of Star Wars festive cheer...and go in to the draw for a JediCon 2008 convention exclusive Shadow Troopers 2-pack? If you've put up any Star Wars decoration for the Christmas season, store-bought or, even better, home-made, take a quick photo, send it in and we'll get it online as a virtual ornament for the website straight away (full competition details).
Matt G
Quite a few new finds today.
JB Hi-Fi now has the latest Family Guy parody, "Something, Something, Something, Dark Side" available in different versions:
- $24.98, DVD in exclusive lenticular ('3D' image) case
- $39.98, Blu-ray DVD
- $69.98, DVD Collector's Box Set, with T-shirt & trading cards
- $79.98, Blu-ray Collector's Box Set, with T-shirt & trading cards
- $32.98, two-pack DVD (Blue Harvest and Something, Something, Something, Dark Side).
The Collector's Sets don't come with 3D glasses and are in bigger boxes than the previous Blue Harvest version.
The standard DVD version in a normal DVD case costs $24.99 - $26.99 at Whitcoulls (depending which branch you go to!) and $32.00 at K-Mart.
Whitcoulls also has a new version of the "Guess Who" game, priced at
$49.99, which uses cartoony pictures that look very similar to the Galactic Heroes figures. (The other version available at The Warehouse uses photo images from the movies.)
Borders has two new paperbacks:
- "The Clone Wars" by Karen Traviss, 256 pages, $29.99, ISBN: 978-0-099-53319-1
- "Death Troopers" by Joe Schreiber, 234 pages, plus 31 page preview of "Fate of the Jedi: Outcast", $28.99, ISBN: 978-0-099-54288-9
There is only one copy of each left at the Albany branch.
Also, while I was at the Westfield Albany shopping centre, I saw someone walking around with a large Star Wars calendar with a '3D' image on the cover, but I don't know where they got it from (I stopped to look at the Calendar Club stands, but it wasn't there).
Buzz Bumble
Do you want to help share and promote Star Wars New Zealand and its content? Social bookmarking is a way to store, organize, share and search bookmarks of web pages. In a social bookmarking system, users save links to web pages that they want to remember and/or share. A new feature on SWNZ is a link in the bottom right of any news story that, when clicked, will promote that content on Digg.com. If the story has not previously been posted to Digg, then, once registered (a free process), you can be the first poster; if the article already exists in the Digg network, then your click-through reinforces it. You can then organise your favourite stories for future reference.
What is Digg? (From the Digg.com website).
"Digg is a place for people to discover and share content from anywhere
on the web. From the biggest online destinations to the most obscure blog, Digg surfaces the best stuff as voted on by our users. You won't find editors at Digg - we're here to provide a place where people can collectively determine the value of content and we're changing the way people consume information online.
How do we do this? Everything on Digg - from news to videos to images to Podcasts - is submitted by our community (that would be you). Once something is submitted, other people see it and Digg what they like best. If your submission rocks and receives enough Diggs, it is promoted to the front page for the millions of our visitors to see".
Matt G
SWNZ wants to recruit your help to spread the word amongst Star Wars fans... above are a selection of buttons that can be downloaded (or hotlinked) to link in to Star Wars New Zealand. Feel free to use them on your websites, blogs, forum signatures etc, to help support SWNZ. The image URLs to choose between are:
- http://SWNZ.Dr-Maul.com/images/linkswnz.jpg
- http://SWNZ.Dr-Maul.com/images/linkswnz2.gif
- http://SWNZ.Dr-Maul.com/images/linkswnz3.jpg
- http://SWNZ.Dr-Maul.com/images/SWNZ_120x75a.gif
The website URL to link to is www.SWNZ.co.nz... ...MORE
Matt G
As well as the DVD and Blu-ray versions of the latest Family Guy parody, on 23 December JB Hi-Fi will also have a two-pack DVD set containing both Family Guy parodies ("Blue Harvest" and "Something, Something, Something Dark Side"). No prices yet, just "hot JB price".
Buzz Bumble
There's a shop in Browns Bay (Auckland) that sells excess/old stock: Sunny's, 14 Clyde Road, Browns Bay. Their advert in a recent Aucklander newspaper shows the Star Wars 3 3/4" Keyring Figures priced at only $2 each!
Also in Browns Bay is a shop called Hobby One that imports Japanese toys (10 Inverness Road, Browns Bay). On the end of the counter they have some
"lucky-dip" Star Wars models, smaller than MicroMachine / Titanium Vehicle size, but quite detailed. They come in mystery boxes so you don't know
which one you�re buying (although the AT-AT is heavier than the rest) � you pay $5 and take a chance on which of the 8 or 10 different models in the set that you are going to get in the box.
