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Welcome to the news page of the Star Wars New Zealand network.

07 Feb 2012 :: Link to SWNZ

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

06 Feb 2012 :: Affiliate Update - Fishpond.co.nz

Fishpond.co.nz currently has a lot of Star Wars books, particularly paperbacks, heavily reduced, including a number under $10 - a good opportunity to fill gaps in your Star Wars library. Don't forget to check their free shipping (in NZ) offer too:

  - Lego Star Wars: The Phantom Menace (DK Readers: Level 2), paperback, $4.87, save $6.12 (56%).
  - Lego Star Wars Mad Libs, paperback, $4.95, save $6.04 (55%).
  - Star Wars Clone Troopers in Action (DK Readers: Level 1), paperback, $4.79, save $6.20 (56%).
  - The Last Command(Star Wars Thrawn trilogy, book 3), paperback, $9.72, save $12.27 (56%).
  - Shadow Games, paperback, $9.44, save $12.55 (57%).
  - The Clone Wars: Jedi Heroes, paperback, $4.97, save $6.02 (55%).
  - Art and Making of Old Republic, hardcover, $41.56, save $58.43 (58%).
  - Dark Force Rising, paperback, $9.60, save $12.39 (56%).
  - The Clone Wars: Yoda in Action!, paperback, $4.95, save $6.04 (55%).
  - Star Wars: Darth Bane - Path of Destruction, paperback, $10.91, save $15.08 (58%).
  - Save the Galaxy! (Lego Star Wars), hardcover, $12.51, save $14.48 (54%).
  - Star Wars: The Clone Wars [With Stickers], paperback, $8.68, save $10.31 (54%).
  - Star Wars: Red Harvest, paperback, $9.11, save $12.88 (59%).
  - Riptide, paperback, $9.21, save $12.78 (58%).
  - Illustrated Star Wars Universe, paperback, $24.20, save $25.79 (52%).

Check out Fishpond's full range of Star Wars products by clicking here.

Discuss this topic in the SWNZ Message Boards.

Matt G

05 Feb 2012 :: 'Star Wars Day' at Sylvia Park, Auckland - Photos

A selection of photos from the Sylvia Park 'Star Wars Day' are up on the SWNZ Facebook page. More pics and coverage to come shortly.

More details and discussion can be found in the SWNZ Message Boards.

Matt G

04 Feb 2012 :: 'Star Wars Day' at Sylvia Park, Auckland

In addition to the details posted earlier, the above images (click to view) are the scanned advertisements from yesterday's and today's New Zealand Herald.

More details and discussion can be found in the SWNZ Message Boards.

Matt G

02 Feb 2012 :: Review - The Phantom Menace in 3D

Star Wars Episode 1: The Phantom Menace in 3D opens in New Zealand next week, with some advance premiere screenings taking place on Wednesday 8th, and a general release launching on Thursday 9th February.

Last Sunday I was fortunate enough to be in the audience of a press screening of this latest version of the first prequel film, in the Premiere Theatre at The Letterman Digital Arts Center (the combined home of Industrial Light & Magic, LucasArts, and a number of Lucasfilm divisions) in San Francisco. Viewing the film in the creative heart of the Lucasfilm Empire was a unique privilege, but independent of that, I came out of the screening very happy with the results, and somewhat eager to see the subsequent films converted and released (I'm not a prequel-hater by any stretch, but am very much looking forward to seeing the Original Trilogy again in the large-screen format, this time in three-dimensions).

A large part of the marketing message surrounding this re-release, and an important one to remember, is that it is not just an up-conversion to 3D, but that for a generation of children (and a small selection of adults), it is the first opportunity to see The Phantom Menace on the big screen. In a number of press appearances, George Lucas has emphasised that the conversion to 3D of the Star Wars films is an artistic process, rather than a purely technical one, involving many of the artists involved in crafting the original version. Keep this in mind too, and don't pre-judge this theatrical version based on other 2D-to-3D movie conversions from the last couple of years.

Having said all that, for those who have already seen The Phantom Menace (most of us, I presume!), don't go in the the cinema expecting to see anything spectacularly different other than the addition of depth to the rendering. This is the same iteration of the film from the recent blu-ray boxed set release, complete with CG-replacement of Yoda in all the scenes he was previously a puppet.

A lot of care and attention has gone in to this edition of Episode 1. Right from the second the projection hits the screen, we are treated to interesting and immersive effects... ...MORE

Matt G

02 Feb 2012 :: Around the Web - YodasNews.com turns 8

The following news item comes in via our friends at YodasNews.com:

For eight years, Yodasnews has proudly brought our readers daily news (over 16,100 articles) - both relevant and quirky - from all corners of the Star Wars universe. We have brought extensive coverage from many convention floors. We have published in-depth Star Wars product reviews, in hand product video reviews and more. We have rewarded our loyal readers with dozens of giveaways.

Starting today and for the entire month of February, Yodasnews is celebrating its eighth anniversary. These milestones are always a deeply rewarding experience for our dedicated staff because they mark another year that we helped keep the spirit of our beloved franchise alive and shared it with you, our readers. As with previous anniversaries, we will be giving 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: Kotobukiya Clone Trooper Two Pack and a Kotobukiya R2-D2 & C-3PO set, Hasbro Trade Federation AAT,Gentle Giant Darth Vader Unleashed Mini Bust, Hasbro Kit Fisto's Jedi Starfighter, Hasbro Hyena Bomber, 2010 Vintage-Style Carded Clone Trooper, Bom Vimdin, Keyan Farlander (Revenge card), Logray, Luke Skywalker (Endor Capture / Revenge Card), R2-D2 (Return of the Jedi card) ...

