From the selection of SWNZ Feature Articles:
Jay Laga'aia was born in Auckland (birthday: 10 September, 1963) to Samoan parents. He grew up (in South Auckland, and then Ponsonby) in the age of the original Star Wars trilogy, and returned to... ...MORE
SWNZ-X1a
If you are looking to buy, sell or trade Star Wars collectibles amongst fellow fans, you can now post and manage your own advertisements on the SWNZ Message Boards. There is also a quick link to the relevant section of the message boards over in the left-hand navigation menu of www.SWNZ.co.nz.
Matt G
If you have a Facebook account, you can 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 (www.facebook.com/StarWarsNZ) to follow us!
Matt G
Note: Amazon.com prices are in US dollars.
Discuss your favourite Star Wars books in the SWNZ Message Boards.
Matt G
The following message comes in from our friends at YodasNews.com:
Yodasnews.com and Sideshow Collectibles have teamed up to kick off the 2012 Giveaways with a bang! We have two great Sideshow figures for you to take a shot at winning. How can you win? Take the image on this page and with your Photo Editing Skills (beginner and advanced welcome) make it into something fun, creative or interesting (but keep it PG).
The staff at Yodasnews will look over all the entries and pick the TWO they like best! The First Place winner gets choice of the two figures and the runner up gets the other figure. Click here for all the info, source image and some examples! Good Luck!
Via YodasNews.com
Before the DVD box sets, before the Special Editions, it was a bit more of a big deal when the Star Wars movies screened on public television. The above newspaper photo and copy was released in 1996 to advertise the Easter weekend screening of Star Wars and The Empire Strikes Back on New Zealand's TV2 channel.
Discuss this topic in the SWNZ Message Boards.
Matt G
The latest Hasbro action figures from The Phantom Menace (both The Vintage Collection, and the new Movie Heroes lines) have been spotted on store shelves locally. The first reports have come in from the Toyworld branch in Manakau.
Keep up to date with action figure releases in New Zealand via the Store Reports / Latest Finds on the SWNZ Message Boards.
Matt G
SWNZ member Fredstar has put together an original Star Wars New Zealand desktop/tablet wallpaper, based around the imperial search for the stolen Death Star plans. The following resolutions are available:
- 1280 x 960 px
- 1600 x 1200 px
- 1680 x 1050 px
- 1920 x 1080 px
- 1920 x 1200 px
- iPad
- iPhone
You can download all of the versions in a bundle on the SWNZ Message Boards.
Matt G
28 Jan 2012 (Sat) 09:26pm
Win Star Wars Episode 1: The Phantom Menace 3D prize packs!... http://t.co/q3AnfTxp (original post).
27 Jan 2012 (Fri) 04:04pm
Star Wars Special Edition Ticket: http://t.co/sLnOBT4Z (original post).
26 Jan 2012 (Thu) 08:01am
Star Wars Newspaper Clippings: http://t.co/0Wu4EA0H (original post).
25 Jan 2012 (Wed) 12:03pm
Jedi Temple Archives News: 1984 Nikto Gets Updated For The Vintage Collection! http://t.co/jNNKnK4G (original post).
24 Jan 2012 (Tue) 08:01am
Bay of Plenty Times, 1978: http://t.co/529fUgZc (original post).
23 Jan 2012 (Mon) 02:18pm
http://t.co/Ukb3OUDW Star Wars Giveaway! http://t.co/m6KqyeVb (original post).
SWNZ-X1a
We're continuing to renovate some of the articles in the NZ Collection section. Today's update includes the addition of a poster-sized card holder for the Confection Concepts 1997 postacards... ...MORE
Matt G
(with thanks to Steve Williams)
SWNZ-X1a
SWNZ has recently added a Tumblr page to its network of ancillary services. Tumblr is a photo/picture blogging system, and through it we'll share images from SWNZ archives, others relevant to New Zealand's Star Wars history, and other interesting graphics from the wider Star Wars pool.