At the back of the small shop they have a few glue/snap together models and a Darth Vader figure � I'm not sure if it a costume or a life-size figure, but if it is for sale it probably costs a fortune (I didn�t want to look too closely, it would be too scary!)
Buzz Bumble
According to the latest issue of TV Guide, C4 channel will be playing the Family Guy Blue Harvest Star Wars parody on Christmas Day (7:30pm � 8:15pm, Friday, 25 December).
Buzz Bumble
Whitcoulls
Top Trumps Star Wars Box Set priced at $69.99 (there�s one left at Westfield Albany, Auckland), includes six Top Trumps Star Wars card sets, plus a game board and pegs.
Star Wars 3 3/4" Keyring Figures, $5 each.
Star Wars 4-in-1 kids' game set, and Trilogy and Prequel DVD sets.
JB Hi-Fi
Clone Wars Complete Season 1 DVD set released 9 December, $69.98.
Family Guy: Something, Something, Something Dark Side DVD released 23
December. Available in normal DVD (with exclusive lenticular cover),
"Collectors' Pack" DVD (includes T-shirt, collectors' cards, and 12-page booklet), or Blu-ray. "See in store for a hot JB price"
Trilogy and Prequel DVD Collectors' Tin sets, $44.98 each (exclusive to JB
Hi-Fi).
Robot Chicken Star Wars DVD, $9.98.
Family Guy Blue Harvest DVD, $9.98.
Original Battlestar Galactica DVD, $9.98.
Buzz Bumble
Want to help deck the SWNZ website with a bit of Star Wars festive cheer...and go in to the draw for a JediCon 2008 convention exclusive Shadow Troopers 2-pack? If you've put up any Star Wars decoration for the Christmas season, store-bought or, even better, home-made, take a quick photo, send it in and we'll get it online as a virtual ornament for the website straight away (full competition details).
Matt G
From the latest Farmers mailer - prices valid 4th - 24th December:
- SW Galactic Heroes - save 25%, now $8.99 each.
- Remote Control 5" R2-D2 - save 25%, now $51.99 each.
- Standard Lightsabers - save 20%, now $15.99 each.
- TIE Fighter & TIE Interceptor vehicles - save 20%, now $95.20 each.
- Standard Lightsaber 2-pack - save 40%, now $24.99 each.
Anaria
SWNZ-X1a
Want to help deck the SWNZ website with a bit of Star Wars festive cheer...and go in to the draw for a JediCon 2008 convention exclusive Shadow Troopers 2-pack? If you've put up any Star Wars decoration for the Christmas season, store-bought or, even better, home-made, take a quick photo, send it in and we'll get it online as a virtual ornament for the website straight away (full competition details).
Matt G
If you are looking for something different to decorate your Christmas tree, K-Mart stores have Clone Wars fruit flavoured candy canes for less than $4.
Matt G
Online model store Modelcraft and Hobbies has an interesting range of science fiction and science fact model kitsets, which include new Star Wars models from both trilogies (and even the expanded universe). Check out their full range in their sci-fi section, which includes the following:
- Revell 16cm Darth Vader's TIE Fighter, $68.99.
- Revell 1/110 Millennium Falcon, $145.00.
- 1/6 vinyl Han Solo, $20.00.
- Revell Anakin's Jedi Starfighter, $26.99.
- FToys 1/144 Naboo N-1 Starfighter, $29.99.
- FToys 1/144 2x Jedi Starfighters, $29.99.
- FToys 1/144 TIE Crawler, $29.99.
- Revell Darth Vader's TIE Fighter Easy Kit, $26.99.
- Revell Sith Infiltrator Easy Kit, $26.99.
- Revell ARC-170 Easy Kit, $26.99.
- Revell Jedi Starfighter Easy Kit, $26.99.
- Finemolds 1/72 TIE Fighter, $73.99.
Matt G
SWNZ offers an RSS feed as a means to access significant SWNZ headlines. Users of Firefox Live Bookmarks, iGoogle, My Yahoo!, or many other tools/widgets for reading and subscribing to RSS feeds can access the major SWNZ headlines through this URL to the XML file... ...MORE
Matt G
To celebrate the imminent holiday season in Star Wars style, we're going to, once again, herald in the revelry with Star Wars website decorations. You too can help deck the SWNZ website with a bit of Star Wars cheer. If you've put up any Star Wars decoration, display, or greeting card for the festive season (store-bought or, even better, home-made) take a quick digital photo, send it in (to SWNZ@Dr-Maul.com), and, as well as getting it online as a virtual ornament, you'll go in the random draw to win a JediCon 2008 convention exclusive Shadow Troopers 2-pack. Fun and easy!... ...MORE
Matt G
More new toys have been hitting this weekend. Reports are popping up of the Legacy Collection Phantom Menace wave being seen in The Warehouses around the country - that's Clegg Holdfast, a Gungan Soldier, Rum Sleg, Holo Sidious on Mechno Chair, Queen Amidala and Obi-Wan Kenobi, along with repacked figures of Darth Maul sans shirt, Jawa & Treadwell Droid, Han Solo and Luke in Stormtrooper Disguises, Biker Scout and a Spacetrooper. This wave features Build-a-Droid parts for CW Micro Series droid L8-L9.
