TV Producers Back $200M Central Otago Screen Hub — Fast-Tracked for Approval
The team behind hit series Under the Vines and One Lane Bridge have thrown their support behind a proposed $200 million “screen hub” at Ayrburn, just outside Queenstown — calling it a potential game-changer for New Zealand’s regional screen industry.
Paul Yates, producer of Under the Vines (seasons 2–3), summed up the challenge of filming in the region:
“Central Otago has stunning scenery but lacked premises for production.”
Lisa Chatfield, producer of One Lane Bridge, echoed his sentiments, adding that a purpose-built base could transform the region’s viability for future productions.
What’s Planned?
The development, led by Chris Meehan’s Winton Land, spans 26 hectares and will deliver:
- Fully equipped sound stages
- Production offices, workshops, and a screening room
- 185 on-site crew accommodation rooms, reducing logistical costs
- Hospitality amenities, including a high-end Chinese restaurant in a restored 19th-century farmhouse
Fast-Track Approval & Economic Impact
Since June, the project has entered the Fast-track Approvals Act 2024 process, significantly speeding up the path toward consent and construction.
According to Winton, the hub is projected to:
- Create 640 full-time and part-time jobs during construction
- Provide 370 ongoing roles once operational
- Inject around $280 million into the Otago economy during its build phase
Meehan says the hub aims to establish Central Otago as a globally competitive film destination, combining breathtaking natural locations with world-class infrastructure.
Why It Matters
- For Producers: Easier access to sound stages, accommodation, and post-production facilities — all in one hub.
- For Crews: More job opportunities and long-term projects in the region.
- For the Economy: A major boost for Queenstown’s hospitality, tourism, and service industries.
If approved, the Ayrburn hub would anchor Central Otago as a premier screen destination, bringing big-budget productions — and the jobs and training opportunities that follow — to one of Aotearoa’s most iconic regions.