If you're already a Tumblr user, or if you like browsing through unique Star Wars imagery, check it out at SWNZ.Tumblr.com.
Matt G
If you want to join in on the discussions about Star Wars hobbies in New Zealand, the SWNZ Forums (www.SWNZForums.co.nz) are the place for you - it's an efficient and interactive way to keep up to date with the latest news, and to participate in a variety of Star Wars-related threads. The following are amongst the popular topics and sections:
- For Sale: Selection of Star Wars Figures MIB/MOC-NEW
- New/upcoming figure/vehicle discussions
- Brastech DL-44
- Darth Vader Burger
- Live Action Star Wars Television Series
- For Sale: The Vintage Collection (2010-ongoing)
- Comic Con coming to South Australia in 2012!
- For Sale: My complete LEGO Collection 1999-2011
- The Phantom Menace in 3D
Come on over and join in the conversation! Read the 'Welcome' message for more details.
Matt G
TradeMe.co.nz is a popular (if not vital) hub for NZ Star Wars collectors. From time to time we highlight auctions for interesting or rare collectibles, with the seller's permission. Today's featured auction is a Gentle Giant 'Thank the Maker' Holiday Gift Vader Bust. This particular bust is numbered 030 of 200. It is brand new, sealed inside its original shipping box and has never been opened.
Auction link: 'Thank the Maker' Holiday Gift Vader Bust.
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
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
Back in August we covered the press release from NZ Mint about the legal tender Star Wars coins being produced for Niue. They are now starting to be distributed and, because they are made locally, we've got a couple in hand and are able to share photos.
Close inspection reveals a few aspects not immediately evident in the early promotional images. The coins ship shrink-wrapped to a cardboard backer. The backing cards are specific to the character on the coin, with a brief bio listed along with the descriptive details of the coin (weight, size, uncirculated condition etc) and an edition number (out of the 50,000 issued per design). The feature face of the coin portrays an original trilogy hero or villain in full colour - the character sculpt is actually recessed and subtly embossed (more noticable with some characters than others). The obverse side of the coin exhibits Raphael Maklouf's portrait of the Queen Elizabeth II - familiar to kiwis as it is the same sculpt seen on New Zealand currency and that of other commonwealth nations... ...MORE
Matt G
If you're looking for Star Wars gifts for fans amongst friends or family (or for yourself, of course), you can get many products from Fishpond.co.nz delivered (with free shipping) in time for Christmas. The following items are in stock in their New Zealand warehouse, with guaranteed Christmas delivery if ordered now:
- Cad Bane and Speeder Bike, $34.99.
- Tethan Battle Adventure: Decide Your Destiny, paperback, 192 pages, $14.97.
- Star Wars Omnibus, graphic novel (all 6 films), 600 pages, $39.28.
- Electronic Blaster Boba Fett, $53.57.
- Holiday Yoda Mini Bobble Head, $23.06.
- The Empire Strikes Back Photo Comic, paperback, 96 pages, $17.13.
- Clone Wars Basic Figure ARF Trooper, $15.23.
- The Clone Wars Republic Heroes, PC Game, DVD, $59.95.
- Legacy of the Force: Tempest, paperback, 416 pages, $18.99.
- Star Wars: Blueprints: Inside the Production Archives, hardcover, 336 pages, $699.00.
- Clone Wars Gambit - Siege, hardcover, 400 pages, $38.80.
- Legacy, volume 8: Tatooine, graphic novel, $34.41.
- How to Draw "Star Wars", hardcover, 94 pages, $13.19.
- Fate of the Jedi: Backlash paperback, 367 pages, $14.95.
- Art and Making of Old Republic, hardcover, 160 pages, $57.97.
- Darth Bane: Path of Destruction, hardcover, 324 pages, $31.88.
Check out Fishpond's full range of Star Wars products by clicking here.