Also popping up at The Warehouse this week has been the latest Clone Wars wave composed of figures of Cad Bane, Anakin in Space Suit, Adventure Gear Padme, Ziro's Assassin Droid, Matchstick and a Clone Tank Gunner. These are also in stock in Wellington at Toyworld Balance Street, where they have a couple of exclusive vehicles as well, the new TIE Interceptor (newly retooled cockpit) and TIE Fighter (big wings and red tinted viewing port), both store exclusives in the USA. They retail here for $120 each.
The Warehouse in Lyall Bay, Wellington also had restocked their Galactic Heroes pegs with new figures. Fresh mini figures included Chewie with Death Star Droid and Mouse Droid, Ackbar with Nien Nunb, R2 with Jawas, and a Stormtrooper with Rebel Trooper, each set being $12.
Happy hunting Kiwi collectors!
Daniel F
Those of you that have been regular visitors for a while will be familiar with the 'Collector Spotlight' articles that show up from time to time. In these, New Zealand Star Wars fans share photos of their collection, and tell a little bit about themselves and their hobbies, as brief or as detailed as they like.
Well, there is plenty of space for more! If you want to show off your collection, big or small, rare, interesting or completist, email me to send in your photos and story, or if you have any questions.
Matt G
Did you know that you can subscribe to the SWNZ, Star Wars New Zealand mailing list, in order to receive email notifications of major stories on the SWNZ website (service provided by FeedBurner.com)? Simply use the link in the main menu on the left-hand side of this page...or click here.
Matt G
It's less than a month until the peak of the festive season, so, although it's still November, it's not unreasonable to be starting to think about Christmas shopping. If you're considering Star Wars-themed gifts, for kids, adult fans, ...or yourselves... then you'll want to browse through the offerings of the SWNZ shopping affiliate websites. Purchasing online also offers the significant benefit of avoiding the crowds and traffic of the bricks-and-mortar shopping malls that starts to hit at this time of the year. But most of all, the following links provide easy access to a very broad range of Star Wars merchandise, all with competitive pricing.
- Reel Collectibles
- Fishpond
- Mighty Ape
- IQ Toys
- Official Star Wars Shop
- Amazon
- Sideshow Collectibles
Matt G
Two more kids' "laptops" are being advertised in today's junk mail, this time at Bond & Bond stores:
- Clone Trooper Junior Laptop, $79.
- Clone Wars B Smart laptop, $149.
Buzz Bumble
These are the latest Star Wars deals published in the current The Warehouse mailer - prices are valid 25th Nov to 1st Dec 09.
- Lego SW #8036 Separatists Shuttle - save $19, now $49.99.
- Lego SW #8037 Anakin's Y-Wing Starfighter - save $30, now $99,99.
- Lego SW #7778 Midi scale Millennium Falcon - save $14, now $54.99.
- SW Clone Trooper Voice Changer Helmet - save $30, now $59.99.
- SW Basic Lightsaber twin pack - save up to $10, now $29.99.
Anaria
The JB Hi-Fi branch in Westfield Albany (Auckland) has quite a few of the new "Star Wars Trilogy" DVD set - Episodes IV, V and VI in a collectors tin case. The price is just under $50.
Also in Albany there is a shop called "The Clearance Shed" on the small road behind Mitre 10 in Oteha Valley Road which sells off excess and old
stock. They have three Star Wars items:
- R2-D2 kids' "laptop", $29.
- Darth Vader kids' "laptop", $99.
- Star Wars Marbles Series 1, $0.99 each.
There are LOTS of the Marbles and 99c is much better than the $5-$7 that is charged elsewhere.
Buzz Bumble
Matt G
As it has steadily grown, the long-running Armageddon convention has experienced a few shifts in venue since its inaugural gathering in December 1995. The Auckland event first opened at the Avondale Raceway, before spending three years at the Freemans Bay Community Centre. For the vast majority of its history, Auckland Armageddon has occupied the Aotea Centre, but recently it matured in size and popularity to the point where a move to the ASB Showgrounds in Greenlane was required.
The new locale offered many benefits...and suffered a few minor but noteworthy hiccups. An official attendee count of 40,000 undoubtedly pleased the organisers, although that volume resulted in the dubious honour of lining up "the longest queues in ASB Showground's history" on the opening day. The logistics of ticket sales and fan entry were resolved by Sunday, and I am sure that the lessons learned from that episode will mean improved traffic flows in coming years.