... Gentle Giant Vintage 12" Boba, Gentle Giant Bossk Maquettes, LEGO Naboo Starfighter & Naboo, Elite Cone Trooper & Commando Droid, Endor Rebel Trooper & Imperial Trooper, Funko Bobble Heads, Previews Packs, Princess Leia Mini Bust, Clone Trooper Bust Ups sets, Con Eexclusives, Clone Wars (Old Animated line) figures, SSCHoliday Yoda ...

... A Knight Membership to Rancho Obi-Wan, Joe Corroney Signed Artist Proofs, Asajj and Durge Character Keys, Han Carbonite Ice Cube Trays, R2-D2 Ice Cube Trays, Obi .45 Saber, GG Clone Wars Bust Ups Saesee Tiin Packs, Gentle Giant Chrome C-3PO Bust, Commander Bly Bust, McQuarrie Vader Bust, 2-1B Bust, SWS Airborne Commander Purple Bust, Koto Exclusive Fox PVC Statue, Chris Trevas and Chris Reiff Signed Star Wars Books, Attakus Gamorrean Guard Statue and more!

You can see these, as well as, other prizes right here. 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
via YodasNews.com

01 Feb 2012 :: Advance Screening of The Phantom Menace in 3D

Episode 1: The Phantom Menace starts screening in New Zealand next week. You can be amongst the first in the world to see it at Hoyts Cinemas, Sylvia Park, Wednesday 8th February at 8pm.

From the Hoyts.co.nz website: Join the celebration as Star Wars returns to theatres. Discover how the epic story of Anakin Skywalker begins on the big screen for the first time ever in 3D.

SEE IT FIRST! AUCKLAND'S ONLY ADVANCE SCREENING AT SYLVIA PARK

  - ONLY 200 SEATS AVAILABLE - BE IN QUICK!

Tickets for this exclusive screening go on sale Midday Saturday February 4th. Tickets will not be available online until SUNDAY FEB 5 - so to guarantee your seat you will need to be at Sylvia Park at Midday on Saturday.

Prior to tickets going on sale there is a host of activity happening at Sylvia Park which includes:

  - Jedi Training
  - Face Paining
  - X Box Kinects Demos on the Big Screens
  - Giveaways

Get down to the Sylvia Park Cinema on SATURDAY FEB 4 and grab your tickets at MIDDAY!

Full details are on the Hoyts website

Update: advance premiere screenings will also take place at the Embassy Theatre, Wellington and The Palms, Christchurch, with tickets on sale at midday on Saturday February 4. No online or telephone sales.

Discuss this topic in the SWNZ Message Boards.

Matt G

26 Jan 2012 :: SWNZ Message Boards - Buy, Sell, and Trade

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

25 Jan 2012 :: Star Wars New Zealand on Facebook

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

24 Jan 2012 :: Books at Amazon.com

Note: Amazon.com prices are in US dollars.

Discuss your favourite Star Wars books in the SWNZ Message Boards.

Matt G

23 Jan 2012 :: Around the Web - YodasNews January 2012 Giveaway

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

22 Jan 2012 :: Flashback to 1996 - Original Trilogy on public TV in NZ

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

20 Jan 2012 :: Store Report - The Phantom Menace Figures

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

19 Jan 2012 :: Star Wars New Zealand Desktop Wallpaper

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

19 Jan 2012 :: Star Wars New Zealand on Twitter

07 Feb 2012 (Tue) 04:03pm

EP3 Opening Weekend, Wairau Park: http://t.co/pRBab1Xo (original post).

06 Feb 2012 (Mon) 06:44pm

More photos from 'Star Wars Day', courtesy of 20th C Fox... http://t.co/eFA21vKM (original post).

06 Feb 2012 (Mon) 04:02pm

Listener magazine, 10-16 December 1977: http://t.co/dsQn2T2z (original post).

06 Feb 2012 (Mon) 02:35pm

Fishpond currently has a lot of Star Wars books, particularly paperbacks, heavily reduced, including a number... http://t.co/qyn9uwJn (original post).

06 Feb 2012 (Mon) 02:20pm

Baby Doll vs Darth Vader at Auckland Armageddon: http://t.co/xbahcZo2 (original post).

06 Feb 2012 (Mon) 12:52pm

http://t.co/n4HIb4Yn (original post).

SWNZ-X1a

18 Jan 2012 :: Archive Update - Confection Concepts Postacards (ANH)

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)

17 Jan 2012 :: Star Wars Headlines from the Web

SWNZ-X1a

16 Jan 2012 :: SWNZ on Tumblr

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

13 Jan 2012 :: SWNZ Message Boards - Hot Topics

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

11 Jan 2012 :: Featured Auction

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

09 Jan 2012 :: SWNZ Mailing List

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

25 Dec 2011 :: Merry Christmas

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

14 Dec 2011 :: NZ Mint Star Wars Coins Shipping

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

09 Dec 2011 :: Affiliate Update - Fishpond.co.nz

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

08 Dec 2011 :: 'Star Wars: The Old Republic' in New Zealand

'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

08 Dec 2011 :: How To Join SWNZ

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

07 Dec 2011 :: Archive Update - Telecom Episode 1 Phone Packs

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)

06 Dec 2011 :: Syndicated content

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

03 Dec 2011 :: Auckland Armageddon Expo 2011 Report

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

02 Dec 2011 :: Store Report - MightyApe.co.nz

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

25 Nov 2011 :: Store Report - Hallmark Ornaments at PaperPlus

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

22 Nov 2011 :: Star Wars Headlines - Alltop.com

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