Discuss this topic in the SWNZ Message Boards.
Matt G
'Star Wars: The Old Republic' (SW:TOR, or just SWTOR) is the new online roleplaying game about to be released by BioWare (the makers of original 'Knights of the Old Republic' computer games). It has an official US/Europe release date of December 20th...but frustratingly there are a number of "red-zones", including New Zealand, that don't have any confirmed local information on availability. That has lead to a lot of confusion about when, if, and how we might get to play this much anticipated MMORPG (massively multiplayer online role-playing game). Over the last few weeks a number of SWNZ staff and forum members have been involved in the beta-testing programme - ie, we have been able to test and play the game live, and have been working to seek clarity regarding the availability situation for Kiwis. Here's a summary of the best, currently available information, as confirmed by BioWare sources... ...MORE
Matt G
Over the years, we've had many people ask "how do you join SWNZ?" Being predominantly a news site, there hasn't really been a means to join per se, other than regularly visiting and/or contributing to the Star Wars New Zealand homepage. However, a little over 18 months ago we expanded the community aspect of SWNZ when we opened the SWNZ Message Boards (aka 'SWNZ Forums'), and now, are pleased to announce the completion of the first phase of integration between the SWNZ forums and news site - by joining (and logging in to) the SWNZ community, you now have full access to the forums, and enhanced features on the news site, including private message alerts, a timezone-specific calendar and event alerts.
You can also plug in to the SWNZ community via Facebook, Twitter, Flickr and Tumblr.
Matt G
We're continuing to renovate some of the articles in the NZ Collection section. Today's update includes the addition of advertising posters from the Telecom Episode 1 promotions of 1999... ...MORE
Matt G
(with thanks to Steve Williams)
Do you want regularly updated, New Zealand-specific Star Wars news headlines automatically delivered to your website or homepage? Headlines include links through to current SWNZ competitions, up-to-date news, event calendar, articles, reviews, and relevant other websites.
SNWZ offers two methods to access syndicated content: RSS (2.0; Wikipedia entry on RSS) and a feedburner image file based on the RSS feed. You can also subscribe to the SWNZ mailing list to get email notification of updates to the RSS feed.
Users of Firefox Live Bookmarks, iGoogle, My Yahoo!, or many other tools/widgets for reading and subscribing to RSS feeds can access major SWNZ headlines through the following URL... ...MORE
Matt G
The Auckland Armageddon convention, held at the ASB Showgrounds in Greenlane, spanned four days this year, bumped by a week from its usual schedule by the 2011 Rugby World Cup finals. From Friday 28th October, through to Monday 31st, a tally of 42,000 attendees was logged. Although the Friday preview day, and Monday finale fell on non-holiday weekdays (thus being noticeably quieter than usual convention periods), the weekend days compensated with packed crowds and attractions.
Armageddon has grown to encompass a pretty wide definition of "pop culture", providing products and attractions across many genres and themes. What I find particularly interesting and positive though is the trend towards greater involvement of various fan groups who are appearing to both promote their organisation and provide direct entertainment. Star Wars has had representation of this sort for a number of years, from the local 501st Legion garrison, Rebel Legion outpost, and, of course, Star Wars New Zealand. Also starting to gather momentum, for example, are the Star Trek NZ group, the kiwi Dr Who fan club, and local live-action role-playing groups... ...MORE
Matt G
Mighty Ape have up to 70% off a wide range of toys and collectibles - ends Sunday 4th Dec 11.59pm. Full details in the SWNZ Message Boards.
Matt G
PaperPlus has stocked Hallmark Star Wars Christmas ornaments in the past, and today availability of the 2011 talking Yoda ornament was confirmed in Glenfield. There didn't seem to be any others there, but if you are interested in these, it'd be worth keeping an eye on PaperPlus branches.
Discuss this topic in the SWNZ Message Boards.