The single-floor layout meant that it was easier to navigate... ...MORE
Matt G
Retailers are starting to advertise toy sales for the Christmas shopping season.
The Warehouse had the following SW items featured in the latest mailer; prices valid 18th - 24th November:
- SW Lego #7778 Midi scale Millenium Falcon - save $19, now $49.99 each.
- SW Lego #66308 3 in 1 Superback - save $30, now $89.99 each (exclusive to the Warehouse).
- SW Clone Wars childs hideaway tent - save $10, now $19.99 each.
- 20% off all Star Wars toys (excluding Lego).
Farmers is also holding a toy sale; prices valid 18th November - 10th December:
- Mighty Muggs - save $10, now $14.99 each.
- Titanium vehicles - save $3, now $9.99 each.
- Duel Action lightsaver - save $20, now $59.99 each.
- 3 3/4" scale Vehicles - save $12, now $47.99 each.
- Transformers Figures - save $20, now $19.99 each.
- Commander Helmet - save $20, now $79.99 each.
- Ultimate Blaster - save $21.80, now $87.20 each.
- Standard figures (Saga Legends and Build a Droid figures) - buy any 2 for $30.
- SW Lego #7778 Midi scale Millenium Falcon - save $14, now $55.99 each.
- SW Lego #8036 Separatists Shuttle - save $14, now $55.99 each.
- SW Clone Wars childs hideaway tent - save $15, now $29.99 each.
Anaria
A message in from the staff at NiubNiub's Universe: "2010 is NiubNiub's 10th Anniversary!! Building up to that, we are happy to tell the fans that the 'Making Of' instructions to the DEATH STAR RED ROOM are now online. This has been the most asked for update since Celebration III's Death Star Workshop.
Fans can now recreate this iconic room at home for their Hasbro Star Wars figures: NiubNiubsUniverse.com/making/DeathStar/Control_Red/Make_dsRed_01.asp".
Matt G
A message in from the staff at Galactic Voyage: "Galactic Voyage will be celebrating it's 10th Anniversary today (November 14th). It is hard to believe that I have been doing this for a decade! Be on the look out for a great new feature called 'Galactic News' in the coming months. Thank you to all the Star Wars fans who have come and enjoyed Galactic Voyage these many years! It has been been a pleasure."
Matt G
This week's junk mail has a few Star Wars items.
The Warehouse brochure has:
- Lego Star Wars Assassin Droids Battle Pack (#8015), $19.99 (save $5).
- Lego Star Wars Darth Vader's TIE Fighter (#8017), $55.99 (save $14)
(available in most stores).
- Star Wars Clone Wars Basic Lightsabre Twin-pack, $30.
- Star Wars and Clone Wars basic 3 3/4" figures, $14.99 (save $5).
Noel Leeming has a new kids' laptop (toy computer with small LCD screen and
simple educational games):
- Oregon Scientific Star Wars Clone Wars Laptop, $149.99.
Buzz Bumble
The kids' section of the NZ Herald on Sunday is running a competition for some Top Trumps sets, including Star Wars ones (but it doesn't look like you get to choose which set you get if you win)...
TOP TRUMPS
This week we have 10 Top Trumps packs to give away, including Spongebob Squarepants, Star Trek, Ben 10,Transformers 2 and Star Wars.
To enter, email your name and contact details to kids@heraldonsunday.co.nz with TOP TRUMPS in the subject line. Entries close Wednesday, 11 November (tomorrow).
Buzz Bumble
New Hasbro Star Wars product is hitting the toy aisles in Wellington in time for Christmas shoppers. Out on a toy hunt this weekend, I observed that ToyWorld, Balance Street had refreshed their pegs with new stocks if the previously sold out Attack of the Clones wave of Legacy Figures. The figures were retailing for $25 each and included Klaatooinian Jedi Tarados Gon, Beru Whitesun, Owen Lars, Obi-Wan Kenobi, Captain Typho, ROTS Concept Art Anakin Skywalker and repacked ARC Trooper, Anakin Skywalker, Jango Fett, Rebel Hoth Trooper and ROTS Clone Pilot, all packed with HK-47 Build-a-Droid pieces.
ToyWorld Balance Street also had new Clone Wars figures in stock including Master Luminara, Captain Argyus, Super Battledroid with Arm Cannon, ARF Trooper, Clone Trooper Echo, Matchstick, Padme in Adventure Gear and an AAT Pilot Battle Droid, each for $25. New deluxe assortment toys had arrived too, with Obi-Wan and his Freeco Speeder retailing for $45.
