The Wrecking Crew Puts Auckland in the Global Spotlight
The Wrecking Crew, one of the largest international screen productions filmed in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland in recent years, premiered globally on Amazon Prime on 28 January.
Produced by Amazon MGM Studios, the action-packed feature showcases Auckland as a world-class filming destination, with the region doubling for Honolulu, Hawaii, and appearing extensively on screen for a global audience.
Filmed over two months across the region, The Wrecking Crew was helmed by award-winning director Ángel Manuel Soto (Blue Beetle) and stars Jason Momoa (Aquaman, Game of Thrones), Dave Bautista (Guardians of the Galaxy, Dune), alongside Aotearoa favourite Temuera Morrison (The Book of Boba Fett, Aquaman).
Filmed Across the Region, From Coastlines to City Streets
The production made full use of Auckland’s diverse locations, combining spectacular natural scenery with large-scale urban environments. Filming took place from Waitawa to Piha and the Mahurangi Peninsula, as well as across Ōtāhuhu, Pukekohe, St Johns and the Karangahape Road precinct.
Several action sequences transformed well-known public spaces into cinematic backdrops, including a stunt sequence through Whammy Bar to The Wine Cellar, and scenes filmed at Henderson’s West Wave dive pool.
Katie Kempe, Line Producer for The Wrecking Crew, says the production was a different type of project for Auckland and required an early, highly collaborative approach.
The Wrecking Crew was very location-driven, with complex stunt scenes, car chases, shootouts and explosions, so it was important to engage early with locations, Auckland Council and key stakeholders. We needed support from leadership through to the communities where we were filming. The collaboration across so many groups was outstanding and played a key role in making the production such a success. It was a real team effort.
A Major Production With Real Economic Impact
The Wrecking Crew delivered significant benefits for Auckland’s screen sector and wider economy. More than 1400 local cast and crew were employed, supporting skills development and sustained employment across the industry.
The production also generated flow-on benefits for hospitality, accommodation, retail, construction and tourism businesses across the region, reinforcing the value of international screen projects to inclusive economic prosperity in Tāmaki Makaurau.
Fiona Anderson, Piha Campground Kaitiaki, says the production’s arrival in 2025 was extremely welcome following a tough five years through the pandemic and floods.
The last five years trying to run Piha Campground and earn a living from it were tough. The arrival of The Wrecking Crew in Piha was like a gift from the gods. To receive payment from the production for use of the campground as a base took so much financial pressure off me, I can’t even begin to explain. The bills are paid, the tax is paid, the rent is paid, and I can employ staff.
Major productions such as The Wrecking Crew play an important role in strengthening Auckland’s screen sector, while lifting the region’s profile as a premium destination for future investment and visitation.
Michael Urban, Chief Executive of The Rebel Fleet, an end-to-end film, technology and workflow solutions provider, says major international productions lift capability across Auckland’s screen sector, delivering long-term benefits for the region and its workforce.
When productions come to Auckland, they push us to raise the bar with our technology and equipment. That increases expectations of what the region can deliver, and in turn strengthens our infrastructure, skills and long-term capability.
Partnership-Led Approach to a Complex Shoot
With large-scale action sequences involving car chases, stunts and shootouts, The Wrecking Crew required careful planning and coordination across the region.
Screen Auckland, the region’s film office and a division of Tātaki Auckland Unlimited, facilitated the production, working closely with iwi and hapū, Auckland Council Group, government agencies, businesses and local communities to support a smooth and well-managed shoot.
Innovations included the establishment of a Big Screen Working Group to coordinate planning across council and partner agencies, a dedicated Auckland Transport staff member funded by the production, and a specialist community communications and engagement role. This collaborative approach ensured filming could proceed efficiently while minimising disruption and upholding manaakitanga for affected communities.
Screen Auckland Manager Matt Horrocks says the project reflects the maturity and capability of Auckland’s screen ecosystem.
We have delivered large urban shoots in Auckland before, but The Wrecking Crew took this to a new level in terms of scale and complexity. With Amazon Prime being such a significant global platform, this was a reputation-defining project for the region. It demonstrates what is possible when industry, council, iwi and communities work together with a shared purpose.
Showcasing Auckland to the World
Premiering on Amazon Prime, The Wrecking Crew will be seen by audiences around the world, placing Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland on the global stage and reinforcing its reputation as a screen destination of choice.
By showcasing the region’s landscapes, urban environments, skilled workforce and collaborative approach, the film adds to a growing portfolio of high-profile productions choosing Auckland as their creative home.
➡️ Read the article on the Tāmaki Makaurau Screen Industry Network website.