Matt G
Alltop.com is an online service that aggregates RSS feeds from large news sites into topic pages so you can, at a glance, keep up to date with your favourite interests. Star Wars New Zealand is included in their Star Wars page - check it out at Star-Wars.AllTop.com.
Matt G
Pump Dance presents STAR WARS. Discover the Galactic Empire as you've never seen it before. Follow Luke Skywalker and the Rebels as they conquer the Dark Side in a dance battle that is out of this world!
With over 350 dancers ranging in age from 4 to 26 years, the Pump Dance crews captivate audiences with their endless energy. Hip hop, jazz, contemporary and ballet are combined with high-impact visuals to create a must-see show for the whole family and all lovers of modern dance.
Saturday 26th November at the Opera House, Wellington.
Matinee Show 3:30pm.
Evening Show 7pm.
Tickets available through Ticketek. Adults $25, Children (14 years and under) $20, Family (2 adults, 2 children) $75.
Matt G
Online retailer ThinkGeek.com has been added as Star Wars New Zealand's newest affiliate. Their product range is selected by geeks, for geeks, and includes toys, gadgets, computer "stuff", and apparel.
They have an understanding of the Star Wars fan base, and list a number of Star Wars collectibles not easily found elsewhere. They have, for instance, a great range of Star Wars t-shirts and clothing. Click here to take a look at their Star Wars merchandise.
Matt G
SWNZ approves of the Admiral Ackbar t-shirt from NerdyShirts.com - comfortable shirt, clean printing, and classic quote!
Matt G
We are very happy to announce the randomly selected winners of the Hasbro/Star Wars New Zealand Ultimate FX Lightsaber competition. The ten lucky entrants to receive an Ultimate FX Lightsaber, supplied by Hasbro NZ, are... ...MORE
Matt G
The SWNZ/Hasbro Ultimate FX Lightsaber competition closes this Friday (November 11th). Don't miss out!... ...MORE
Matt G
We've been renovating some of the articles in the NZ Collection section. Today's update includes the addition of an advertising poster from the Bluebird Chips Episode 1 promotion of 1999... ...MORE
Matt G
(with thanks to Steve Williams)
The SWNZ group on Flickr is an aggregation of images representing "Star Wars" in New Zealand. The latest additions include pics from the Auckland Armageddon Expo, currently running at the ASB Showgrounds, Greenlane.
You can also discuss this topic in the SWNZ Message Boards.
Matt G
SWNZ affiliate iQ Toys is New Zealand's first online toy store (starting up way back in 1996). Their main utility for Star Wars collectors is their inventory of Star Wars Lego, but they also carry some Star Wars Hasbro product. On a more general note, if you're looking for gifts for children, their range of educational toys will give you much to choose from. All purchases from SWNZ affiliates help contribute to the ongoing costs of this website!
iQ Toys currently offer free shipping within New Zealand on orders over $100. Check out the following in stock items:
- Vintage figures (4-LOM & Cloud car Pilot in stock, $14.99.
- Lego Midi-Scale Imperial Star Destroyer 8099, $89.99.
- Lego Slave I 8097, $199.99.
- Jedi Force Landspeeder, $22.99.
- Lego T-6 Jedi Shuttle 7931, $129.99.
- Lego Republic Frigate 7964, $249.99.
- Lego Imperial Shuttle, $499.99.
- Lego ARC-170 Starfighter 8088, $139.99.
- Lego Hoth Echo Base 7879, $179.99.
- Jedi Force Millennium Falcon Playset, $64.99.
Matt G
Hasbro has a new roleplaying item out, making Jedi versus Sith re-enactments affordable and accessible for kids, collectors and convention costumers. The new Ultimate FX Lightsabers feature accurate hilt styling and details, and are brought to life with realistic sound and light effects. Hasbro NZ has kindly donated ten Ultimate FX Lightsabers (RRP $89.99 each) as prizes for this competition!
To enter, fill in the form... ...MORE
Matt G
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