The Warehouse Lyall Bay had also received some of the same new stock. Their pegs sported new Clone Wars figures as well, including all those above as well as Obi-Wan Kenobi in Space suit and a newly retooled Master Yoda. Figures were $20 each. They also had the new deluxe toys, in this case Dooku on his Speeder.
Galactic Heroes were similarly replenished at The Warehouse, with fresh stocks of the wave including Master Windu with Clone trooper, Master Luminara and Super Battledroid with Arm Cannon, and Dwarf Spider Droid and Clone Trooper.
Good hunting out there collectors!
Daniel F
With the official Star Wars club Hyperspace membership existing as a separate entity from the Star Wars Insider magazine subscription, some fans have wondered what the benefits of Hyperspace membership are. There are 2 versions of the Hyperspace package available to non-US residents, orderable through StarWarsShop.com:
Canada/International Hyperspace Fan Club Membership
at US$14.95, and
Canada/International Hyperspace Fan Club Membership (w/bonus membership kit)
at US$19.95.
Here's what you'll get:
- Early access and perks at official Star Wars events.
- First looks and sneak peeks at new Star Wars projects.
- Six issues of online supplements for Star Wars Insider.
- Bantha Tracks online, the exclusive newsletter showcasing Star Wars fans.
- Collector Benefits -- Get VIP treatment with a 10% discount on select, premium Star Wars merchandise, early purchase rights on hot items, and look for exciting exclusive products available only to members.
- Connect with fellow Fan Club members online
- Test drive new starwars.com features before anyone else.
- New downloadable online membership kit filled with virtual goodies.
Follow these links, depending on whether you want the bonus membership kit or not, for more details and to order:
Canada/International Hyperspace Fan Club Membership
or
Canada/International Hyperspace Fan Club Membership (w/bonus membership kit)
.
Matt G
Star Wars New Zealand affiliate MightyApe.co.nz stocks Star Wars product across a range of categories, including toys, books and games. Over the last few days a few Star Wars DVDs have become available for preorder:
- The Clone Wars: The Complete Season 1, 4 DVD set, $74.99 - free shipping NZ wide. Pre-order: releases 9 Dec 09.
- The Clone Wars: The Complete Season 1, 3 Blu-Ray disc set, $89.99 - free shipping NZ wide. Pre-order: releases 9 Dec 09.
- Star Wars Prequel Trilogy - Episodes I, II, III, 6 DVD box set, $49.99 - free shipping NZ wide. Re-releasing 20 Nov 09.
- Star Wars Original Trilogy - Episodes IV, V, VI, 6 DVD box set, $49.99 - free shipping NZ wide. Re-releasing 20 Nov 09.
Also interesting is the $120 price drop on this giant Stargate SG1 bundle:
- Stargate SG-1 - The Portal Collection, 61 DVD set, including "Ark of Truth" and "Continuum", $279.99 - free shipping NZ wide.
Each purchase made via a link on the SWNZ website helps contribute to the running costs of SWNZ!
The following links will help you peruse their Star Wars range:
- Star Wars books
- Star Wars music
- Star Wars games
- Star Wars toys
- Star Wars DVDs
Matt G
Sky TV are running a competition (only for SkyWatch magazine subscribers) to win one of 12 Clone Wars Top Trumps card game packs...
Top Trumps Collector Packs
Thanks to Top Trumps Ltd, SKYWATCH have 12 packs of Star Wars: The Clone Wars Top Trumps collector cards to give away! To enter, simply tell us what day Top Trumps plays on the Living Channel in November.
Competition closes 5pm, 30 November 2009.
Click here to enter online.
Buzz Bumble
Some of our nation's ToyWorld stores have been receiving new Star Wars stock recently. In Wellington, ToyWorld Johnsonville has some newer clone wars figures on the pegs including Anakin Skywalker and Ahsoka Tano in their Space Suits, Clone Troopers Denal, Bounty Hunter Cad Bane, Adventure Suit Padm�, Clone Tank Gunner, Ziro's Assassin Droid and Clone Pilot Matchstick.
ToyWorld in Balance Street Wellington also has the newly retooled TIE Interceptor with Pilot, a surprise find as this is a Toys'R'Us exclusive in the USA. ToyWorld has it available in store now for NZ$120.
Good hunting SW collectors!
Daniel F
Sideshow Collectibles has just released images of, and preorder information for, their latest Premium Format figure...the expanded universe Twi'lek Sith Lord Darth Talon. The Sideshow Exclusive version is already sold out, but the regular edition is still available.
Matt G
Star Wars themed computer or gaming consoles have shown up around the web from intermittently, but I recently received some pics and details about a clever and good-looking PC case in the form of the Empire's ultimate battle station, that was made in NZ.
