Northern cinema not in the picture for now
By Tim O?Connell
The financial uncertainty faced by many New Zealanders has brought about a search for alternative forms of entertainment, including the movies. However, a new cinema in the northern suburbs is not likely. Simon Werry of Lighthouse Cinema in Petone said that there had been a steady flow of people coming to the theatres in Petone and Pauatahanui. But despite inevitable development of their Beach Street premises, it was business as usual at the locally-operated theatre. ?We?ve just added a fourth screen which has us now operating at extra capacity. ?I think we?re definitely holding our own.? While hesitant to make any firm assessment of the economic impact on the cinema, Mr Werry agreed that the theatre provided a great entertainment option in these tighter times. The family-run business had a strong customer focussed approach which provided a point of difference from other local cinemas. ?We?ll bust a gut to make sure people get their coffees and if a customer hasn?t collected their tickets before the film starts, we?ll give them a call.? While pleased with the current state of business, Mr Werry said that branching out into other parts of Wellington was not an option at present. ?Never say never, but I think Wellington has plenty of screens already.? At Lighthouse?s Pauatahanui cinema, Assistant Manager Natalie Coe says the current economic climate has yet to make any significant impact on business. ?We haven?t noticed anything out of the ordinary really-it?s been going along the same as always.? As far as further expansion is concerned, Mrs Coe is equally as cautious about any possible move into the northern suburbs of Wellington. ?Maybe later on, when the recession dies down a bit we might look at it?