Derek explains his interesting build: "the Death Star is made from two old perspex lamp shades that I originally brought for building an R2-D2 (I still might build one, as I have 1 dome left). I had another dome which I cut the bottom off to make the channel around the middle then I cut the dish out and inverted it. I then drilled hundreds of 0.8mm holes to allow light and air out... ...MORE
Matt G
From time to time we highlight and link to the TradeMe auctions of Star Wars items, at the sellers request. Below are some examples of interesting collectibles, available to bid on:
- Darth Maleval loose figure (from Entertainment Earth Exclusive Joker squad set)
- Carded Comic Con Exclusive Stormtrooper Commander from the Force Unleashed
- Galactic Heroes Boba Fett & Slave Leia loose figures
- POTF2 Rebel Pilots loose troop builder 3-pack
Matt G
I stopped off at K-Mart in Westfield Albany (Auckland) earlier and found that they have a few new Lightsaber Torch keyrings (a mini replica of the lightsaber handle with one LED in the top). There are three designs and they cost $9 each:
- Darth Vader (red LED) was also previously available at Kmart and Borders
- Yoda (green LED)
- Luke Skywalker (blue LED) marked as "Australian Exclusive 2009"
Buzz Bumble
Yeah, it's a cheesy title, I know...but the Auckland Armageddon convention is just around the corner, at it's new venue: ASB Showgrounds, Greenlane, October 24-26th 2009. Full details are on the official Armageddon website.
Stay tuned to SWNZ for reports, pics and videos over the course of the weekend, and in to next week.
Related article: 09 Apr 2009 :: Armageddon Wellington 2009 Report
Related article: 02 Apr 2009 :: Armageddon Christchurch 2009 Report
Related article: 31 Oct 2008 :: Armageddon Auckland 2008 Report
Related article: 24 Sep 2003 :: Armageddon Wellington 2003 Report
Matt G
You can now subscribe to the SWNZ, Star Wars New Zealand mailing list, in order to receive email notifications of major stories on the SWNZ website (service provided by FeedBurner.com). Simply click the email icon above this message...or click here.
Matt G
With the NZ Dollar hovering around the US$0.75 mark, now is a good time to look to international sources for collectible purchases. Sideshow Collectibles is Star Wars New Zealand's latest affiliate - most readers will be familiar with their Star Wars product lineup, which includes 1:6 scale figures, statues, dioramas, and life-sized busts. Here are some of their recent releases:
- Sandtrooper Squad Leader 12-inch Figure - FLEXPay option
- Slave Leia Premium Format Figure - Sideshow Exclusive Edition (1/4 Scale Salicious Crumb)
- Obi-Wan Kenobi Jedi Cloak - FLEXPay option
- Obi-Wan Kenobi Jedi Cloak
- Anakin Skywalker Cloak - FLEXPay option
- Anakin Skywalker Cloak
- Darth Vader Bronze Statue
- Star Wars: Frames - Autographed by George Lucas
- Vader Knights Apprentice - Framed Giclee on Paper Fine Art Print
- Darth Maul VCD (Vinyl Collectible Doll)
- Darth Vader Life-size Bust
- Darth Vader Life-size Bust - FLEXPay option
- There Will Be No Bargain - Luke VS The Rancor Diorama
- There Will Be No Bargain - Luke VS The Rancor Diorama - FLEXPay option
- Royal Guard RAH - 12-inch Figure
Matt G
Fishpond.co.nz is the website to go to for Star Wars books, CDs and DVDs. The number of products available continues to grow, with the total count in their book library exceeding 2 million. At the time of writing, their catalogue contains 2,355,665 books, 213,828 music CDs, 2,124 games, and 23,268 DVDs, which includes upcoming releases available for pre-order. For orders over $49, shipping is free anywhere in New Zealand (other shipping rates); they also operate a price matching policy with major local online retailers.
Here are some of their listings for Star Wars items currently available, or coming soon:
- Star Wars: Clone Wars the Official Episode Guide, Season 1, paperback, 192 pages, $26.97.
- 501st: An Imperial Commando Novel, by Karen Traviss, paperback, $19.97.
- The Complete Vader, hardcover, 192 pages, $99.95.
- Star Wars: Deathtroopers, paperback, 288 pages, $24.99.
- Galaxy at War Booster, Star Wars Miniatures Game Expansion, by Wizards of the Coast, $27.97.
- Star Wars: 1000 Collectibles: Memorabilia and Stories from a Galaxy Far, Far Away, paperback, 568 pages, $56.99.
- Star Wars: Death Troopers, Audio CD, $46.97.
- Star Wars: Death Troopers, hardcover, 288 pages, $44.97.
- Clone Wars Republic Heroes: Prima's Official Game Guide, paperback, 160 pages, $34.97.
- The Clone Wars Republic Heroes, Playstation 3, $99.97.
- The Clone Wars Republic Heroes, XBox 360, $99.97.
- Star Wars The Clone Wars Republic Heroes, PC/Windows, $52.96.
- The Clone Wars Republic Heroes, Nintendo DS, $55.99.
- The Clone Wars Republic Heroes, Wii, $87.37.
- LEGO Star Wars the Visual Dictionary, hardback, 96 page, $43.44.
- Star Wars: The Clone Wars, paperback, 272 pages, $24.99.
- Wishful Drinking, paperback, by Carrie Fisher (autobiography), $22.95.
Check out Fishpond's full range of Star Wars products by clicking here.
Matt G
From time to time we highlight and link to the TradeMe auctions of Star Wars items...today's listings are a little different. As part of the fundraising efforts for the Samoan Earthquake and Tsunami relief, local celebrities and TV shows have donated key pieces of memorabilia and costumes. The following Attack of the Clones collectibles are autographed by kiwi Star Wars celebrity Jay Laga'aia:
- Autographed Captain Typho action figure.
- Autographed Captain Typho action figure and cast Jacket from Lion King.
Matt G
The Borders branch in Westfield Albany (Auckland) has a couple of new non-book Star Wars items.
In the Children's Book section they have a Lightsaber Torch. It is a lightsaber handle with four small LED bulbs in the top. When you turn it on/off the LEDs pulse and it plays the lightsaber activation/deactivation sound. Once on it's just a normal LED torch.
In the Board Games section they have some Star Wars-themed colour-changing bath ducks. The price of these varies slightly from about $14 to $18, and they had one each of Duck Fader, Luke Pondwalker, and Princess Layer. (There are also other ducks themed on Doctor Who, James Bond, etc.) These are sealed, so once the battery runs out it can't be changed for a new one - according to the packaging it should last for 180 fifteen minute baths.
I also saw a couple of the "Jigsaw and Galactic Hero Obi-Wan" packs in the Farmers, The Warehouse, and strangely, Foodtown at Westfield Glenfield.
Buzz Bumble
Star Wars New Zealand affiliate MightyApe.co.nz stocks Star Wars product across a range of categories, including toys, books and games; here are some examples of popular items:
- Star Wars The Force Unleashed: Ultimate Sith Edition, PC Game, $89.99 - free shipping NZ wide.
- Star Wars The Force Unleashed: Ultimate Sith Edition, PlayStation 3 game, $129.99 - free shipping NZ wide.
- Star Wars R2-D2 USB Hub, $69.99 - free shipping NZ wide.
- LEGO Star Wars : The Visual Dictionary (with mini-figure), hardback, $35.99.
- Star Wars: The Essential Atlas, paperback, $59.99 - free shipping NZ wide.
- Star Wars Snakes and Ladders Game, $23.99.
- Star Wars Vinyl Mighty Mugg 4 Pack (Qui Gon, Wicket, Wampa, Imperial), $119.99 - free shipping NZ wide.
- The Complete Star Wars Encyclopedia, hardback, 3 volumes, $219.99 - free shipping NZ wide.
- Star Wars: Deathtroopers, by Joe Schreiber, paperback, 448 pages, $21.99.
- Star Wars: Imperial Commando - 501st, by Karen Traviss, paperback, 464 pages, $21.99.
There is also plenty of other science fiction merchandise likely to appeal to SWNZ readers:
- Star Trek - Special Steelbook Edition, 2 Disc DVD Set, $39.99.
- Star Trek Special EditionBlu-Ray, 3 Disc Blu-Ray Set + free Digital Copy, $44.99.
- Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles - The Complete 2nd Season, 6 Disc DVD Set, $54.99 - free shipping NZ wide.
- Sanctuary - Season 1, 4 Disc DVD set, $54.99 - free shipping NZ wide.
- Stargate Atlantis - The Complete Series, 26 Disc DVD Tin Set, $229.99 - free shipping NZ wide.
Each purchase made via a link on the SWNZ website helps contribute to the running costs of SWNZ!
The following links will help you peruse their Star Wars range:
- Star Wars books
- Star Wars music
- Star Wars games
- Star Wars toys
- Star Wars DVDs
Matt G
Savings from the latest Farmers mailer - prices valid 13th to 20th October:
- Lego SW Millennium Falcon mid scale - save 20%, now $55.99
- SW Plush toys - save 20%, now $15.99
- SW Transformers - save 50%, now $19.99
- SW Galactic Heroes - save 20%, now $9.59
- 3.75" Action Figure Battle packs - save 20%, now $47.99
- Trooper Helmet - save 20%, now $79.99
- Ultimate Blaster - save 20%, now $87.20
Anaria
Buzz Bumble
Hannah Clarke, the daughter of a long time contributor, got heavily into supporting this year's SPCA cupcake day. As well as raising $960 from sales of cupcakes, she entered the two photo competitions. "What's this got to do with Star Wars?" you may ask. Well, she won the Extreme Cupcake Eating competition with this photo (above) of her eating a cupcake (actually a prop, was a patty tin filled with bread with some icing on it) on the Death Star backdrop among selected Star Wars characters (she's the human, lower centre with the cheesy expression). Although Hannah isn't a true Star Wars enthusiast, she felt that it was hard to be more extreme than in space, on the run from the Empire. The photo was clearly the best of those entered in the competition (heck, we aren't biased). Hannah won a digital camera and some SPCA merchandise for her efforts.
Thanks go to Matt and Kristy for making their time available for the photo, which would not have been possible without their cooperation.
Robbie the Robot
Sideshow Collectibles is Star Wars New Zealand's latest affiliate. If you click on the above banner (or this link), you can sign up to their regular newsletter, and receive Sideshow Collectibles news, discounts and competition opportunities. Sign up now, and they'll give you a coupon good for $5.00 off your first order!
Matt G
The following items and deals have been confirmed in store at the Henderson Toyworld. Other branches may have similar products and savings.
- SW Guessing Game - save $5, now $24.99 each.
- Galactic Heroes - $12.99 each.
- Force Action lightsabers (Darth Vader or Obi-Wan Kenobi) - save 50%, now $29.99 each.
- Clone Trooper blaster (foam dart) - $59.99 each.
- Deluxe figures - Battle Droid with armoured scout tank, Crab Droid, Clone Trooper with Barc speeder bike and Anakin with Can-Cell, $44.99 each.
- New wave of the Clone Wars action figures, including - Whorm Loathsom, 4A-7, Obi-Wan Kenobi (space suit), ARF Trooper, Jawas, Clone Trooper with space gear, Admiral Yularen, Super Battle droid, $19.99 each.
- SW Plushies - Yoda, General Grievous, Darth Vader, Stormtrooper, R2-D2, Boba Fett and Chewbacca, $19.99 each.
- Commander Rex electronic helmet, $109.99.
- Turbo Tank (with action figure), $289.99.
- Action figure scale vehicles, $64.99 each (seen on shelf - Darth Vaders TIE Advanced, Anakin's modified starfighter, AAT, V-19 Torrent, Vulture droid and Obi-Wan's starfighter).
- Action figure 2 pack with comic - usually $39.99, now $14.99 each (seen on shelf: Princess Leia and Tobbi Dala, Antares Draco and Ganner Krieg, Fenn Shysa and Dengar, Asajj Ventress and Tol Skorr, Darth Talon and Cade Skywalker).
- Titanium Vehicles - $14.99 each (seen on shelf: Magnaguard starfighter, Malevolence, TIE Defender, Dengar's Punishing One, Neimoidian Shuttle, Shadow Trooper Gunship, Y-Wing Starfighter, and others).
Anaria
Matt G
TVNZ's website is running a competition to win a copy of the Robot Chicken Star Wars Episode II DVD. Just fill in the form and answer the question at TVNZ.co.nz/content/3049275 (they give you a link to where you can find the answer too).
Buzz Bumble
In the Canvas magazine section of the Weekend Herald just past, there was a
very brief mention of Star Wars at the start of the "Brunch" cafe review...
"C1 Espresso
150 High St, Christchurch
We walked in and immediately thought it was the epitome of grungy cool. There's plenty of art, Star Wars figurines in little cabinets set into the wall, an old Singer sewing machine that doubles as a drinking water tap, and - to complete the offbeat vibe - what sounded like BBC comedy recordings playing in the toilets."
If anyone has more info, or photos, feel free to let us know.
Buzz Bumble
Farmers currently have two Star Wars "bonus" promotions:
- Buy a Clone Wars titanium vehicle for $9.99 (usually $12.99) and get a free Star Wars Titanium vehicle
- Buy any 30th Anniversary Standard Figure for $14.39 each (save 20%) and get a free Star Wars Marble valued at $6.99
Unfortunately the two Titantium vehicles are shrink-wrapped together, so
you don't get your own choice of which two - both promotions are simply
trying to get rid of excess old stock.
Buzz Bumble
Matt G
Buy any 30th Anniversary standard figure for $14.39 (saving 20%) and receive a free Star Wars Marble valued at $6.99 (styles may vary between stores). Offer valid from 2nd to 12th October, while stocks last.
Anaria
TV3 are playing Revenge of the Sith, in HD, tonight...
Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith
TV3, 7:30pm - 10:30pm, Saturday, 3 October.
Buzz Bumble
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